In Individuation and Narcissism, Mario Jacoby starts by recalling Ovid’s tale of Narcissus, he then explains the differences between the great psychoanalytic thinkers of our time, including Freud, Jung, Neumann, Kohut – particularly their thoughts on narcissism, why it develops, and the signs that it manifests. In addition, there is a thorough discussion of the process of individuation, how it was arrived at through multiple, independent paths as a solution to many modern psychological problems, and which problems occur as a result of the failure to individuate.
Narcissus
Jung often said that people unconsciously ‘live a myth (see Jung and Jaffc, 1963). It might equally be said that a myth lives within the people themselves, in their unconscious, motivating them to certain forms of experience and behavior.
Ovid wrote the story of Narcissus. He first introduces the seer Tiresias and then the nymph Liriope who gives birth to an exceptionally beautiful son who she named Narcissus. His father was the river god Cephisus, who forced the nymph into his stream and made her pregnant. When Tiresias was asked if Narcissus would have a long life he replied ‘Yes, if he does not come to know himself.’
I visit often, so just throwing out some well-deserved support. Always look forward to your posts — fascinating selection of topics/books and consistently insightful.
You know, sometimes I wonder if my topics are interesting enough, even though to me they are fascinating. I always follow my gut, so thank you for confirming that this is the right thing to do. Your words of encouragement are very welcome and helpful to me.. Do stick around!