Selfishness Vs. Disorders

the characteristic of regarding oneself and one’s own opinions or interests as most important. The term derives from the Greek egô, meaning “I.” An egocentric person has no theory of mind, cannot “put himself in other people shoes,” and believes everyone sees what he sees (or that what he sees in some way exceeds what others see.)

The hard thing about doing theatre in any way, is you are constantly selling yourself. You have to build an ego to some degree. If you didn’t think you were talented, then why would anyone walk into an audition. Each person walks into that room thinking they are the best person for that role. The humble person can do this as well as recognize others talents. There is a difference between saying I am the best, and I’m one of the best. You must know your strengths and weaknesses. You must also accept defeat. You can never land every role, you can’t be the only one ever to play a role, and there will always be someone better.

Talent is also very subjective. I know there are a lot of people who think I am an amazing artist. I also know there are just as many people who think the complete opposite. I recognize their opinion and accept it. However, I think all the hardships of the arts lead more people to become selfish and narcissistic. I see more and more people who clearly care more for themselves then almost everything around them. It saddens me. Especially because I don’t feel anyone ever does this on purpose. I think if more people knew how they sounded at times and how they affected others, they may reanalyze their actions. I also truly believe others can not be cured. It’s a mindset, not a disease. Something they don’t see, refuse to see, and will never change.

So how many selfish acts do you have to commit before being pegged as a Narcissist? It’s all subjective. I mean a selfish act to one human being could mean something else to thirty others. There are extremes. The ones willing to please and help, and the others willing to do what they can for themselves. Everyone fits somewhere on that spectrum. It’s just a matter of where. I see it all over. I see it in the work place, shows, with friends, with family, even with animals. I have become aware. Though, as I said, it’s subjective. So how do you determine the extremity of actions. When does something matter to you and when does it not? Where is the line drawn? When do you have a disorder, when are you acting rationally and when are you just an asshole?