Comments on: Narcissism or Self-confidence?

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:08:57 +0000

I just wanted to say thank you for that post. I am someone who is always looking to better him self, and i recently took some online personality tests which suggested i was narcissistic, much to my horror. I do hold myself in high regard, and appreciate and recognize the natural strengths I’ve been blessed with, but i also have high regards for all people, and feel deep empathy and a genuine desire to see the end of suffering and inequality. It was deeply disturbing to me that i could unknowingly be the very type of person who’s egocentric behaviors have caused so much damage in this world. I do feel that I am intelligent, and stand out from the crowd in many aspects of my life, but only because i lucked out in the genetic lottery, but by no means do i think that means i am somehow better or more important than anyone else… we all contribute something to our society, and it would no more be able to function without janitors as it would without engineers. furthermore, they’re are many different types of intelligence, academic is just one. i am very aware that there will always be something that the next person can do better than me. That said I do hold myself to a high standard, have a desire to achieve, and enjoy discussing some of my prouder moments… but the thought of being a narcissist caused guilty for feeling this pride in my body and accomplishments. However reading this article has set my mind at ease… there is nothing wrong with confidence, only if it is demeaning of other and callous. you’ve hit the nail on the head here… this is a very important distinction. Thank you, so much!

By: ChoiceSelfHelp

ChoiceSelfHelp — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:49:57 +0000

Seems like a fine line between narcissism and self confidence. It would take a saint to always remain self confident and not stray to the other side.

By: Jake Timberman

Jake Timberman — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:50:59 +0000

I checked out some thing related to this post via google news… I was interested and then began searching around, then somehow landed here… anyway, I think that I agree with what you talk about here. But I am going to go check what additional information I can find too.

By: sandy

sandy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:05:59 +0000

Excellent, helpful post. I’d like to use some of these distinctions when I’m helping people embrace confidence who fear they will turn into narcissists. I usually reassure that if you’re worried about becoming a narcissist, that is protection alone ; )