The myth of Narcissus is often interpreted as a cautionary tale against vanity and self-obsession, but this interpretation overlooks a deeper philosophical critique. Narcissus’s downfall is not merely a result of self-love but of a failure to recognize the distinction between the self and its reflection. His tragedy lies in mistaking the image for reality, a metaphor for the human tendency to confuse superficial appearances with true essence. Thus, the myth warns not against self-love per se, but against the illusion of self-knowledge and the dangers of being trapped in a superficial understanding of oneself. True self-awareness requires transcending mere reflection and engaging with the world authentically.