The definition of Moral Narcissism is brought in early:
What is moral narcissism anyway? The short form is this: What you believe, or claim to believe or say you believe - not what you do or how you act or what the results of your actions may be - defines you as a person and makes you "good". It is how your life will be judged by others and by yourself.
If that isn't a perfect description of how many - if not most - in our society see themselves, I've not read anything closer.
But, the most dangerous part of that self-image is:
...those ideas and attitudes are "reflected" in the following narcissistic manner - if you intentions are good, if they conform to the general received values of your friends, family, and co-workers, what a person of your class and social milieu is supposed to think, everything is fine. You are that "good" person. You are ratified. You can do anything you wish. It doesn't matter in the slightest what the results of those ideas and beliefs are, or how society, the country, and in some cases, the world suffers from them. It doesn't matter that they misfire completely, cause terror attacks, illness, eath, riots in the inner city, or national bankruptcy. You will be applauded and approved of.
I think Simon has hit on something. It does seem to explain how people can simultaneously do the most awful things, and yet think of themselves as a moral actor. It allows people to display complete disengagement from the actual consequences of ruinous actions, and continued preening about their moral superiority. It has people replacing the hard work of improving life for their fellow Earth inhabitants, and replacing it with posturized chanting and posing for the cameras.
Sort of a Group Selfie, Duck Lips Optional, but 'revolutionary T-shirt and mask' required.
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