Insightful Excerpts Regarding Self-Centered Behavior

Insightful Sayings on Narcissism: A Compilation of 25 Remarks

Narcissism, a complex and intriguing personality trait, has been a subject of interest for psychologists, writers, and researchers alike. According to Jeffrey Kluger, it falls along the axis of what psychologists call personality disorders.

At its core, narcissism is voluntary blindness, an agreement not to look beneath the surface, as Sam Keen, an author, puts it. Narcissists may appear reasonable, empathetic, or human, but any such traits are likely to have an ulterior motive, as Tina Swithin, a writer, suggests.

The desire to confuse is another characteristic of narcissists, M. Scott Peck, a writer, notes. Narcissists may be likened to a cock who believes the sun has risen to hear him crow, as George Eliot, another writer, describes.

Narcissists seek admiration, often exhibiting inappropriate behavior such as inappropriate dress, talking too loudly, or gesturing in expansive ways, as Mark Ettensohn, a therapist, observes. However, withholding admiration from a narcissist may result in being disliked, while giving it may lead to indifference, according to Mason Cooley, an essayist.

Despite their manipulative nature, narcissists can be interested in knowing about your hardships, such as eating uncooked Top Ramen out of a dumpster, as Tina Swithin notes. Ignoring a narcissist, however, can upset them, as J.B. Snow, a writer, points out.

Underneath the so-called narcissistic personality is definitely shame and the paralyzing fear of being ordinary, Brené Brown, a researcher, believes. This fear of ordinariness can lead narcissists to install a mental filter in our heads that controls our actions to some degree, as Sam Vaknin, a writer, notes.

The aftermath of pathological relationships with narcissists can be damaging and unrelenting, as Sandra Brown, a therapist, warns. Narcissists do not learn from their mistakes because they never admit to making them, Jeffrey Kluger notes.

Extreme narcissists have a major attachment dysfunction and are frozen in childhood, Samuel Lopez de Victoria, a therapist, explains. Narcissists may be unable to honestly name three other people who are smarter and more capable than them in their field, as Ingo Molnar, a computer hacker, observes.

Sigmund Freud was a foundational researcher on narcissism through psychoanalysis. More recent active researchers include Ulrike Marz, a sociologist engaged with critical theory and social topics, though not exclusively focused on narcissism today.

Parents who exhibit narcissistic behavior may fail to return love to their child, as Jane Fonda, an actor, points out. Because narcissistic parents are experts at making everything look good, the child of the narcissist may not know anything was wrong, as Heather Sheafer, a writer, notes.

If you want to go from being adored to devalued in the blink of an eye, simply insult the narcissist, Tigress Luv, a blogger, advises. Narcissus fell in love with his reflection not because it was beautiful, but because it was his, as W.H. Auden, a poet, poetically describes.

In conclusion, understanding narcissism is crucial for navigating relationships and maintaining mental health. Recognising the signs and understanding the underlying motivations of narcissists can help individuals protect themselves and maintain a healthy, balanced life.