There's a degree of narcissism involved in anything in show

Host: The lights in the studio flickered briefly before the set came alive again. Laughter from the audience echoed faintly in the distance, blending with the low murmur of conversations behind the scenes. Jack and Jeeny sat in the corner of a small café, sipping their drinks, the soft clink of cups and the hum of life around them creating a quiet backdrop to their conversation. They both looked out at the city, still bustling, yet the words of Stephen Colbert seemed to hang in the air like an unspoken truth.

Jack: “You know, Colbert is right in a way—there’s a certain narcissism in the show business world. But it’s not just about vanity, is it? It’s about the ego that drives someone to want to be heard. Like, why would anyone want to be out there, performing, if they didn’t think they had something important to say, right?”

Jeeny: “It’s true. Show business, especially the kind Colbert does, is all about attention. But it’s not just narcissism for the sake of vanity—it’s about the drive to have your voice heard, to connect with others in a way that goes beyond just being seen. You have to have that sense of self-worth in order to stand out in such a competitive world. Without it, you’d just disappear into the background.”

Jack: “Yeah, but doesn’t that make it hard to take people seriously sometimes? I mean, the whole world of show business is built on these larger-than-life personalities who crave attention. Can you really trust someone who’s constantly feeding their ego to deliver something real?”

Jeeny: “I get your point, but I think you’re overlooking the value of ego in this context. It’s not always a bad thing. Colbert isn’t saying that narcissism is the problem; he’s saying that to do something as visible as being a public figure, you need to believe you have something that others should listen to. Ego in this case becomes a tool—it drives the creativity, the ability to stand in front of millions and say, ‘Hey, pay attention to me.’ Without that confidence, without that self-belief, you wouldn’t get the kind of entertainment that makes people think, makes them laugh, or even challenges them.”

Jack: “But doesn’t it become dangerous? I mean, ego unchecked can lead to the kind of self-obsession that clouds judgment, makes someone put their own needs above the greater good. How many celebrities do we see disregard what their platform could do for others because they’re too caught up in themselves?”

Jeeny: “That’s true, but isn’t that true of any power? The question isn’t about whether ego exists; it’s about how it’s managed. Ego can be the driving force behind someone who wants to make a difference, to have a voice that cuts through the noise. But like anything, it needs to be grounded in something bigger than just personal gain. Colbert, for example, uses his ego to bring humor and truth to the table. He’s not just standing up there for himself; he’s using his platform to talk about issues that matter.”

Jack: “So, you think ego can be used for good? That a healthy ego can be the source of something positive, something impactful?”

Jeeny: “Absolutely. Confidence is essential. Without ego, you’d never step out in front of an audience, you’d never speak your truth, or share your talent. It’s not the ego itself that’s the issue; it’s how you wield it. People want to be heard, they want their ideas to matter. And sometimes, ego is the fuel that pushes them to make those ideas happen.”

Host: The city noises outside soften as the conversation between Jack and Jeeny deepens. Their words float in the air, echoing with a new understanding about ego, ambition, and the personal drive that fuels so many in the world of entertainment. The room, warm and quiet, reflects the stillness of the moment.

Jack: “I suppose ego is just a tool, then. It’s what drives someone to put themselves out there, to take the risks that others might shy away from. Without that drive, you wouldn’t have the kind of entertainment that challenges our ideas, or even makes us laugh at ourselves.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Ego, when used correctly, doesn’t just serve the person—it serves everyone else. It’s about sharing something you believe is valuable enough to be heard. And in that sense, narcissism isn’t just a flaw—it’s the spark behind something great.”

Host: The light outside shifts as the conversation reaches its natural pause. The world continues, each person carrying with them the ego and the drive to make a mark. In the quiet of the café, Jack and Jeeny share a mutual understanding that ego, when guided by purpose and self-awareness, is not just about seeking attention—it’s about using your voice to connect, to challenge, and to offer something meaningful to the world.