Which Is Seeking Status?

Even among the learned - status is the ultimate goal of those seeking what they imagine as being "Truth".
How many times have you heard, "She was is great teacher because she has a great set of knockers."?
Never.
Status within academia is generally gained by original ideas or concepts which push the envelope of what is currently understood as being true (or the ability to steal these ideas and succeed in having them attributed to oneself.).

Does Stephen Hawking get love because he is average?
Nope, Steve gets love because he is better than those whom others consider to be better than average.

Some even acquire sage-like status because they are able to explain concepts to a whole new audience in a manner understood by the general audience.

While these learned individuals my truly only be seeking "Truth" - the status acquired by their cognitive abilities often renders a certain degree of status.

The more these men learn (and can prove) - the more status is gained.

"Status" - the ruler of the Universe.