Narcissism: Denial of the True Self Book

I picked up this book to see if it would help me understand my brother better. Granted, I'm not trained in psychology or psychiatry but when I read a description of narcissism as a borderline personality, it sure seems to fit my brother who is a very difficult person to be around.

Quotes the caught my eye:

"Narcissists do show a lack of concern for others, but they are equally insensitive to their own true needs..........Narcissists love their image, not their real self." p. 25

"The tendency to lie, without compunction, is typical of narcissists." p. 54

"......rigidity is associated with the suppression of feeling......movement is mechanical..........pose in a statuesque manner." p. 57

".......sadness and fear. They are singled out (sadness and fear) because their expression makes a person feel vulnerable. To express sadness leads to an awareness of loss and evokes longing. To long for someone or to need someone leaves the person open to possible rejection and humiliation. Not wanting or not feeling desire is a defense against possible hurt." p.75

"For narcissists, control serves the same function as power - it protects them from possible humiliation.......they have to make sure that there is no possibility that some other person will have control over them." p. 77

"Narcissistic rage" p.94

"A facade is really a mask which is characterized by its lack of aliveness........rather the absence of a look. The eyes are dull; no light shines through them; there is no expression of feeling." p.128

"Psychologically, the narcissists have a thick skin. They are relatively insensitive to other people and to themselves...........creating a rigid front that serves as a defense against the world but also isolates the individual." p.173

"Narcissists,.........can cope rather well, although they are unable to respond emotionally to situations. What they do is manipulate people and things......" p. 176

This book was written in 1985 and Lowen is definitely a follower of Freud with all of his sexual reading into behaviors. The Oedipal complex with how it is being applied to the behaviors in this book is a little out there for me. His talk of massaging his patients and making them kick and scream to "get in touch" with their feelings kind of made me laugh too!