Egocentric people are rampant in today's society. We find them everywhere, and it is not at all beneficial for anyone in particular, not even for them, to go through life full of limitations resulting from a disoriented behavior with respect to the environment in which they exist. 

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Let's remember that we're talking about people riddled with superiority complexes, who, without truly understanding it, damage the very fabric of their own existence. They are conceited, boastful, and perhaps even foolish and capricious, believing the world revolves around them. Ultimately, what's truly sad is that many of them live perhaps among us, and day after day they try to convince us of their authority on matters as important as social conduct. My advice is to ignore them. Only then will they realize that the world doesn't revolve around them. 

 

However, what is truly regrettable is that their insecurities lead them to believe they are capable of carrying out certain public or private actions, such as becoming leaders of some political, corporate, social or religious group, or of some sports team, in addition to trying to excel in the jobs where they are employed, in the neighborhoods where they reside, or in universities and other venues where they study or attend, and at the same time, they expect everyone to believe that they are intelligent, talented and that without them many of the projects in which they are involved would not work, therefore, they believe that they should be given the corresponding homage.

 

If egocentric individuals are male, they want to make others of their gender—and sometimes even women—understand that they are above social prejudices and, therefore, cannot be stopped or limited in any way. Of course, and following the same line of thought, they should also not be criticized—however measured—nor should any attempt be made to impose any other barriers they might think of. They are who they are, period! Of course, reality is far removed from such personal pronouncements by these individuals. 

 

In the case of egocentric women, it's slightly different. They appear conceited from a distance, at least from the perspective of a good observer whose judgment isn't compromised. Perhaps that's why they're treated with such care, to avoid a sharp or unbearably humorous response. 

 

Many women are unaware that they are being possessed by that trait that stifles so many human beings: "egocentrism." In them, this trait is often tempered by a socially astute, shrewd, and perhaps even diplomatic air. But, unfortunately for them, they cannot completely hide the gnawing resentment they feel at not being accepted as they believe they are and should be, and there begins an endless farce with their own conscience.

 

However, egocentrism in both genders draws everyone's attention simply because it's not so prevalent in the human value system. Perhaps it's precisely because they are the minority that they stand out in the social arena, and every single person notices that these are people infected with a sometimes detestable germ that they can't rid themselves of with half-hearted appearances. Egocentric individuals must delve into the depths of their values ​​and temper their projections as much as possible, showing others that they are rebuilding their personalities, that they are just like everyone else, even if they need time to validate their future possibilities. And yet… should we believe them?

 

We know of cases where it's pointless to persist. Egocentrics of both sexes are boastful to the core. They are petulant precisely because of their ostentatious mannerisms, which they use to belittle others. And woe betide them if they are leaders or aspiring leaders. There is nothing more detestable than someone who believes themselves superior when they are not, and who at every turn tries to demonstrate their supposed superiority, a superiority they imagine exists only in their mind.

Unfortunately, there they are: men and women, leaders and fanatics. Constantly looking in the mirror to check—from their perspective, of course—the physical attributes they believe adorn them. Or perhaps enraptured by a recording of some public event in which they participated as leaders or guests, presenters, or simply as speakers. After all, perhaps they are even worthy of pity. Imagine how sad it must be for an individual with an absolute lack of common sense to go through life living in a space that doesn't belong to them, but which they want to usurp at all costs. 

 

And on our journey toward infinity, we stumble upon—perhaps—the worst of all egocentrics: millionaires. Not all of them, of course, but those conceited individuals, burdened by their wealth, who suffer from this affliction and have insatiable delusions of grandeur—perhaps the product of a spoiled and pampered childhood and adolescence—overshadow the good deeds of those men and women as wealthy as they are who have overcome this complex or who never suffered from it, and whose egos, therefore, are in harmony with the society around them. These are the ones I'm referring to, who make enormous donations to hospitals, schools, universities, nursing homes, shelters for homeless children, charitable foundations of all kinds, and a host of other institutions that need capital to function rationally.

 

My recommendation for evaluating them is that we must set aside our prejudices and analyze in depth and with the utmost fairness all those who seem egocentric. Perhaps they aren't so bad after a measured and unbiased examination, and above all, with the best intentions of winning them over to the society in which we live. 

 

Perhaps life is relatively short for such purposes, but nothing is lost by trying. With a positive decision on our part, we might be able to help those with such deplorable complexes improve their attitude toward others and coexist peacefully with us. There's no doubt that a well-articulated conversation, empathy, and a willingness to help our neighbors—in this case, the egocentric ones—may ultimately allow us to navigate life with a clear conscience, the kind that comes from the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled.

 

Until then: good luck!