Lecture on Narcissism by Dr. Alfried Laengle - 20/04/2017

The Splendid Loneliness: Exploring social and intrapsychic perspectives on Narcissism Some people feel different: they feel that they deserve special treatment and are deeply convinced of their own superiority, uniqueness, or splendor. They desire exclusivity and suffer from the inferiority of their surroundings. They are convinced about being the best and they are never at fault. The crucial thing in this: they are forced to feel this way; no discussion is possible. Criticism is devastating and deflected. Nobody can really reach them; they are not personally present but constantly occupied with managing their self-image. Behind this socially highly-interactive personality with its arrogance and abusive dynamic stands an empty person who cannot really be him or herself. Without access to oneself they are lost and lonely in the world and often don’t even know it. Others feel it more than them; the others suffer. How can these people be helped, why are they so, and what is their problem?