Narcissism's Roots
According to Greek mythology Narcissus was a handsome youth who fell in love with his own reflection. As the legend maintains a seer informed his mother, the nymph Leriope, that Narcissus would live a very long life providing he never saw his own reflection. However once Narcissus saw his reflection he became so enamored with himself, that he callously rejected the lovely nymph Echo as well as his lover Ameinias. This evoked the wrath of all the gods. Narcissus preferred to spend all his time looking at himself in a still pond; he soon wasted away beside this pond. A lovely flower we now know as Narcissus sprang up where he died.
Modernly Speaking, What is Narcissism?
Although the word narcissism has been derives from this Greek tale of a beautiful youth who desired only himself and felt he was too beautiful to lower himself to the level of the other gods, goddesses and nymph, today in our modern society this story barely scratches the surface of the impact narcissism has on individuals and societies. Many scholars as well as doctors in various fields have referred to the effect of narcissism as a “condition”. “illness”, “disorder”, and “disease”. By whatever name it is referred to the results are still the same: it is a destroyer of both individuals and social structures.
A well accepted fact about narcissism is that it is both a psychological condition and a sociological trend which affects every aspect of our culture in a multitude of diverse ways. Since my original introduction and research of this topic in the early 1980's I have observed how this condition destroys lives; negatively changes social values; and has a negative impact on something far worse - the Judeo-Christian values, norms, and laws which comprise the basis for these two faiths.
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud wrote that narcissism is a form of “magical thinking” for a person in that they believe they can by wishing or will power change situations, conditions from reality to the way they prefer. This is childlike and in childhood is quite safe, and to be expected.
But it becomes narcissistic when an adult believes he/she are so powerful they can change things to their way of thinking and according to their desires by wishing it to be or willing it to be. (Incidentally, Feng Shui ascribes to the same theory!)
Karen Horning
Karen Horning (German physician and psychiatrist) presented the theory that personality is shaped by social, cultural, and environmental factors, these play a part in relationships, attitudes and emotions; and, are not necessarily driven by biological factors. Narcissism tends to be a product of indulgence rather than deprivation….the narcissist's self esteem is shaky, as it is not based on genuine accomplishments.
Henry Kohut
Physician Henry Kohut, maintained that narcissism is a part of a stage in normal development in which caregivers (parents, grandparents, teachers, etc.) provide a strong and protective presence for the child to identify with that reinforces the child's growing sense of self by mirroring his good qualities. If caregivers fail to provide this adequately the child grows up with a brittle and flawed sense of self.
Otto Kernberg
Otto Kernberg referred to narcissism “as the role of self in the regulation of self esteem”.
He believed that normal infantile narcissism to be dependent on the affirmation of others and the acquisition of desirable and appealing objects which would develop later into a healthy mature self esteem. This kind of healthy narcissism depends upon a person's sense of self as defined by the affirmation of those close to him/her. It is from this affirmation and relationship that a person's internal mental structure provides the assurance of their own self worth and the need for self respect.
Christopher Lasch
Christopher Lasch author of “The Culture of Narcissism” stated:
“The importance of narcissism in our culture today is to realize it is the emergence of character disorders as the most prominent form of psychiatric pathology. However together with the change in personality structure this development reflects; derives from quite specific changes in our culture.”
From this point of view, Lasch illustrated the far reaching effects narcissism had (and has) upon society. Narcissism affects:
- Business
- Education
- Entertainment
- Ethics
- Family Life
- Government and Politics
- New Religions
- Personal Relations
- Orthodox Religions
American Traditions Threatened
Further, as narcissism has its effect upon American society manifesting itself as everything traditional Americanism isn't. There is a sharp decline of patriotism, heritage and the traditions the American society was founded upon. Narcissism promotes a reversal of values and the destruction of norms. It creates a serious social problem as it gives rise to free-floating anxiety and the development of new religions and belief systems.
