James and John needed to feel valued. Their method for finding that value was to obtain a special position. Having a sense of worth is vital to our lives. People who don't have it may commit suicide. Little kids know the need for sensing value, and being appreciated.
Adults do it with cars, houses. and minks.
Skunk will keep you just as warm. The only one who needs a mink coat is a mink. There is a lot of confidence in ignorance. Before I became a father, I knew much more about how to raise kids. Assertiveness training had given James and John a lot of chutzpah.