SIGNIFICANCE
A postulate of everyday irrational human behavior; by otherwise rational human beings. by Tab Edwards
WHAT IS "SIGNIFICANCE"?
“Significance” is a postulate or proposition for understanding human behavior. Specifically, it is a basis for reasoned discussion about why thoughtful, rational people behave so irrationally in everyday life. I believe that we fundamentally do so to establish, increase, maintain, or defend our feelings of being worthy, valued, purposive, and needed.
The hope for this book is that it provokes thought, leading the reader to reconsider the motivation of certain behaviors. In doing so, one gains insight into their inner self, which is a first step toward becoming better versions of ourselves.
EVERYDAY IRRATIONAL HUMAN BEHAVIOR
Why do athletes, entertainers, and others frequently and publicly proclaim, “I want to thank God”? Why are people racist? Why do wealthy people buy huge mansions? Why do men wear expensive designer clothing and women buy expensive designer bags? Why do women show off their diamond engagement rings? Why do we love receiving an apology? Why are we happy when “beautiful” and successful people fail?
By understanding these and other irrational behaviors in which we all engage, we gain deeper insight into ourselves and our motivations, putting us on a path toward growth, fulfillment, and becoming better versions of ourselves.
THE HERMES BIRKIN BAG
The Hermes Birkin women’s handbag (“The Birkin”) is one of the most coveted items of the last decade. Named after British actress Jane Birkin, The Birkin has become a status symbol, motivating wealthy and poor women alike to get their hands on them. But, unfortunately, the bag is not cheap; even the small Étoupe Madame Sellier Birkin 30 Birkin will set you back $30,000.
Still, even the financially poor, social media models, wannabes, and “clout-chasers”—those seeking to gain prestige through their possessions or association with others—find a way to own them. Such women, admittedly, don’t value The Birkin for its geometry, its illusory side straps, or the quality of its leather. Instead, they want the $30,000 bag to ... show others (i.e., brag) that they have a $30,000 handbag, a Birkin!
This behavior is similar to the behavior exhibited by men who spend thousands of dollars on decidedly unappealing designer clothing, such as the Gucci Green Musixmatch Edition Bowling Shirt; price tag: $1,400. It is irrational. The only value the items possess is convincing people to admire the owner or believe that the owner has prestige. I call such behavior irrational because spending $30,000 on a bag or $1,400 on a shirt, only to use it as a status symbol and create a false illusion that will counter-balance the owner’s insecurities, is illogical and insensate.
So, why do people behave in such a way? The postulate of "Significance" proposes an answer.
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