To seek prestige runs far deeper in our minds than one would think. It comes from a place of uncertainty and fear.

There is an interesting theory called "social comparison" [1], which states that one way to define ourselves is to compare us with our peers, either upward or downward. It's pretty on point in my personal opinion, because I do it as well. And when I have mentioned this theory while chatting with friends, they confirmed that they do it, too.

We humans are brittle creatures that pretend to be very strong and independent in order to survive and not be vulnerable.

[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/social-comparison-...