In the article, Using Monster Myths to Understand Narcissism, Dr. Paul writes:
In a psychiatry lecture some 30 years ago, Dr. Horacio Fabrega, Jr., a medical anthropologist, and professor, described his study of human experiences as uncommon in other fields. A compelling example was how vampires and other monster myths exist in every culture and throughout history—a joining of psychology and folklore that reveals more than either can alone.
He said such stories are instructive of what might be the most crucial question in behavioral science or culture: What can we do about narcissism?
Self Psychology teaches us that all humans possess at least some narcissism beginning in childhood, although the most severe state—pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder—is quite rare.
KEY POINTS
All humans have some narcissistic tendencies.
"Toxic" is just a synonym for narcissistic.
Monster myths exist in all cultures to teach the understanding of narcissism.
We can learn principles in folklore that teach mature character virtue to counter narcissism.
In a psychiatry lecture some 30 years ago, Dr. Horacio Fabrega, Jr., a medical anthropologist, and professor, described his study of human experiences as uncommon in other fields. A compelling example was how vampires and other monster myths exist in every culture and throughout history—a joining of psychology and folklore that reveals more than either can alone.
He said such stories are instructive of what might be the most crucial question in behavioral science or culture: What can we do about narcissism?
Self Psychology teaches us that all humans possess at least some narcissism beginning in childhood, although the most severe state—pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder)—is quite rare.
If every culture organically develops folklore that teaches what narcissism is, then it stands to reason they are also guides to mature character virtue, narcissism’s cure.
The wolf of Little Red Riding Hood teaches us how the narcissism in others can be hidden in plain sight, seemingly benevolent, all while manipulating others and deluding the self.
The alternating kindness and cruelty of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde teach us how the narcissism already in us can weaken our better angels over time, even to the point of (Dr. Jekyll’s) suicide.
Stories serve cultures as a salve for this universal malady that plagues humanity with crime, war, and unhappiness.
Fabrega hooked many of us on how art, literature, and science could conspire to meet that behavioral challenge of our times: not just how we identify narcissism in others but how to alleviate it over our lifetimes.
By extension, if the Record of the Nephites is treated as artistic literature -- telling stories on how to overcome selfishness and become more healthy charactered and Zion-minded -- then it becomes a source of practical ethics, spiritual psychology, and a form of character development. Dr. Paul continues:
We are all narcissistic to some degree in our character, and we are all also capable of change for the better through character growth.
As I see it, Restored Christianity provides symbols and stories toward character growth.
