Thank you Larken,
I was born 1959 and raised by psychopaths to endure the duality of prison at "home" and "school". Therefore I have never indulged in trust of "grown-ups" and that best practice of focused misanthropy continues in the present moment. It follows that I can't pretend to empathize with folks who were indoctrinated in a normal (popular) home environment and may believe society has devolved more narcissistic. In my perception 99.99% of the human race is pure scum by choice and likely always has been. Furthermore I expect mankind will accept extinction before enlightenment, and perhaps the "enhanced cultural narcissism" perception you've accepted is simply an internalized recognition by cult members that they have nothing left to lose.
As music is the nearest thing I have to a religion I'll share two videos that address the opportunity for individuals to choose to "be great" or enjoy their confusion as they write their "Epitaph" on the wall.
Woodchuck Pirate
aka Raymond J Raupers Jr USA
woodchuckpirate.com