the problem of narcissism, from individual to collective

Narcissism, as conceptualized in psychoanalytic thought, is not merely the inflated self-regard of an individual. It is a deep-seated, pervasive force that can affect every level of human life, from our most intimate relationships to the grandest structures of global politics. While we often think of narcissism as a purely personal disorder—identified in individuals who bully, manipulate, or dominate those around them—its roots and ramifications stretch far beyond any one person’s psyche. It shapes our families, our communities, our cultural norms, and even our civilizations. Understanding narcissism on this macro scale is essential if we hope to address humanity’s many interlocking crises, from systemic racism and historical empires to modern ecological catastrophes.
On a personal level, narcissism can be understood as a struggle rooted in early developmental experiences, something psychoanalysts have described for decades. A baby’s earliest phase of relating to the world—often termed “primary narcissism”—is one in which the self is the universe, and all others exist solely to meet its needs. While this is a healthy and necessary stage for infants, problems arise when we fail to mature beyond this viewpoint. Adults who remain caught in narcissistic patterns treat the world as an object, a mirror reflecting only their needs, triumphs, and grandiosity. This can lead to subtle forms of emotional manipulation at home—spouses or children treated as “narcissistic supply”—or overt tyranny in the workplace or public sphere.
We see, however, that this same dynamic plays out on larger scales. Consider historical empires. The logic of empire, after all, often boils down to narcissism at scale: the empire’s needs, resources, and worldview are placed above all others, justifying domination and exploitation. Entire cultures can be infused with a collective narcissism—a belief in their inherent superiority or “manifest destiny”—that leads them to rewrite histories, commit atrocities, or rationalize profound social inequalities. The vile prejudice of racism and the cruelty of colonial expansion have roots in this same grandiose self-regard. Empires have not merely sought power; they have sought the right to define reality itself, a privilege that belongs to the narcissist who does not acknowledge the subjectivity and equal worth of others.
Cultural narcissism can also manifest more subtly: a wealthy nation insisting that its way of life is the only civilized route; a corporation behaving as though the market’s logic is the sole compass of human value; a political party that regards opposition not as fellow citizens with competing visions, but as enemies to be humiliated and destroyed. At every level, the narcissistic pattern repeats: one viewpoint, one group, one class, one nation enthrones itself and denies the full personhood and legitimacy of those on the margins.
The consequences are dire. On a global scale, our collective inability to see beyond the “self” leads us to degrade the environment as though it were an infinite resource bank existing only for us. We deepen global inequality as though the suffering of distant populations does not matter, as if they were mere props on our stage. We perpetuate ancient grudges, despite the overwhelming need for cooperation. Our species-wide mental health crises—rising anxiety, depression, a profound sense of alienation—are further fueled by this narcissistic mindset that isolates us from one another.
Addressing the problem of narcissism, then, requires interventions at multiple levels. Individually, therapeutic efforts—like those discussed in psychoanalysis and relational forms of therapy—seek to reintegrate a person’s capacity for empathy, help them see others as complex individuals, and restore a sense of humility in the face of one’s own limitations. But tackling narcissism at larger scales requires cultural and institutional work. We must ask: how can we construct social systems that discourage grandiose worldviews and reward empathy, humility, and genuine dialogue?
Religions have, in various forms, tried to provide the answer: by emphasizing transcendence and humility, by placing God or a higher moral order at the center of reality, many religious traditions aim to decenter the ego. Although religious institutions themselves have sometimes been corrupted by narcissistic dynamics, their spiritual teachings often include a profound critique of self-absorption. Similarly, the founding of democratic institutions and the rule of law are, in part, efforts to contain narcissism at the societal level. A robust democracy is structured to prevent any single faction from amassing too much power, and thus it reminds us that no one voice—no matter how charismatic, wealthy, or powerful—is entitled to dominate. Free press, separation of powers, and civil rights legislation work as checks against collective narcissism, insisting that each citizen deserves respect and moral consideration.
On the cultural front, we must learn to value multiplicity and complexity. Education that includes exposure to other cultures, languages, histories, and worldviews can mitigate narcissism by undermining the assumption that one’s own perspective is the sole, correct reality. Media, when not weaponized for propaganda, can challenge parochial views by highlighting stories of those on the margins, those who have been historically silenced. In this way, cultural production can become a mirror that reflects not just our own image back to us, but a world inhabited by many equally valid stories.
Even in modern attempts to address global problems, we see the seeds of anti-narcissistic thinking. The calls for international cooperation on climate change reflect an understanding that we must look beyond national interests. The principles of human rights law—though imperfectly upheld—proclaim the fundamental dignity of each human being. In essence, the greatest institutional and cultural advancements have all tried, in their own way, to contain or transcend humanity’s narcissistic tendencies.
If we are to genuinely reduce suffering and move towards a healthier, more sustainable future, we must grapple with narcissism at all these scales. Narcissism is not a peripheral issue; it is at the root of countless human miseries, from racial oppression and gendered violence to ecological devastation and authoritarian regimes. The task before us is immense: we must encourage individuals to break out of the mirror-maze of their own minds; we must build systems of governance and culture that promote genuine mutual recognition; we must question and reshape entrenched traditions that sustain the narcissistic illusion of one’s superiority over another.
Ultimately, the path forward involves honest confrontation with our past and present narcissisms. It means acknowledging that no tribe, nation, or civilization is inherently chosen or more worthy than another. It demands that we learn to see ourselves as part of a greater whole, one among many, dependent on each other and the planet. Only then might we outgrow the constraints of our narcissism—personal, familial, cultural—and approach one another with the empathy, fairness, and respect that a truly interconnected humanity requires.