Totally subjective, of course! But behaviors at both extremes are instantly identifiable. Crudely, prosocial stories actually entertain, self-seeking stories tend to make the teller look good. Savvy people, of course, can do both simultaneously.
Isn’t your impression that people aren’t punishing unproductive status seeking based on a difference in this subjective evaluation, then? Or do you think that people tolerate bragging even if they are not entertained by it?
Totally subjective, of course! But behaviors at both extremes are instantly identifiable. Crudely, prosocial stories actually entertain, self-seeking stories tend to make the teller look good. Savvy people, of course, can do both simultaneously.
Isn’t your impression that people aren’t punishing unproductive status seeking based on a difference in this subjective evaluation, then? Or do you think that people tolerate bragging even if they are not entertained by it?