Alice Miller writes: There are large numbers of people who…
““Alice Miller writes: There are large numbers of people who suffer from narcissistic disorders, who often had sensitive and caring parents from whom they received much encouragement; yet these people are suffering from severe depressions. They enter analysis in the belief, with which they grew up, that their childhood was happy and protected. More often than not, these narcissistically deprived are talented, gifted, highly successful superachievers who have been praised and admired for their talents and achievements. Anyone looking at them on the outside would believe these people have it made. They appear strong and stable and full of self-assurance. This is not the case. Narcissistically deprived people do well in every undertaking and are admired for their gifts and talents, but they have a deep sense of emptiness and aloneness. Once the drug of grandiosity is taken away, as soon as they are no longer the stars and superachievers, they are plagued by deep feelings of shame and guilt.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People praised for achievement may hide deep emptiness; success masks underlying narcissistic deprivation and loneliness.
In simple terms: Success can hide inner emptiness.
Key Takeaway
Address inner wounds beyond external achievements.
Themes
success
narcissism
depression
emptiness
inner child
Mood
introspective
somber
Type
psychological
motivational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- journaling
- support groups
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑esteem
trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner needs remain unmet despite external success?
- How can you nurture authentic self‑worth?
A Different Perspective
Success alone cannot fill emotional voids.