[ludston]

Ego is the real problem. Placing too much value on managing your external identity is what leads to assuming how other people feel about your experiences is more important than how you feel having them. How can you enjoy a nice meal when you are worrying more about status than how it tastes? Why is it so important to express your superior status and look down on those that produce fractionally less tasty food than yours?

Better to not spend your life planning on how to improve your status and instead focus on finding things rewarding.