We care about our status for a simple reason: because most people tend to be nice to us according to the amount of status we have (it is no coincidence that the first question we tend to be asked by new acquaintances is ‘ What do you do?’).
With the help of philosophers, artists and writers, this documentary examines the origins of Status Anxiety, before revealing ingenious ways in which people have learnt to overcome their worries in their search for happiness.
It aims not only to be entertaining, but wise and helpful as well.
Released 6 March, 2004. 150 min (3 episodes in one playlist.) Writer: Alain de Botton. TV documentary series.
