Narcissist’s False Self: Sublime or Sublimation?
Sand Baknne linked the false self in narcissistic pathology to the concept of sublimation, arguing the false self functions as a sublimatory channel that redirects traumatic, aggressive, and depressive energies into socially acceptable, exaggerated goals. He contrasted Freud’s and Lacan’s conceptions of sublimation, emphasizing its narcissistic focus—where individuals internalize societal norms not out of morality but to maximize personal benefit—and argued the false self is a phase transition that bypasses formation of a true, integrated self. The false self thus appears as a pro-social mask and coping strategy that preserves surface normality while impairing reality testing, driving manipulative behaviors and grandiosity. Narcissist’s False Self: Sublime or Sublimation?
