Positional good

A positional good is something that is valuable because other people perceive it as valuable.

Think of it like a toy: if all your friends have a certain toy, then you'll probably also want that toy because you want to fit in and be like your friends. The toy may not actually be any better or more fun than other toys, but its value is based on the fact that it's popular and desirable.

The same thing can happen with other things, like cars, clothes, or even jobs. People often strive for these things because they believe they will increase their social status or make them more respected by others.

However, the problem is that when everyone wants the same thing, it becomes more difficult to attain. And even if you do get it, it may not bring you as much happiness as you thought it would, because you will still be comparing yourself to others and worrying about maintaining your status.

So while positional goods can seem important and desirable, it's important to recognize that their value is often based on social conventions rather than intrinsic qualities. It's okay to want these things, but we should also try to remember that they don't define our worth or happiness.