The Reflection in the Water-Bulfinch's Mythology Assignment 3

Narcissus is a myth that is the perfect example of mankind. Narcissus, a youth whom Echo so desperately loved was only interested in himself, in his own personal gain, in his own image. So much that it resulted in his death. We are narcissistic, self centered and selfish. This story is a reflection of our own image, when mankind looks into the silver stream they see Narcissus, they see themselves. We concern ourselves with only ourselves and our self gain that we end up ignoring the important things that are calling out to us. We are so distracted by our own “beauty” that we miss certain opportunities and things that otherwise could have helped us. “He stooped down to drink, and saw his own image in the water; he thought it was some beautiful water spirit living in the fountain. He stood gazing with admiration,” (pg. 126) this is the kind of race we have “evolved” and turned into. So many of us are that youth, staring at our own reflection, ignoring other things, ignoring people and ignoring ideas. This myth is telling us that there is more to life than just us. There is nature, other people, ideas, a whole world of opportunities that we may pursue. Narcissus missed his chance and died because of it; I’m not saying we will all die but I know it will not end well.