As Peter Thiel said: Value substance over status.
Status is given by others. Substance is earned, by yourself, for yourself.
Because status is given, it can also be taken away. No one can rob you of substance. What you’ve learned stays with you, and so do the things you create.
Higher status might open doors—your network is your net worth—but only substance gives you the tools and agency to solve your problems.
You don’t need others to tell you when you’ve done something of substance. You can just tell.
You gain status by pleasing others. You build substance by pleasing yourself.