Narcissism of Minor Differences (Elias Canetti)

The "Narcissism of Minor Differences" is a concept introduced by Elias Canetti, referring to how people often focus on small differences between themselves and others to create a sense of identity. Instead of uniting over shared experiences or beliefs, they emphasize trivial distinctions, which can lead to conflict or tension. This phenomenon is common in social groups, communities, or nations, where slight variations in behavior, culture, or ideology can escalate into significant rivalries or prejudices. Essentially, it highlights how minor differences can fuel in-group versus out-group dynamics, often overshadowing our more substantial commonalities.