The primary difference is that narcissism or NPD is a personality disorder and having a superiority complex isn't. The essence of narcissism is the inability to value other human beings due to being completely self-absorbed. It is egocentrism that goes as far as viewing people only in terms of whether they reinforce or erode the narcissist's ego. Narcissists are unable to form sensible relationships because they lack any appreciation for what others might have meant to them in the past or will mean to them in the future. Those suffering from an inferiority complex, on the other hand, are capable of rightly valuing and appreciating others and often do so. Their sense of superiority comes from their perception of bettering the achievements or capabilities of others to which they are constantly comparing themselves. People with a superiority complex constantly overemphasize and overate their own accomplishments and may act in ways that are condescending towards others. Narcissists tend to view the world in terms of themselves, people with a superiority complex are much more aware of the people around them but experience the constant need to feel and appear superior to everyone else.

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