What are luxury beliefs?

Luxury beliefs are a concept put forward by Rob Henderson, referring to ideologies or views adopted by individuals primarily as a means to signal their status, rather than out of genuine conviction. These beliefs are often abstract and do not impact the believer's personal life directly. Jim O'Shaughnessy discussed this concept, emphasizing that those with significant status often adopt luxury beliefs, which may not be beneficial for society overall. He suggests that these beliefs can become signals of deep status in an age where traditional status symbols are less impactful due to widespread availability 1.

O'Shaughnessy explores how luxury beliefs might not be consciously chosen but rather arise from societal influences and pressures. These beliefs can manifest in ways that might even contradict the believer's own interests or the broader societal good, much like voting patterns that seem contrary to the voter's direct needs 2.