The culture of narcissism

Description

Here is a penetrating view of the narcissistic personality of our time. Liberated from the superstitions of the past, it embraces new cults, only to discover that emancipation from ancient taboos brings neither sexual nor spiritual peace. Emotionally shallow, fearful of intimacy, hypochondriacal, primed with pseudo-self-insight, indulging in sexual promiscuity, dreading old age and death, the new narcissist has lost interest in the future. The happy hooker has replaced Horatio Alger as a symbol of success. Reformers with the best of intentions condemn the lower class to a second-rate education. Games enlist skill and intelligence which would otherwise be contributing to the welfare of society. The sexes are engaged in an escalating war. Is there hope for this society in its dotage? Christopher Lasch believes there is . . .

First Sentence

The Waning of the Sense of Historical Time As the twentieth century approaches its end, the conviction grows that many other things are ending too.

Description

Argues that American society has become increasingly self-absorbed, focused on self-gratification to the exclusion of higher values, and that the mass narcissism of the culture is based on fear.

Subjects

Other Editions

• The culture of narcissism: American life in an age of diminishing expectationsNorton1978-01-01
• The culture of narcissismWarner Books1979-01-01
• The culture of narcissismWarner Books1980-01-01
• Culture of NarcissismW W Norton & Co Ltd1981-02-21
• The culture of narcissismAbacus1982-01-01
• Culture of NarcissismW. W. Norton & Company1991-05-01