History of narcissism

For other uses, see Narcissism (disambiguation).

The concept of excessive selfishness has been recognized throughout history. The term "narcissism" is derived from the Greek mythology of Narcissus, but was only coined at the close of the nineteenth century.

Since then, narcissism has become a household word; in analytic literature, given the great preoccupation with the subject, the term is used more than almost any other'.[1]

The meaning of narcissism has changed over time. Today narcissism "refers to an interest in or concern with the self along a broad continuum, from healthy to pathological ... including such concepts as self-esteem, self-system, and self-representation, and true or false self".[2]

  1. ^ Neville Symington, Narcissism: A New Theory (London 1990) p. 5
  2. ^ Ronningstam, Ed., Elsa (2000). Disorders of Narcissism: Diagnostic, Clinical, and Empirical Implications. Jason Aronson. p. 53. ISBN 978-0765702593.