The protagonist reflects on the pervasive narcissism in contemporary society, acknowledging that while it is alarming, dwelling on it excessively is unproductive. He suggests that at its core, narcissism represents a form of love, primarily self-love, which, in contrast to hate, is a relatively positive force. Hate is seen as a less popular and less fulfilling sentiment in modern times, even if it still has its followers.

He considers the shift in focus among young men from aggressive ideologies like war and partisanship to cares more aligned with personal image and fashion. This change, he argues, indicates a societal evolution where the embrace of individualism and self-expression has replaced some of the more divisive attitudes of the past, suggesting a move towards a more benign preoccupation with self, rather than a harmful obsession.