#111 Will Storr - The Dark Psychology of Status, Cults and Neo-Nazis

About this episode

<p>Will Storr is a Journalist and Award-Winning Author of The Status Game, Selfie, The Heretics and the Science of Story Telling.</p> <p><br></p> <p>If you are low-status, you are more 4x more likely to die early. Status is proven to be more important than diet or exercise for health outcomes..</p> <p><br></p> <p>Status is not just a modern phenomenon; it&#39;s a fundamental part of the human experience, existing long before our current society. As writer Will Storr explains, the need for status and respect from others is not merely a luxury—it&#39;s an essential psychological and biological requirement for humans to thrive. He calls it the original currency.</p> <p>Throughout history, status hierarchies have existed in animal societies, serving as a means to organise social life and prevent constant conflict. From our tribal ancestors to modern civilization, the desire for status has deeply shaped human behavior and social structures.</p> <p>But despite its importance, the topic of status often makes people feel uneasy. While discussions about connection and belonging are more comfortable, status remains a somewhat taboo subject. It&#39;s this discomfort that has perhaps led to fewer books being written about this universal human drive.</p> <p>However, Storr&#39;s work aims to shed light on this fundamental aspect of the human condition, unraveling its complexities and unveiling its significance in our lives.</p> <p>Also, join us to hear about the psychology of cults, why architechts are the most illusive modern day cult, Will’s experience from going undercover following Neo-Nazi’s to understand the madness of groupthink and his experiences of David Irving the infamous holocaust denier.</p> <p><br></p> <p>Will’s books: The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It</p> <p><a href="https://amzn.to/41R6rsL">https://amzn.to/41R6rsL</a></p> <p>Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed</p> <p><a href="https://amzn.to/41cJ2BL">https://amzn.to/41cJ2BL</a></p> <p>The Science of Storytelling: Why Stories Make Us Human, and How to Tell Them Better</p> <p><a href="https://amzn.to/3ohtxKo">https://amzn.to/3ohtxKo</a></p> <p><br></p> <p>Signup to my Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid">⁠https://www.patreon.com/developmentbydavid⁠</a></p> <p><br></p> <p>SPONSORS:</p> <p><br></p> <p>Vybey (code DBYD for 15%) - https://vybey.co.uk/?shpxid=fd5d5aab-fd5f-48d9-bf37-b58aa4317f25West Coast Motors - https://www.wcmotors.co.uk/</p>