The author argues in favor of the notion that there is both theoretical and clinical value to the concept of a line of development of narcissism. Beginning in infancy and extending throughout the life of the individual there exists a group of experiences that can, in Lichtenberg's opinion, be meaningfully related to what one might call the narcissistic path of development. These experiences can be defined in terms of particular affects and fantasies and a special type of object relation and mode of perspective (that would include, for example, appropriate regard and concern for oneself).

Lichtenberg does not feel that, despite the advances in theory concerning the narcissistic path brought about through Kohut's work, one can yet claim to have assembled a complete line of development regarding the narcissistic path. Some details concerning mid-life crises have been worked out by Kernberg, as the author mentions, and others, concerning ageing, by Berezin. But