









In general, the problem with our culture is narcissism, solipsism and selfishness."
Professor Steven Post, bioethics at Case Western Reserve Univeristy
"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"
Lewis Carroll, from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (also the Narcissist's world view)
MySpace, Face book and Blogs are the perfect place to research narcissism. Published on the internet for all to see and read, Blogs are meant to be looked at and commented on. They exist in a public forum unlike private email. I am continually surprised at what I find on the internet - people write and show the most intimate photos and videos of themselves. The narcissist feels they can do whatever they want - they call it freedom of expression - yet they will be the first ones to censor others, they reserve the right to tell others what to do and not do. This double standard embodies the narcissist's deformation of reality. An example is a politician saying something happened, and then a youtube video showing the contrary.
Someone who suffers from Narcissistic Personality disorder (NPD) has at least 5 of the following characteristics:
- has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
- is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
- requires excessive admiration
- has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
- is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
- lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
- is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
- shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Here are some more signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder to look out for:
- Jealousy and possessiveness
- Excessive need to feel special, adored, loved, appreciated, or admired
- Rage attacks when you do not sufficiently meet his/her needs
- Controlling behaviors (trying to control how you spend your time, who you talk to, how you dress, etc.)
- Inflated self-esteem, or grandiosity (bragging, "fishing" for compliments)
- Dramatic, insecure behaviors
- Expecting you to take responsibility for making him/her feel better about him/herself
- Blaming you for behaviors or feelings (i.e., "YOU made me do this," or "YOU made me feel this way.")
- Not taking responsibility for angry behavior and justifying angry outbursts
- An attitude that demonstrates "the world revolves around me" and "you need to cater to my ideas, opinions, thoughts, and feelings."
- An unwillingness to reflect on his/her own behaviors