BITS ‘N’ PIECES

Narrated by Abu Huraira (R.A)

Allah’s Apostle (S.A.W) said, “Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, disobeys me.”

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 89, Number 251

DID YOU KNOW?

The concept of narcissism was first introduced by Sigmund Freud

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.

The term "narcissism" originates from ancient Greek mythology. Narcissus, a character in Ovid's Metamorphoses, was a beautiful young man who was so enamored with his own reflection in a pool of water that he fell in love with it. Unable to tear himself away, Narcissus eventually wasted away, turning into a flower that bears his name.

The concept of narcissism was first introduced into the field of psychology by Sigmund Freud in the early 20th century. Freud used it to describe a phase of normal development where a child’s self-interest is predominant, but he also identified it as a pathological condition when it becomes a persistent pattern in adulthood.

Over time, the concept of narcissism has evolved, eventually leading to the identification of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as a specific mental health condition. The term "narcissism" is now commonly used in both clinical and everyday language to describe self-centered behaviors and attitudes.

Identifying a narcissist can be challenging because they can be charismatic and charming, often masking their true nature. However, there are several key signs to look for. First, narcissists typically exhibit an exaggerated sense of self-importance, often boasting about their achievements and expecting to be recognized as superior without necessarily having the accomplishments to back it up. They may also display a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.

Another sign is a constant need for admiration and validation. Narcissists often seek out attention and praise, and they may become upset or angry if they feel they are not receiving enough recognition. They might also monopolize conversations, belittle others, or manipulate situations to ensure they remain the center of attention.

A lack of empathy is a hallmark of narcissism. Narcissists often struggle to understand or care about the feelings and needs of others. This can manifest as a dismissive or exploitative attitude towards others, where the narcissist uses people for personal gain without considering the impact on them.

Narcissists also tend to have fragile self-esteem, despite their outward confidence, and may react with anger or aggression to criticism or perceived slights. They often have difficulty accepting responsibility for their actions and tend to blame others or become defensive to protect their self-image.

Recognizing these traits can help in identifying a narcissist, but only a trained mental health professional can diagnose NPD.