Citation

Frank JD. Am. J. Psychiatry 1984; 141(11): 1343-1348.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

6496777

Abstract

The growing danger of a nuclear holocaust has intensified two aspects of the human predicament that concern both religion and psychiatry: the inevitability of death and the disastrous consequences of the characteristic termed "pride" by theologians and "narcissism" by psychiatrists. For the first time, humans have power to exterminate themselves and death threatens all ages equally. Pride of power causes leaders to exaggerate their ability to control nuclear weapons; moral pride leads to demonizing enemies. The author considers implications for psychiatrists and clergy, with special reference to preventing a nuclear holocaust.

Language: en