The Pathology of Narcissism Surrounding Status

Asahi Shimbun Morning Edition, November 21, 1998

When a younger sister gets married before her older sister, or when a younger brother becomes company president before the eldest son, the pride—and thus the narcissism—of the older sibling is wounded. Jealousy can turn into resentment, and when that flares into a desire for revenge, a "family feud" begins.

When such dynamics enter the realm of corporate personnel decisions, it can escalate into petty fault-finding or even digging up scandals. Schemes and political maneuvering may ensue, sometimes leading to internal conflicts that destroy the organization’s productive energy. Some even argue that this is how the Roman Empire fell.

Those who are unable to act on their desire for revenge may instead fall into alcohol or gambling. These are signs of poor stress management, and such individuals may end up developing hypochondriasis or depression, eventually seeking psychiatric help. Since the underlying issue often involves narcissistic pathology—where one’s self-assessment far exceeds actual ability—treatment tends to be quite difficult.

The genius Mozart, who has continued to soothe hearts for more than 200 years, was the object of such jealousy. The 1984 film Amadeus opens with a scene of the second-rate composer Salieri, now in a mental institution, reflecting on his envy of Mozart’s talent—making the film a notable depiction of jealousy.

In the film, Mozart is portrayed as a frivolous talker with crude laughter, a playboy who neglects his family, indulging in alcohol and women. Yet he continues to produce one magnificent concerto and opera after another.

Salieri, in contrast, is serious-minded, unproductive, and uninspired. His pride prevents him from acknowledging Mozart’s brilliance, and he remains consumed by jealousy. He confesses that he commissioned Mozart to compose a Requiem, wearing him down and ultimately driving him to death—but whether that is true remains uncertain.

In the real world, the difference in talent between colleagues is rarely as stark as between Salieri and Mozart. Still, it is not uncommon for juniors to surpass their seniors and obtain higher positions.

One might say, “It’s merely a luxurious worry over something as trivial as a job title,” but the very fact that it doesn’t feel like a luxury may reveal a pathology of modern society. It was a film that illuminated that truth.