About Concept and Narcissism

Abstract as concepts are, they lose the figurative, tangible features in the process of generalization – let alone many concepts are interdisciplinary and their meanings can differ from subject to subject, as well as from academia to day-to-day life - thus hard for the general public to grasp the things that the concepts are conceived to indicate. It’s even worse in the cyber world, where netizens have their liberty to define things whatever the way they like without taking the heat from the intelligentsia. Narcissism is probably one of the concepts in question, with its numerous definitions wherever to see fit, it to certain degree becomes equivocal and devoid of clarity. And by the way, the Chinese concept, “小资“, is another one.

Reading the following passage about narcissism, which gives an all-rounded account with simplicity and lucidity as to what in essence a narcissist is, it occurred to me that wherever an abstract concept does not work well, a figurative description can come into play, and probably do better.

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Are You a Narcissist?

Are you just stuck on yourself, or do you have an actual pathology? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM IV) describes narcissism as a personality disorder classified by the nine traits listed below:

·        Has a grandiose sense of self-importance, e.g., exaggerates achievement 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 advantages 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 arrogance, haughty behaviors or attitudes.

 

[edrifter]

回复melly的评论:

True! A palpable example would definitely help people comprehend things in a more simple and efficient way. Let’s see, what about 芙蓉姐姐 for item 2 and some elite 文化人 for item 3. Tried to find one for myself, but to no avail.:-)

[melly]

Sometimes, even figurative description may not work well. Now we need examples. :-)