Fame, Incels, and the Need to Matter | Rebecca Goldstein

Author Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins us to explore “the mattering instinct,” the deeply human need to feel significant, worthy, and justified in our own eyes. From “mattering projects” and morality to fame, incels, AI, and entropy, this conversation dives into the psychological and philosophical forces shaping how we search for meaning and purpose in our lives. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Rebecca Goldstein [7:12] What is the “Mattering Instinct”? [11:57] Why Mattering Creates Conflict [15:11] Depression, Despair, and Significance [26:42] The Four “Mattering” Types [32:34] Fame, Recognition, and Validation [41:38] Incels, Radicalization, and the Search for Meaning [46:19] Ethics, Entropy, and Human Flourishing [51:59] Desert Island Music [59:17] Grooving Session: Defining Mattering ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Rebecca The Mattering Instinct by Rebecca Newberger Goldstein  Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Musical Links Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Leonard Cohen - Dance Me to the End of Love