Narzißmus als Doppelrichtung

The essay opens by tracing how Freud repurposed the ancient notion of narcissism, turning it from a simple reference to auto‑eroticism into a pivotal concept that bridges self‑preservation and libidinal desire. It explains that narcissism is not confined to an early developmental stage but persists as a structural thread weaving through every phase of psychic life, constantly intertwining ego‑drives with sexual energy. By examining the blurred boundaries between self‑love and the wider libidinal field, the author highlights the tension at the heart of psychoanalytic theory: when the self‑oriented and other‑oriented forces merge, they create a “double‑direction” that resists easy definition.

Building on this foundation, the text invites listeners to follow a careful analysis of the term’s dual nature, showing how the interplay of inner drives shapes both healthy self‑maintenance and pathological fixations. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the distinction between the two aspects of narcissism, lest we reduce a complex therapeutic problem to mere vanity. The discussion remains grounded in Freud’s original framework while opening space for contemporary reflection on how self‑relating continues to influence mental life.