He laughed the most beguiling and gentle laugh.
'Of course you are,' he replied. 'I understand perfectly because I'm in love with myself. The fact that I'm not transfixed in front of the nearest mirror takes a great deal of self-control.'
It was my turn to laugh.”
― Anne Rice
According to dictionary.reference.com, Narcissism is defined as the inordinate fascination with oneself, excessive self-love and a great extent of ego-centrism. A more detailed definition elucidates it as the erotic gratification derived from admiration of one's own physical or mental attributes.
The word "Narcissism" was coined from Narcissus, a character from an ancient Greek myth. The story goes, that Narcissus, a handsome young man was the son of river god Cephisus and nymph Lyriope. He was known for his beauty and loved by god Apollo due to his extraordinary physique. However, this handsome young man was not only proud, but selfish as well. In fact, so self-absorbed was he, that he rejected all his male suitors and did not think anyone was good enough for him. One time, Aminias, a male suitor expressed his love for Narcissus, but like all the rest, he was rejected. Heartbroken, crushed and dejected, Aminias killed himself at Narcissus' doorstep, crying out to the gods to punish the man he once loved for all the pain he had evoked.
One day, as Narcissus was taking a walk, he passed by a river to drink some water. On seeing his reflection, he fell in love with his beauty and became entranced by it. He was so obsessed with himself and remained there for the rest of his life dazed at his beauty. Unfortunately, he was sorrowful and lonely, and eventually died out of his misery.
Today, the story is no different. Fashion magazines and reality TV shows constantly tell us to change this, change that, love yourself above all...it goes on and on. The love of self in this day and age is adulated almost more than anything. Over the years, advertisers have used and still continue to use this undertone to promote products and services, i.e. to be accepted, get a nose job. For you to be beautiful, get that outfit. If you really wanna fit it in, buy those shoes (which cost more than half of your salary by the way). Sadly, so self-absorbed are we, that we find ourselves drowning in a myriad of fads which promise a lifetime of happiness and acceptance only if we ascribe to them. But all it does is leave us as hollow as an abyss and yearning for something so great and beyond our reach.
Narcissism has indeed carved its niche in the lives of people today. How do we know this? Simple! People's actions more often than not leave alot to be desired. It's a me-me-me world out there. And no, 'survival for the fittest' should be no excuse for being smug, vain and self-centered. What happened to the days when everyone was everyone's keeper? What happened to chivalry? What happened to courtesy? It barely takes a minute to say sorry, excuse me or thank you. But no, we don't have time for anyone else since we are too much in a hurry to get to who-knows-where.
Classic example: My next-door neighbors' repugnant mannerisms (Don't worry I'm 99.9% sure they aren't reading this...and if they are, the better!). These peeps moved in about 4 months ago and believe you me, this once quiet neighborhood has only been turned into an eerily noisy place akin to barbarism. I mean, who wakes up early (5am) on a Sunday/Monday morning, cursing at the top of their lungs and banging things on the wall as if there's no tomorrow? Anyway, we eventually figured out that it was indeed not a home but a business premise; illegal according to City Council by-laws as it was located in a residential area. So we gently approached these people asking them to be sensitive and wary of the fact that actual human beings (with feelings, families and babies) were living in the vicinity. My oh my, it only seemed to make things worse as the next day they were awake in the wee hours of the morning, and their conversation, more like yelling actually, was only too decorated in profanity and other unmentionables. By Jove!
If only these recalcitrant people weren't too absorbed in themselves. I could vent and vent for ages but that won't solve anything. My point is this: Man is a social being. It's no coincidence that we live with 6 billion plus people on this earth, therefore interaction is inevitable. There is so much power in togetherness, in team work, in unity. When you take the focus off yourself, and see the beauty in other people, you will ultimately find this rewarding.
Finally, some of the richest people aren't necessarily those with the most money or wealth. They are the ones who invest the lives of others with all sincerity and passion. If you doubt this, ask any genuine Sunday School teacher or lecturer.
