Status symbols are always only for the less intelligent.

What happens when you ask others about their status symbols? "I don't need that! I'm above that!" Because status symbols are only ever possessed by those who are less confident and less intelligent. Those who probably need them. Of course! The interesting thing is that this "being above it all" is already a status symbol—a very modern one, because it is intangible. Today, the "signs of power" are just as material as they are ideal. When it comes to material status, only those who have money or go into debt can play along. Ideal symbols don't require money. They are about moral values. Anyone can participate.

Something only becomes a status symbol when I hope to gain recognition from others by displaying that symbol. For example, a car in the €100,000-plus league (in material terms) only becomes a status symbol when I want others to react to it. It is therefore not the car itself, but how I use it. And if I spend a lot of time helping refugees (ideally and immaterially), this symbol only becomes a status symbol when I hope for words of appreciation for this "action" at a summer barbecue with friends.

Here are a few examples of intangible status symbols:

• modesty
• sovereignty
• discipline
• freedom
• social responsibility
• be different from others
• know important and helpful people
• be educated
• a wonderful family
• the manner of expression and
• "Global citizenship" – "being at home anywhere in the world"

Everyone is familiar with material status symbols. But we have to be able to afford them in the first place. It doesn't matter whether it's a villa or a Porsche Turbo.

The exciting thing is whether the race car is driven purely for "self-gratification" or whether it becomes a symbol on "days of low self-esteem." Everyone is bound to have days like that. Even the "socially committed" will certainly want to have their "great moral commitment" confirmed by others. The fact that intangible status is becoming increasingly important is because anyone can "play along" without a "ticket."

What is socially "acceptable" is defined by the spirit of the times.

It is sufficient if you are the prime example of a personal characteristic that carries the character of social desirability in a particular group. And what is "socially" acceptable varies greatly. This is defined by the zeitgeist of society itself (mostly through the media and politics) or the social group in which we find ourselves.

In a certain group, we may receive recognition from others if we wash cloth diapers instead of buying disposable ones. Discipline is currently a highly valued intangible asset. Being thin symbolizes mental strength. And marathon experience is almost taken for granted. The same applies when we campaign for the children of Africa or demonstratively show up at a gala evening wearing jeans. Because we can afford to.

Confirmation from within and without

There is no question that the desire for validation is a basic human need. The question is how much comes from outside and how much comes from within. Most people are unaware of how much comes from outside. This makes them susceptible to manipulation. That's why it's always worth taking an honest look inside yourself! As long as we don't reflect on our status buttons, anyone can press them until we do things we wouldn't otherwise do.

That's why we need to recognize when and how we seek external validation and how we can achieve a balance between the internal and external. This makes us freer. Guaranteed! I advocate a balance of 50 percent external and 50 percent internal. Let's just enjoy playing with symbols and not pretend that we're above it. Because if you know the game and its rules, you can't be played.

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