The psychology of egotism and insecurity

Megalomania and inferiority complex often come hand in hand with each other. In fact, it is very rare for one to be found without the other.

Megalomania is essentially when one has a delusion about their own power or importance.

And inferiority complex is usually seen as the exact opposite — when one has a deep rooted feeling of their own inadequacy. Or insecurity about a certain trait (real or imagined — physical or emotional)

But the truth is, all such polarities in the human psyche are inextricable linked. In fact, they are latent in all of us to varying degrees. Just the same as anger and love, or happiness and sadness.

It is just that, in a more balanced personality, these polarities of emotion are able to be integrated. Meaning that they remain part of a wider psyche, but do not manifest in extremes.

Whereas, in less balanced personalities, we tend to see people becoming “one sided” in their persona.

And in that sense, we can start to believe that this person is “completely” egotistical . . . or, alternatively, “entirely” without confidence.

But in reality, the human psyche is very much in line with Newton’s famous law — for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

So if one personality trait manifests itself so much externally — then, by nature, we need to realise that the opposite trait is manifesting itself just as strongly somewhere…