A Characteristic Human Trait

Gods were present in all of Greek mythology but in “Echo and Narcissus” it is obvious how Juno is used as a god with feelings of revenge and desire resulting in her conclusion of sentencing Echo. “When Juno discovered it, she passed sentence upon Echo in these words: “You shall forfeit the use of that tongue with which you have cheated me, except for that one purpose you are so fond of—reply. You shall still have the last word, but no power to speak first.” ”

Using Echo’s story, Greek mythology is able to describe a phenomenon. The character of Echo is used as a tool for people to understand the nature of this natural phenomenon. “With that she is still ready to reply to any one who calls her, and keeps up her old habit of having the last word.” Greeks science is in part saved and preserved through their mythology which is an immortal proof of their scientific achievements.

Self-absorption has always been a problem in our society. We are not capable to accept another’s special and unique traits if it isn’t beneficial to our personal goals and wants. There is no other better example as that of Narcissist, who wasn’t able to see greater beauty than that in himself. “He fell in love with himself.” It wasn’t beneficial for him to accept Echo’s love and admiration for him but as he finds beauty in himself he accepts that if he was pretty enough for the Nymphs why wouldn’t he for another creature? “ “Why, beautiful being, do you shun me? Surely my face is not one to repel you. The nymphs love me, and you yourself look not indifferent upon me.” He shows one of human’s problematic characteristic of believing that one is the best and the only beauty there is. Our society teaches us to believe other’s comments only if they are beneficial and necessary, we are not open to positive criticism or any other type of opinion.
It is a lot easier to be a narcissist than to live a conscious, inclusive life where one is aware of self and others in a harmonious, fair but creative way.
Reaching an equilibrium between self and others and not just echoing what society tells us to be is what life is all about, its pain and its pleasure.