As luxury brands consolidate into huge corporations, they face a paradox: their prestige relies on exclusivity, but their business models require mass-market scale. The solution is a new paradigm where status is framed as inclusive and 'for everyone,' turning the concept of prestige proletarian.
fMRI studies show the brain's pleasure centers activate when consuming high-status products, releasing dopamine. This proves the pursuit of status is a measurable biological function, not a sign of vanity. Critiquing it as a moral flaw is as misguided as the Victorian-era demand for chastity.
Constantly hunting for hypocrisy in others can be a 'hypocrisy trap.' The accuser gets a rush of moral superiority, creating a gap between their virtuous self-image and their mixed motives. This zeal can lead them to demand standards from others that they themselves don't consistently meet.
By openly admitting your inconsistencies while still advocating for a principle, you remove the deceptive claim to unearned status that angers people. This vulnerability prevents a 'gotcha' moment and fosters a more honest conversation, building trust and allowing imperfect people to advocate for important causes.
Our anger towards hypocrisy stems from a perceived 'false signal.' A hypocrite gains status (respect, trust) without paying the cost of their claimed principles. This triggers our deep sense of injustice about an unfair exchange, making the violation about social standing more than just morality.
The modern 'status revolution' overturns the old paradigm that status is a finite commodity where one's gain is another's loss. In this new world, one person or group gaining status does not require another to lose it, allowing for a more equitable and peaceful societal reorganization.