Concern with status is part of our animal heritage.

The regard of others is a scarce resource; therefore, we compete for it.

Appealing and available mates are scarce: therefore, we compete for them.

To compete, we have to distinguish ourselves.

“Status” is the name we give to that quality that distinguishes us in a way that gives us social and sexual advantage.

The regard of others is not a scarce resource if we don’t care about it and/or any ol’ other will do…but good luck with that!