The bright face of narcissism and its shadowy depths. A few reflections

The author summarizes some of Grunberger's ideas on narcissism and certain of her own views on the subject. She stresses the fact that narcissism is almost always considered as being a hindrance to psychoanalytic treatment and a severe disorder. Without underestimating the dark and lethal face of narcissism that may lead the individual to hatred, aggression, destruction, suicide, and toward groups that attempt to annihilate the universe, she, following Grunberger, emphasizes the positive aspects of narcissism, especially in treatment, but also in other realms.