The highest value of selfhood is often held to be authenticity,[1]self realization or self actualization (i.e., Maslow). To be true to oneself is a morally preferred way to be and act in the world so as to be valued as a good person. But whoever holds this view must assume one of two things: a) That human nature is inherently good and  b) left to its own devices and uncorrupted by external influences we would develop the potential for achieving ‘the good life’ by choice alone.  But what is this ‘good life’, and who can say when it is occuring except the subject of it?

Given that at the basis of humanity may lie the horror of our evil potential, one could value and pursue what is evidently evil to others who may not have developed their ‘evil potential’ and therefore do not recognize it when they see it or even know they are under its influence or manipulation. Moreover, to be ‘true to oneself’ is something that is matter of consciousness, as so much of our person is invisible to others.

According to classical psychoanalysis, a person’s energies are largely directed at self-interests; the ego is the theoretical agency of this phenomena. But there is no reason not to suppose that human beings are evil at bottom; that left ‘uncorrupted’ by civilization they would be perfect killers, rapists and megalomaniacs. Morality and compassion are not given behaviour but may naturally occur for those who fear social ostracism and seek the love of another. But to do so is to expose one’s vulnerability to another person’s need to dominate and control them, thereby establishing (illegitimately it might be thought) their entitlement to higher goods and values as well as demanding because they believe they are deserving of the respect of others who are thus reconfirmed as below them in social status and power.

Narcissism is the basis of and the motive for the perceived self that we feel ourselves to be. The duality of good and evil, are based on judgement, positive and negative, moral actions in the social world. But in reality, any action could be performed in the service of either pole. Which means we rely on conscience or intersubjective dispositions – like belief in others’ veracity, trust, loyalty – to account for out adherence social bonding, rites and practices which are progressing toward a better life for all involved. Thus, the function of empathy, and the nature of identification are germane to the problem of overcoming the extremes of narcissistic pursuits – that is, to withdraw into one’s world of internal objects and cease action which contravene their sovereignty completely.