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I sometimes read Paul Rosenberg's work, and I generally like it. Occasionally, I admire it. We both advocate panarchy, for example. I find his writing clear, and his writings are more or less consistent with my principles.
Recently, though, I came across his discussion of status. I thought it deserved further reflection, so I’ll respond to Rosenberg’s claims, presented here as block quotes.
Status poisons more or less everything it touches. Status is a person’s condition, position, or standing relative to that of others.
Right. So, one’s condition, position, or standing relative to others might be interpreted in light of facts or values. In the realm of facts, we can—by way of numbers—put my all-time stats playing basketball up against that of Michael Jordan. My standing, relative to Jordan’s, is pathetic. In the domain of values, we can—by way of fans—agree that Jordan’s status as a basketball legend is high.
Mine is not.
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