In part, I think today's emphasis on narcissism is just another way of saying that you need to pick your company carefully. If you read that previous sentence

In part, I think today's emphasis on narcissism is just another way of saying that you need to pick your company carefully. If you read that previous sentence carefully, there's a bit of a rhetorical edge to it. Self-absorption is a major component of, if not every human condition, certainly of human society. If you don't like where it's going, striking early is the best response. Don't let it take you there; don't lend it your power. To the extent you can, don't put up with the narcissistic boss. Don't let narcissistic friends and acquaintances dictate the agenda. If they want/choose to break out of that shell and engage in what you are doing and interested in, fine. Maybe they'll learn something. And then, when it's your turn, maybe the lesson will be a bit more gentle and strike a bit sooner, before you get too far down that path, yourself. If anything, today's world seems to be teaching this lesson less and less effectively than perhaps it should.