SELFISH-ness (1)

Dig deeper

Introspection has no specified profundity. The deeper you dig the more there is to fathom. Every millisecond of time is evidence to discoveries of newer aspects of the self. A teabag itself has no inkling of its own strength until the time it’s thrown into boiling water. One needn’t swim amongst sharks each time to know ones true potential. Self-discovery involves awareness and mindfulness of ones own prowess and precincts at every turn.  This awareness ought to expend humility and respect outwards and not merely within. People weren’t born selfish, however some of them adapt their drive of self-absorption on the journey of introspection. Selfish people are

there can be
no other way!

Self-centered

Egotistical

Loathing

Fatuous

Insensitive

Subjective

Hard hearted

Self-centered

Many live in a self-premeditated bubble. Each presumes oneself to be the hero. All postulate that they have that ‘extra’ bit that makes them ‘extraordinary’. Few realize that the little bit that makes one above average is mammoth compared to what is required to just meet the acceptable norms. Focus on the self is imperative to allow for betterment; it’s rather imprudent to direct all energies inward and fail to see the massive world around where each is merely a spec, an invisible droplet in the ocean. Each may be significant enough, but all are indeed better off together. Life in that bubble:

(but nobody else)

• Praise oneself
• Adore the self
• Believe in oneself

These are permissible; however not on the premise that none others are worthy of this reverence and regard. Self-centeredness is a countenance for insecurity. Where one needs praise and attention to preserve self repute. The locus of control here is external and one seeks to satiate emptiness with anything concrete. What seems better than internal focus with blissful oblivion to the enormity of the outside world? Then inner emphasis even on scarcer resources seems colossal. Worse so, this defense is frequently unconsciously employed. People don't even realize that when stuck in the rut of narcissism they miscue the opportunities for personal growth by outer observation and learning.

Egotistical

According to Freud, “Ego” is a sense of the real self. True ego balances the pleasure and morality principle and allows one to make rational and levelheaded choices. The ego that we know; which makes the self-aggrandizer, is an illustration of pejorative transformation of self-repute to unrealistic proportions. ‘Survival of the fittest’ necessitates the enhancement of ones view of oneself; however superfluous inflation of personal importance is reproachful. The egotist has a prodigious sense of supremacy of the 'Me'. There is overemphasis on personal talents. Needless to say these talents may truly exist, however placing oneself at the core of one's world with no concern for others, makes the egotist repugnant.  The selfish egotist sees no ability in any but the self; is frequently hurt and perceives ‘insult’ in higher proportions owing to misinterpretation of the worlds views. What good if the only one to regard us stands in the mirror before us? There is more to existence than singing ones own praises.

Loathing

Bizarre as it seems, the selfish that seem so self-driven and self-fixated essentially abhor themselves deep down. They see their own inadequacies and recompense by elevating their views of themselves, without attempting to evolve. They fundamentally dislike themselves, project the dislike outward and loathe everyone else around. At a psychodynamic level, rightfully so this is a method of self-preservation. However it weakens the fortress, builds a false façade and disallows one to know the true self. The hate for everyone around burns others as well as oneself. When there is no persona left, what can we make of being self focused and selfish then? It's a no brainer. And leaves the selfish soul nowhere to go…

With contributions by Ms.Nikita Vyas

Psychology Intern at MINDFRAMES