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| He loves puppies and little children... |
Everyone is familiar with the "selfish narcissist"--this is the type of narcissism we all know and don't love. With these people, selfishness and a preoccupation with one's own needs and desires are pursued at the expense of everyone else's and it's what is classically associated with the concept of narcissism.
In society today a disguised type of narcissism is manifest that masks itself in selfless, compassionate concern for others, yet is really all about fueling the need to feel superior and to exert control and power over others.
This second type of narcissism is more subtle, but equally (if not more so in human history) destructive and dysfunctional as the first. It derives from an aggressive idealism/utopianism which is pursued despite the misery it causes in other people's lives; and despite the dead bodies it leaves behind. This malignant narcissism is always justified because it is "for your own good"; or, "for the common good"; or, "to make the world and people better."
Along with the selfish narcissist (whose overt preoccupation is "ME, ME, ME!" and using others for their own aggrandizement and reward), the selfless narcissist ("LOOK AT HOW WONDERFUL I AM FOR MAKING YOU BETTER!") does not see other people as distinct individuals with needs and desires of their own, but only as fodder for the expression of some IDEAL; or as pawns to achieve the utopian fantasies of their own ideology. And because they think they are the "superior" ones who know what is best for all, if they happen to benefit financially, socially and culturally--all the better! They deserve it for their extraordinary compassion and good works.
People with this malignantly narcissistic defect completely reject the needs of the individual and enslave him or her to the service of their ideal. Eventually, the enslavement--whether religious or secular--snuffs out human ambition, confidence, energy, self-esteem, and life. These mindlessly malignant "do-gooders" do far more harm than good and their ideologies can lead to genocidal practices and unbelievable atrocities on a grand scale, all in the name of an IDEAL or GOD.
At least the selfish narcissist is limited in the chaos and havoc he/she wreaks. But, the "really destructive maniacs of this world" are the ones who do it for your own good.
5 comments:
Damned narcissists!
Opus - I don't consider Obama a malignant do-gooder, because I don't think that he has any intent to 'do good' unless it is to do good for himself. If others accidentally benefit in the process, I don't know that he cares so long as his personal agenda is completely served.
Mindless and willing drones are always cultivated by such people and they are duly rewarded if it's convenient for the malignant narcissist.
I often wish that people would quit wanting to "help" others so much and that they'd sit in their corners and help themselves instead. The worst atrocities are committed under the guise of " it's for your own good" when in reality, their actions only serve themselves.
Pretty dog.
WoFat, I think he'd be holding a tiny lamb if he thought it would make him look more Christ-like. The poodle was a compromise. Some things are just too over-the-top even for him.
Azra, Yes.
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