Child Man The Self-Less Narcissist

There is a part of us which neither listens to the voice of reason nor submit easily to social/moral conventions. Like a child, it relentlessly pursues whatever catches its fancy and keeps playing with fire. It can either help us actualize our heroic potential or put us on the road to self-destruction. Perhaps the key to this difference lies in what we do with our emotional/psychic wounds which are a necessary part of the growth process. The book explores the inner landscape of this part of our psyche through the mythological figures of Balarama, Duryodhana and Bhima. It also examines the present day context of human existence which has ironically enhanced both our prowess and helplessness and thereby pushed this part of ourselves into our psychic/social underbelly.

Part I. The story 1. The Three Protagonists 2. Duryodhana Speaks 3. Bhima Speaks 4. Balarama Speaks 5. Duyordhana Speaks 6. Balarama Speaks 7. Bhima Speaks 8. Duryodhana Speaks 9. Bhima Speaks 10. Balarama Speaks 11. Bhima Speaks Part II. Reflections 12. The Three Protagonists 13. Colours of Self-centricity 14. Child Man and the Age of Reason 15. Child Man and Gender Identity 16. Communion through Agency 17. Child Man and the "EQ-wallahs" 18. Road to Manhood 19. Child Man and Our Times 20. Befriending the Child Man Ashok Speaks

Ashok Malhotra specialises in organisational development and is based in Bangalore.