“Manhood is the defeat of childhood narcissism.” –David Gilmore
- Do you think children are narcissists by default?
- Do you think that as one “becomes a man” they defeat childhood narcissism?
- Why or why not?
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I would say that adulthood is the defeat of childhood narsiccism. You can argue that children are inherently narcissistic in a sense, but the label narsiccism has an inherently negative connotation that suggests vindictiveness. Children are inherently narcisstic in that they make the assumption that everything is about them – said another way, that everything is their fault. Their parents breaking up, why their friend didn’t come around, why they got the blue lollipop instead of the red one they wanted. Adulthood is the opportunity (that not everyone takes) to recognise that none of those events were not actually about… Read more »
Thank you for contributing to the conversation, Jeremy. I like your spin on children taking things personally or thinking everything is their fault. I think that is a truth not many have acknowledged. I also agree that men are taught to suppress their feelings and it takes a lot of learning and and vulnerability to truly be vulnerable. If you’re interested in expanding your thoughts into an article I’d love to review it. Thanks again!