Prestigious education. Expensive cars and watches. Sports trophies. International scientific awards. An office on the 50th floor. The status of a moral beacon. What do these things have in common? They all symbolize status, and without it, we cannot imagine our existence. Moreover, without understanding its nature, we cannot comprehend life itself.

"Status" is the most ambitious book by British writer and journalist Will Storr, author of the bestseller "Selfie." It reveals how the pursuit of success has shaped humanity. Drawing on the achievements of neuroscientists, anthropologists, and psychologists, the author shows what we have inherited from our primate ancestors. He also explains how modern society has become a battleground for status and what is needed to succeed in the game of life.

Everywhere—from the rituals of Micronesian tribes to the psychology of serial killers, from common mistakes of corporate leaders to cancel culture—Storr finds signs of status games. He brilliantly analyzes them and explains why true victories in this game should benefit everyone.