When going shopping as opposed to doing the shopping, we are buying far more than just products. We are also purchasing power and control.
Dr. David Lewis • The Brain Sell: How the new mind sciences and the persuasion industry are reading our thoughts, influencing our emotions, and stimulating us to shop
Life, put simply, is all about status. I recently read W. David Marx’s book Status and Culture —thanks Bryce Ferguson for the rec—and that fact was my clear takeaway. The book subtly changed how I look at the world; when you start to pay attention, status dictates nearly everything in our lives.
In the book, Marx argues that:
In the book, Marx argues that:
- There is no human soci
Clicks & Clout: How We Seek Status In the Digital Age
We live in a capitalist society, by choice or not, and money is the operating system of that society.
Scott Galloway • The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Success
It is a marketing ploy: you look at a beautiful person with a great body and think maybe—if you combine the right clothes and accessorize appropriately—you can look as good as they do.
Oyinkan Braithwaite • My Sister, the Serial Killer: The Sunday Times Bestseller
Capitalism harnesses the ingenuity and energy of an entire society toward a singular purpose—to persuade you to spend money.