I am unable to deal with the amount of suffering in the world. Not just in general and distant things I cannot do anything with, but also local suffering, like a neighbor being abused or family members struggling. I am so tired of thinking about other people struggling, as it makes my mental health terrible.
What are some books that can make me more narcissistic, more selfish? Better at ignoring the suffering of others?
It feels morally wrong asking about this and this is why I've put this off so long, because it feels wrong not to care. But this is causing depression and generally makes me unable to be happy.
Thank you.
by MentalDespairing
9 Comments
same problem, mate
Maybe not EXACTLY what you are looking for but The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene talks about the human capacity for inter-dynamic struggle for power, whether you realize it or not. Its actually the second most banned book in prisons because of its ability to instruct manipulation. I only recommend this in your scenario because perhaps understanding power dynamics and where you can grow within them may help?
No More Mr Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover
It’s not you, it’s the world. There is much pain in this world. Politicians are often cold and narcissistic people. But you don’t need to be an idiot to find coping strategies. Read the Stoics, for example, like Seneca or Marcus Aurelius.
Shakespeare has a streak of misanthropy in him. He understood humans but didn’t like them.
Try Timon of Athens.
I’m not religious but there is a quote I often think of.
In the Book of Thomas Jesus is recorded as saying: “Be passers-by”.
I think about that when I pass cats on the street.
Perhaps some inner work on boundaries and self care? I recommend Boundaries, where you end and I begin by Anne Katherine.
I hate to suggest this because I don’t like encouraging selfishness. But if that’s what you want: **Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche**. The philosophy in the book has been used (unfairly imho) to justify all kinds of selfish behavior.
Definitely try Ayn Rand. Her fiction often centers on people who have to focus on themselves in a failing corrupt world.