Thanks for this insightful post. I’m curious from a psychoanalytical pov —what is it about the characteristics of a malignant narcissist that allow them to reach such powerful positions and, maybe the real question is, why/how can the people surrounding malignant narcissists remain in denial of their danger?
Great questions! They often rise to power because their grandiosity (that shields their inner sense of emptiness and self-doubt) is mistaken for confidence, they're great at gaslighting and distorting the truth, and they are expert manipulators. These are just a few of the traits that come to mind. The people who follow them are often late to realize the truth about who they've decided to follow and have difficulty admitting they were wrong. And once they figure this out, they may be scared (for good reason) to distance themselves, as retaliation is sure to follow.
So objective, interesting and accurate, thank you!
Thank you, Katy!
Thanks for this insightful post. I’m curious from a psychoanalytical pov —what is it about the characteristics of a malignant narcissist that allow them to reach such powerful positions and, maybe the real question is, why/how can the people surrounding malignant narcissists remain in denial of their danger?
Great questions! They often rise to power because their grandiosity (that shields their inner sense of emptiness and self-doubt) is mistaken for confidence, they're great at gaslighting and distorting the truth, and they are expert manipulators. These are just a few of the traits that come to mind. The people who follow them are often late to realize the truth about who they've decided to follow and have difficulty admitting they were wrong. And once they figure this out, they may be scared (for good reason) to distance themselves, as retaliation is sure to follow.