Living in the Age of Narcissim

"Generation Me."

That's what a recent psychology book, The Narcissism Epidemic by Jean M. Twenge, is calling a new culture of egocentrics. A recent Newsweek article featured the book, praising it for its accurate description of our society.

...we've built up the confidence of our kids, but in that process, we've created a generation of hot-house flowers puffed with a disproportionate sense of self-worth," writes Raina Kelley.

I think that speaks volumes. American culture, with its idolized egotistical celebrities and sense of entitlement, can definitely use some deflation and humility. We're so high on self-worth that we write status updates (Facebook) and Tweets (Twitter) about our daily routine. Not only does it have absolutely no value, but somehow we've made it socially acceptable to broadcast this information like it's important to everyone (friends/followers).

The problem with this type of behavior, according to the premise of the book, is that it can magnify to attitudes that turn others off real quick—the idea that you are more important than everyone else. It's the type of thinking that leads to costly mistakes (Spitzer, Bernie Madoff), and just plain gives a snarling impression of arrogance.

We need to realize that simply thinking you're the only one that matters doesn't make it so, and how important it is to always keep that attitude in check.