-Selfie by Will Storr: A Journey Through the History of Individualism and Narcissism-
Self-obsession and narcissism is on the rise across modern society.
In the social media world, people are constantly seeking to portray their ideal selves online as people compare themselves to the curated lives of others.
Consider that the self is a story we tell ourselves, and often that story is a lie.
Consider that the ideal self we seek is shaped by the cultural environment and the people we see as successful.
Understand that the stories we tell and believe in serve as explanations for the nature of reality and how to cope with change.
This is what the book by Will Storr is about.
He traces the origins of the idealized “perfect self” back to Ancient Greece, where physical perfection and status were highly valued and how this concept evolved through different historical periods to modern times.
In the 1980s the self-esteem movement, gained strength which proposed that raising self-esteem would lead to improved social behavior and academic performance.
Schools in America and elsewhere began adopting practices that emphasized praise and participation over academic achievement, leading to a culture where students received accolades for mere participation rather than merit. This shift aimed to protect children’s self-esteem but has been criticized for undermining academic rigor and accountability.
This led to a societal emphasis on individualism and self-worth, often leading to inflated self-esteem without corresponding achievements.
Critics argue this has fostered a generation characterized by narcissism and an inability to handle criticism, as individuals expect affirmation regardless of their performance.
It is now argued that authentic self-esteem should be built through personal achievements and resilience rather than superficial praise.