The
pathological narcissist is described in the DSM-IV (1994), by Kohut
(1977) and by Kernberg (1990). Kernberg (1990) notes that "the main
characteristics of these narcissistic personalities are grandiosity,
extreme self-centeredness, and a remarkable absence of interest in and
empathy for others in spite of the fact that they are so very eager to
obtain admiration and approval from other people" (228-229). He further
describes such persons as being very envious of others' possessions or
other's apparent contentment, emotionally shallow, seemingly unable to understand complex emotions exhibited by others and as displaying few
emotions and being capable of feeling sad or depressed. What may look
like depression when they are disappointed by others is anger,
resentment and a desire for revenge instead of genuine sadness.
―
The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern by Nina W. Brown
Salvador Dalí ~ Metamorphosis of Narcissus, 1937
[Tate Modern, London]
Soon after this painting was completed, Dali
published a poem and essay entitled The Metamorphosis of Narcissus in
which he related that in Catalonia the phrase “To have a bulb in the
head” means to suffer from a psychological complex. The painter then
went on to state that “If a man has a bulb in the head it might break
into flower at any moment. Narcissus!”
―
The Life and Masterworks of Salvador Dalí by Eric Shanes
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