Is Narcissism Really That Prevalent?

[maycocksean]

Originally Posted by nbcrusader

A few years back, my wife mentioned to her doctor that she was training for a marathon. She was use to very intellectual conversations with her doctor. The doctor simply stated that marathons were narcissistic – a comment that was somewhat of a surprise.

Was running a marathon a narcissistic exercise? As we talked about it, we discovered some truth in his statement. Anyone can challenge themselves to a long run. Creating, working towards and achieving goals are a good and healthy thing. But does it need to be done in a public spectacle with awards and entertainment? Was the marathon a personal challenge or something to be worn as a badge of honor for others to see (with a 26.2 decal on the car bumper, for example)?

I was curious as to whether you and your wife had that conversation before or after she completed the marathon, because I can tell you, at least in my experience there is nothing narcissistic about completing a marathon.

It's way too difficult to be simply about the "awards and entertainment." When I was out there at mile 18 or 19, "the badge of honor" was the last thing on my mind. Being justifiably proud of accomplishing something that took every ounce of willpower you had, I don't think is unreasonable. So while, I don't have the 26.2 sticker on my car, I sure don't fault those people who do.

[Jive Turkey]

Oh, I suppose you want us to shower you with admiration now, Sean?

[PhilsFan]

I recently read an article saying Gladwell largely got the 10,000 hours thing wrong.

[Jive Turkey]

Originally Posted by PhilsFan

I recently read an article saying Gladwell largely got the 10,000 hours thing wrong.

That wouldn't surprise me

[jeevey]

Was it more or less?

[Jive Turkey]

I would guess the general concept is wrong.

[jeevey]

I meant, what did the article say? Is there a source to check out?

[MissMoo]

Here's a link to an article about the 10000 hour rule not being true http://healthland.time.com/2013/05/2...ter-after-all/ Hope it works!

[Jive Turkey]

Thanks MissMoo

This is pretty much what I'm saying

He says his research does not support “the egalitarian view that anyone who is sufficiently motivated can become an expert.” However, “the silver lining here is that if people are given an accurate idea of their abilities, they can select activities where they actually have a realistic chance of becoming expert through deliberate practice.”

[jeevey]

There may be a little misunderstanding of Gladwell's work going on here, since an important part of his concept was being gifted enough. I didn't get the impression he meant that aptitude doesn't matter at all, but that aptitude is not sufficient on its own, and extra aptitude doesn't always equal better success when not connected to the time and crucial opportunities.

It's interesting that as a general thing our culture does not encourage the sort of dedication that earns mastery unless someone has already demonstrated exceptional talent. We pretty quickly conclude that it's not worth putting in the time because we don't have the natural gifts to be Tiger Woods or Mozart or whatever. But the narcissism trend continues. So we have lots and lots of people who feel unreasonably confident about themselves but have never really pushed themselves to the limit and have no idea what they are actually capable of.

[Jive Turkey]

Originally Posted by jeevey

But the narcissism trend continues. So we have lots and lots of people who feel unreasonably confident about themselves but have never really pushed themselves to the limit and have no idea what they are actually capable of.

This is a bit of a platitude. Who are these unreasonably confident people you're talking about?

[AEON]

Originally Posted by Jive Turkey

This is a bit of a platitude. Who are these unreasonably confident people you're talking about?

I have to agree with Jive. I am still an Army Reserve officer and I see new kids come into service on a monthly basis - some are confident, most aren't. These are kids in their late teens.

My civilian career is in IT, so I do see a few more prima donna's show up, but it is only a matter of time until they're put into their place by more senior engineers.

Since Generation X, we have learned to adapt to rapidly changing trends (from t

[LemonMelon]

Originally Posted by AEON

Since Generation X, we have learned to adapt to rapidly changing trends (from t

I think the government took out AEON

[deep]

I'm sorry
I had to report him

[LemonMelon]

Damn, that feature is efficient now. Good to know that the mods are willing to listen

[Jive Turkey]

Maybe he got raptured?

[AEON]

LOl - sorry about that. It seems the NSA had a few questions about the thread on the Holographic Universe - they wanted to make sure people couldn't send encrypted emails through the various wormholes.

Actually - I was going to add something else and forgot to delete that last part before I hit "post" - then I left.

[AEON]

Originally Posted by Jive Turkey

Maybe he got raptured?

That would be so awesome, but I don't think it's going to be that easy for me.

[PhilsFan]

Originally Posted by jeevey

I meant, what did the article say? Is there a source to check out?

Interview with David Epstein: How Athletes Get Great | Books | OutsideOnline.com

[jeevey]

Originally Posted by Jive Turkey

This is a bit of a platitude. Who are these unreasonably confident people you're talking about?

It's a bit of a platitude based on observing reporting on the subject for the past few years. Here are returns one through five of a google search of the words, "narcissism, rise". Jean Twenge is a prominent researcher and author on the subject; one of the links is a supportive profile of her book, another is critical.

The Internet 'Narcissism Epidemic' - Bill Davidow - The Atlantic

Narcissism Is On the Rise In America - Newsweek and The Daily Beast

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/06/sc...anted=all&_r=0

Me, me, me! America’s ‘Narcissism Epidemic’ - today > books - booksmiscellaneous - TODAY.com

Dr. Jim Taylor: Narcissism: On the Rise in America?