The Culture of Narcissism — Why Are We Becoming More Self-Obsessed?

This is NOT an online meeting but an in-person meeting.
Meeting in English.
Reading the book is not required.

During the book discussion the leader of the discussion presents the most interesting parts of the book. The great emphasis is placed on discussion.

Book Description
What happens to a society when people become increasingly focused on themselves, their personal fulfillment, and their own psychological needs?

In The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations, Christopher Lasch examines changes in American culture and society that, in his view, encourage narcissistic patterns of behavior. He connects the rise of narcissism not simply to individual personality, but to broader changes in family life, work, politics, education, consumer culture, and social relationships.

Lasch argues that modern society increasingly weakens traditional sources of community, authority, continuity, and belonging while encouraging people to seek validation and security through consumption, self-development, and recognition from others. He presents narcissism as a social and cultural phenomenon rather than simply a clinical personality trait.

The book was published in 1979, long before social media and smartphones. Yet many of its themes — the search for recognition, the focus on the self, the decline of community, celebrity culture, and the increasing importance of image and personal identity — invite comparison with contemporary life.

At this event, we'll use Lasch's arguments as a starting point for a broader discussion about individualism, community, consumer culture, family, work, politics, social media, and the changing relationship between the individual and society.

Discussion Topics

• What does Lasch mean by “narcissism,” and how is it different from simply being selfish?
• Is narcissism primarily a personal psychological problem or a product of social conditions?
• Does modern individualism strengthen personal freedom, weaken community, or both? Why might people become increasingly dependent on external validation?
• What happens to society when traditional sources of community and belonging weaken?
• Does consumer culture encourage people to construct their identity through what they own and how others perceive them?
• How might Lasch's analysis apply to social media and the culture of personal branding?
• Which parts of Lasch's critique still describe contemporary society, and which parts no longer fit?