Here's Looking at Me

I saw an article in the paper recently about narcissism in our culture and how it is increasing. Narcissus was a vain character from Greek mythology who was quite taken with himself. We seem enamored with ourselves in our culture as well. We hear all the time that we should have what we deserve (based on what?). Advertising often serves to feed our egos and point out how we can enhance our status even further. Reading about narcissism has taught me that people with this trait see themselves as sitting on a throne with their minions circling around them and on the earth mainly to do their bidding. They don't feel any responsibility to anyone else and view the rest of the world chiefly in terms of how it suits them. I suppose this would not create any conflict if there were ony one narcissist in the world and everyone else saw themselves and living only to cater to that person's needs. As it is, there are many people who see others as existing only to do their bidding. A strange world indeed. No wonder there are so many conflicts. It seems hard for many people to learn the lesson that in order to get what you want, the best way is to help others gain what they want. Then they are more prone to take an interest in your needs.