Independence Is the New Status Symbol

in which I discuss a paradigm shift I see happening throughout society as it pertains to what we view as aspirational

“[…] most men and women will grow up to love their servitude and will never dream of revolution.”

--Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

For decades, our society has defined “status” a certain way—not necessarily explicitly, but certainly implicitly: “status” is represented by things like new cars, trending clothes, large homes, cushy jobs, a degree from a prestigious university; for those in creative industries, it’s been hefty advances (or even just a contract) from a major publishing house, a deal with a big record company, a Netflix adaptation, or a flashy world tour.

Yes, these things are impressive. They glitter and shine, but as we learned long ago from Shakespeare, “all that glitters is not gold.”

The perceptive eye may have detected a subtle but profound shift in this realm over the past few years—particularly since the start of this decade—as we begin slowly to realize that those things we once thought of as “status symbols” are increasingly becoming (and perhaps always have been) symbols of our dependence and servitude. Rather than representing an image of power and liberation, these old “status symbols” have worn down, their glamorous veneer peeling to show what’s really underneath: the well-oiled, silently turning gears of the machine that owns us.

The truth is, all of these things we’ve propped up as “status” have strings attached. If it’s material items (such as fancy cars or manicured McMansions), the strings are often things like crippling debt and an addiction to consumerism, which ultimately leads to depression and anxiety. If it’s chasing validation and acceptance from the ivory tower, the price is much higher—usually something on a level with your soul.

Take publishing, for example. As an author, you are expected to feed the machine, which means that you’re required to produce the type of content the machine demands. You must check the correct boxes, and never fraternize with any wrongthink—ever. If you don’t follow these rules, you’ll be cast out. Cancelled. If you want “status,” you need to stay in line, soldier.

At least, that’s the way it has been. But for those who know where to look, a new paradigm is emerging.

In this new world, “status” has an entirely different, and far more intrinsic meaning. In this world, status is earned, not bought. As a result, the respect one garners is real, not simply some thin imitation propped up by manufactured consensus.

I’m talking about independence.

It is becoming increasingly evident that any real fulfillment in life comes from throwing off the shackles of the machine in whatever form they take, from publishing contracts with woke propaganda pushers to the web of convenience that is modern suburban life. Doing things yourself is empowering—and more people are starting to notice and aspire to an independent life.

Take the phenomenon of “cancelling” someone. The Consensus Manufacturers would have you believe that, when someone is “cancelled,” their status is ruined; their reputation destroyed; their career halted. However, it has become more and more obvious that the truth is the opposite. In fact, “being cancelled” has become something of a badge of honor, as it proves a person’s commitment and conviction in standing up to the machine (a bold and admirable thing!). It shows integrity and grounding, and those are things that can’t be bought. Naturally, people flock to support it.

But it isn’t just about professional perception. Independence as a status symbol goes down into the minutia of everyday life, from cooking your own food to fixing your own cars to homeschooling your children. The mentality of production over consumption; resilience over reliance is, slowly but surely, spreading throughout society—and this is good.

If we ever hope to wage a successful revolution against Modernity, it starts here, with simple acts of independence. And that’s actually something within our grasp.