Listen "Life Is a Game. Here's How to Play It."
Episode Synopsis
“Life is a game. There’s no way to understand the human world without first understanding this. Everyone alive is playing a game whose hidden rules are built into us and that silently directs our thoughts, beliefs and actions. This game is inside us. It is us. We can’t help but play.”
So begins The Status Game by acclaimed science writer Will Storr.
He continues: “We play for status, if only subtly, with every social interaction, every contribution we make to work, love or family life and every internet post. We play with how we dress, how we speak and what we believe. … Life is not a journey towards a perfect destination. It’s a game that never ends. And it’s the very worst of us.”
Does it have to be?
We may not be able to quit the status game, but Will says we can learn to play it better. In this episode, he explains how.
(This conversation first aired in October 2022.)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So begins The Status Game by acclaimed science writer Will Storr.
He continues: “We play for status, if only subtly, with every social interaction, every contribution we make to work, love or family life and every internet post. We play with how we dress, how we speak and what we believe. … Life is not a journey towards a perfect destination. It’s a game that never ends. And it’s the very worst of us.”
Does it have to be?
We may not be able to quit the status game, but Will says we can learn to play it better. In this episode, he explains how.
(This conversation first aired in October 2022.)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes of the podcast The Next Big Idea
A Food Crisis Is Brewing. Are We Ready?
16/10/2025
The Future Is Going to Be Great
09/10/2025
AI & THE BRAIN: How Different Are They?
18/09/2025
INTUITION: The Science of Trusting Your Gut
14/08/2025