What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

The ancient Greeks understood narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), even if the term was only coined recently. After all, Greek mythology gave us Narcissus, a handsome young man who callously scorned his would be lovers, driving his many admirers to despair and even death.

One day, one of Narcissus’ victims prayed to heaven:

“So may he himself love, and not gain the thing he loves”

When Narcissus noticed his image in a pool, he fell in love with himself. Unable to find consolation, he died of sorrow by the same pool.

All the nymphs grieved him and substituted a flower for his missing body at Narcissus’ funeral. Of course, that flower is today called the narcissus.

The Me Cult

The term narcissistic personality disorder is applied to people who are popularly dubbed arrogant, vain or self-centered, with a corresponding lack of empathy.

The term superiority complex fits like a glove. Author Dr. Sam Vankin calls it “Malignant Self Love.”

Yet these people—who are often driven to accomplish great things—may be widely admired. How many movie stars suffer from narcissistic personality disorder? To put it another way, how many movie stars became stars because of narcissistic personality disorder? And is narcissism really such a bad thing if it drives people to excel?

In fact, individuals with NPD may be talented, successful, admired by others and generally symptom-free and able to function normally. Yet even such individuals may be chronically unsatisfied due to their unrealistic self-expectations.

Of course, everyone knows money can’t buy happiness. Successful narcissists may drive their friends away and may find themselves unable to maintain intimate relationships. Their inflated egos may cause them to close their ears to sound advice offered by people they look down on, thus impairing their judgment.

Of course, not all narcissists are successful. When people manifesting NPD fail to accomplish their goals, or when they are forced to confront reality, they may fall prey to anger or depression.

Societal Narcissism

There are two general kinds of narcissists. Cerebral narcissists glory in their intelligence and academic or artistic achievements. Somatic narcissists are more impressed with their bodies.

Similarly, we might think of two levels of narcissism—personal and societal, or cultural. For example, the United States is widely regarded as a very materialistic and narcissistic society. What other nation could produce a gimmick called a Thighmaster?

Since narcissists crave fame and power, one would expect to find lots of people manifesting narcissistic personality disorder in government. In fact, narcissists are instinctively political and often have a keen understanding of power structures.

Unfortunately, narcissistic leaders frequently can’t handle criticism. And what about that trademark lack of empathy for the taxpayers?

On a still more philosophical level, could nationalism be associated with narcissism? Adolph Hitler made both a national passion, with tragic results for millions of people. Can you think of any current national leaders who harbor a striking lack of empathy, don’t give a damn what the voters or other nations think, and are quick to anger when insulted? What are we to make of the sensational hair sported by so many senators and presidential candidates? And what about all those corporate executives who so callously snub or twist the law in order to exploit the masses? Bill Gates is famously spoiled, but could he also be afflicted with narcissistic personality disorder?

On a still more philosophical level, it’s interesting to ponder which group is more narcissistic—liberals or conservatives. Conservatives are renowned for their lack of empathy and their self-righteousness, which typically revolves around a nationalistic form of patriotism and Christianity (“America right or wrong!” ). Moreover, many people have learned that criticizing Republicans can be suicidal.

On the other hand, liberals may be overly impressed with their academic achievements, and some observers think they’re similarly resting on their laurels when presenting themselves as champions of the poor and under trodden. (Since when?) Liberals embrace Hollywood, perhaps the most narcissistic enclave on the planet. And am I correct in my perception that some of the most outrageous hair in America is sported by elected Democrats?

Of course these are the broadest of generalizations, and the comments on hair may be downright trivial. Just consider them ideas to ponder.

Lethal Vanity

Obviously, Adolph Hitler would have been far less dangerous if he had never been elected to public office. However, it would be a mistake to believe that, among us commoners, narcissism at its worst is merely obnoxious or that it’s a “victimless crime.”

People afflicted with this disorder can harm others. Some sexually abuse their spouses. NPD parents can make their children feel worthless. Children who learn to interpret abuse as love may later seek out abusive narcissists as mates, continuing the cycle. Narcissistic personality disorder has even been linked to incest in extreme cases.

John Hinckley, Jr.—the man who tried to kill President Ronald Reagan in order to impress actress Jodi Foster—was diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Extreme narcissists may even get a little outside help in destroying themselves and others; victims of this disorder are prone to alcoholism and drug abuse. Let’s see...how many celebrities have died from drug overdoses?

Victims of narcissistic personality disorder may truly die alone, staring at their reflection in a pool only they can see. Ask survivors of Nazi Germany.

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