You know what metaphor came to mind?

Dragon Ball franchise: "Emperor" Pilaf is asked by one of his henchmen what he planned to do once he took over the world. Turns out he hadn't gotten further than imagining himself simply standing on a balcony getting cheered at. That's it. That's the whole reason he wanted to take over the world, because he thought people would love him for it.

I think that's also The Brain's whole fucking grand plan, too ....

If dogs are dumb loyalists, and cats are vain, and this and that species is this and that, well, the hallmark of Man is his hubristic narcissism. It just manifests right at the surface with more individuals than you'd like to think.