Vain hope
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Self-love is a many splendored thing. We sort of knew that, of course, but there's nothing like solid scientific evidence to confirm our homespun suspicions that those in high office do not always have the talents to match their lofty positions.
Internal links
Self-love is a many splendored thing. We sort of knew that, of course, but there's nothing like solid scientific evidence to confirm our homespun suspicions that those in high office do not always have the talents to match their lofty positions.
So we should be grateful to Professor Roy Baumeister, of Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio. He has travelled all the way to the British Psychological Society's conference in Blackpool to tell us that those who adore themselves do better than their saner colleagues. That ineffable sense of self-importance, that effortless air of superiority, that irritating self-confidence, these are the natural characteristics of the narcissist and, it would seem, become highly prized in crises. Narcissists also make excellent first impressions. All this, no doubt, only serves to increase their tendency to adore themselves and reinforces their tendency to outperform their more modest colleagues. It wasn't like this in Ovid.
All very depressing, but it is at least proof, at last, that the meek shall inherit the earth, but only if they get there before the vain.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments