What A Status Symbol Really Tells Others

Picture: Tom Claeren

And what does a status symbol tell others? It may tell them that the possessor requires things that can be purchased in order to bolster self-esteem. An emotionally healthy person doesn’t need material possessions to feel good about themselves.

An emergency room doctor who saves lives on a regular basis may drive a Mercedes, but she doesn’t need to drive a Mercedes to feel validated. She saves people’s lives on a regular basis. That’s where she stores a portion of her value as a person: in her work. She may be a wife and mother, as well. Another part of her self-esteem is invested in her spouse and her children and the quality of their family life.

Status symbols may be lost or destroyed. They often lose their luster after awhile, and a replacement status symbol–something more expensive and more obvious–must take its place. The nagging personal insecurities that status symbols promise to heal, sadly, remain.

Emotions–and dollars–invested elsewhere yield different results. The work that the doctor does may be taken away. She may retire or be unable to practice, but she still has the education she acquired. She has the memory of helping and healing others. Her family may be lost, but the love, commitment, and care that she invested in them and received from them will be with her forever.

Status symbols shout, echoing only the appearance of social status and wealth. Thus they are tempting quick-fixes for those who wish to fool their equals and emulate their betters. Accomplishments whisper and are therefore heard only be a discerning few, usually Old Money.

And it’s those few who are worth impressing.

About Byron Tully (right)

Grandson of a newspaper publisher and son of an oil industry executive, Byron Tully is an author who also writes for the entertainment industry. His nonfiction debut, "The Old Money Book," was published in April of 2013 to excellent reviews and enjoys consistently strong sales worldwide. His other works include "The Old Money Guide To Marriage", "Old Money, New Woman: How To Manage Your Money and Your Life", and "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition".

Byron regularly contributes to its blog, www.theoldmoneybook.com, which has been visited by over 1 million readers since 2014.

In February of 2020, "Old Money Style - The Gentleman's Edition" was published by Acorn Street Press. This fourth book in the Old Money series reveals the fundamentals of dressing well in a classic and timeless style. In November of 2020, Byron published a 2nd Edition of "The Old Money Book", which expands on his original classic. This 2nd Edition includes vital information and insights for readers as they navigate a very different, post-pandemic world.

Byron speaks frequently about the culture and values of Old Money. He has been interviewed by KABC New York's Financial Quarterback Show, The Huffington Post, and The Simple Dollar, among others.

He lives in Paris and is happily married to an Old Money Gal from Boston.