I thought you would have a good answer. Just one step further....

I thought you would have a good answer. Just one step further. If the narcissist substitutes approval for love then how do they experience self-love?

"also the difference between brain thinking and mind" - would you call that metathinking? ie. the brain is the thinking tool which the mind observes.

Its great to find a book that enthralls. Unfortunately, I haven't read any Steinbeck since 'The Red Pony' in school. I'll put it on the reading list. I've been meaning to go back and reread Dune before the new movie is released.