(Philosocom's Directory on Heroism)
(Synopsis of the game in question)
The idea for this specific article came from a refreshing, watery-mouthed feeling of sadness. After reaching a deep insight, I think I finally understand why I may be seen as a narcissist myself. I apologize for that impression. I'll see to it that I learn from my former lack of awareness...
That insight came from a certain character from my childhood. Since my English was very poor back then and no translation was available for this medium, I think I now understand how a narcissist's mind works.
The narcissist is not only an egomaniac, correct? He also lives in great anxiety, for he might not be good enough, unconsciously... To prove to himself that he is worthy, he begins to develop a delusional sense of self-worth. Unable to admit his own insignificance, he seeks his much-needed mental work elsewhere. Substitutes.
Where? In cults, in fan bases, and in high positions of power. You might think highly of him as well, but that? That might be just a trick he does for others, just to trick himself.
After all, if he tricks you, you can also trick him with the same trick. The trick of being far grander than reality. By deceiving you, you can only enhance the narcissist's own delusions.
(I think this is called an "echo chamber", in current terminology.)
In today's missive, we will inspect a special case. A sci-fi version of Narcissus, the deranged man from Greek mythology who became insanely obsessed with himself.
The name of that "version" is Captain Quark. The all-mighty "superhero" with no superpowers, from the franchise "Ratchet and Clank".
Specifically, we will be analyzing the second medium, "Going Commando" (funny, I know).
The media piece tells the story of a highly regarded deceiver who impersonates the CEO of a galaxy-wide corporation. "Megacorp" also poses as that galaxy's government.
(He just disguised himself as the CEO and put the real one in some broom closet. I'm serious.)
To redeem himself after destroying his own reputation, Captain Quark devised a scheme. By releasing an unstable bio-project into the galaxy and using a certain device to eliminate that threat, he'll return to stardom.
The purpose of that trick is, essentially, to gain a loyal fanbase in a new galaxy.
(That's because, he ruined his own reputation by selling a dangerous invention in his original galaxy. What does that invention do? Look at this article's picture.)
That "bioweapon" in question was intended to be a genetically engineered pet called the Protopet. While this product was intended to be profitable, all it did was take and abuse countless lives across the galaxy. Entire populations were decimated by that dysfunctional product.
After all, Quark is a "hero". To create and ensure that image, he just needed a threat that wasn't there before. A threat who would be destroyed by his "flashlight of justice". A threat whose existence could've been avoided.
(He actually used that phrase, "flashlight of justice.".)
However! His scheme failed yet again due to his own stupidity. The device, which was intended to defeat the "pets", has only made one even more dangerous upon a live demonstration of a single "pet".
That now giant protopet devoured the foolish narcissist. However, it was defeated by the true heroes of the story who came to save the day!
Said heroes were initially inspired by the infamous superstar. However, upon understanding this figure's true nature, they realized that they, the "average Joes", were in fact far greater heroes than this green ball of pretentiousness.
With the giant monster defeated, it vomited the impersonator with the mess-solving device.
(That device wasn't dysfunctional... It just had its batteries placed backward! Goddamit, Quark!)
With the device "fixed", it was used to neutralize all protopets, and Quark was punished.
(Got probed in an area unworthy to be referenced in Philosocom.)
What can we learn from this dum dum? We can learn how good it is that some narcissists are idiots and not exactly geniuses. We can learn from them that the desire to be approved isn't exactly a good excuse to turn whole planets into war zones.
We can also learn to be smarter when planning, but why should one improve a dangerous man's intelligence?
Finally, we can learn from him that maybe, just maybe, some humility can save one and others from mistakes they might regret deeply.
So yeah, I'll try to be a little humbler from now on. I don't really think anymore that the quest for external approval should be given high priority.
Why?
