Posted by vwoolf on August 12, 2010, at 5:53:25
In reply to Re: Appreciation, posted by Dr. Bob on August 12, 2010, at 1:56:11
I've just come across a passage in a book, "The Mystery of Analytical Work" by Barbara Stevens Sullivan, that seems to fit into this debate, although I haven't really thought it through too much yet. She writes:
"Symington ..... has developed a theory that all psychopathology can be understood as a form of narcissism, where 'narcissism' implies arrogance, selfishness and an inability to love. In this approach, narcissism may look very different from the popular image of someone who thinks himself superior to the ordinary run of people. Indeed, the individual may consciously feel inferior. But regardless of the presenting symptomatology, the person's focus is on himself, rather than on himself and the group. The narcissist may even seem compassionate in his behaviour, but if his secret focus is on how virtuous and loving he is being and on the 'credits' he is racking up in heaven or in the eyes of the world for his kindness, the orientation is narcissistic rather than related."
Am i putting the spanner back in the works here? I hope not.
poster:vwoolf
thread:952980
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20100714/msgs/958326.html