The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It

Written by Will Storr

Narrated by Will Storr

‘Will Storr is one of our best journalists of ideas … The Status Game might be his best yet’ James Marriott, Books of the Year, The Times

What drives our political and moral beliefs? What makes us like some things and dislike others? What shapes how we behave, and misbehave, in groups? What makes you, you?

For centuries, philosophers and scholars have described human behaviour in terms of sex, power and money. In The Status Game, bestselling author Will Storr radically turns this thinking on its head by arguing that it is our irrepressible craving for status that ultimately defines who we are.

From the era of the hunter-gatherer to today, when we exist as workers in the globalised economy and citizens of online worlds, the need for status has always been wired into us. A wealth of research shows that how much of it we possess dramatically affects not only our happiness and wellbeing but also our physical health – and without sufficient status, we become more ill, and live shorter lives. It’s an unconscious obsession that drives the best and worst of us: our innovation, arts and civilisation as well as our murders, wars and genocides. But why is status such an all-consuming prize? What happens if it’s taken away from us? And how can our unquenchable thirst for it explain cults, moral panics, conspiracy theories, the rise of social media and the ‘culture wars’ of today?

On a breathtaking journey through time and culture, The Status Game offers a sweeping rethink of human psychology that will change how you see others – and how you see yourself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Sep 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9780008354664

Will Storr

Will Storr is an award-winning journalist and novelist whose work has appeared in The Guardian, Sunday Times, The New Yorker, and The New York Times. His books include Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed and The Unpersuadables: Adventures with the Enemies of Science. He currently resides in Kent, England.

Reviews for The Status Game

[Kyle Cureau · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Humble and perspective-bending. Keeps its excellence all the way through to the end.

[Dax Martinez-Vargas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really great book that should help ease anyone on these stressful times where everyone feels constant turbulence and stress due to not feeling like you’re succeeding at all times everywhere.

[atomic1964 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a brilliant book which is rather boring in places. Impressive research and interesting sociological data are showcased as evidence of the changing rules of the status game in many different eras, on different continents and societies. Status is given the central role as the raison d’être of any society and the book is persuasive on every level. However, it would be a better and sharper read if it was significantly edited with all numerical data placed in an annex. Endlessly citing research and giving percentages from various surveys gets tedious. “The secret of being a bore is to tell everything”.

[Karl Elliott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book. Very enlightening. Narrated by the author as well which was nice.

[Francesca Hause · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Of all the lenses people choose to study the world through, this one makes the most sense. Thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the theory, to the history, to how it relates to modern day life and how we can use it. Fantastic!

[Dan-Gabriel Colțescu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We always play games.

No one can win the Status Game.

[Savannah Gillespie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was absolutely fascinating and I couldn’t stop listening.

[Nadia B · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Will Storr narrates his book in an endearing and engaging way, making it an audio-page turner. As for the content, I found it thought provoking and often really wise. I recommend it to anyone who feels they are really important, or really unimportant.

[Lisa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Best book I’ve read during the pandemic. No fluff. Very Meaty. Eye opening. Thanks Will!

[Oleks UA Kozak · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great audible worth listening to it. The Status Game is a very good work, very well written and also well documented. The author has undoubtedly done a breath-taking work on a subject that touches us all and involves everyone, even if we are not aware of it.

[Stella K · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The best book I’ve read/listened to this year . Absolutely brilliant ,very insightful on many aspects of society .

[Jim Dalling · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Outstanding, comforting yet jarring perspective. Is having a big impact on how I view interpersonal relationships.

[Kristina Hveženko · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very insightful and easy to read! Amazing read, generates a lot of thinking ??

[Speranta Carp · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic and challenging book! I loved his thoughtful approach on the importance of belonging to our health as well as its potential downsides

[Phillip · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Probably the most eye opening book I've every read! Wow!

[Marcos_Sao_Paulo · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Waste of time.
Superficial, full of the author's political agenda.