Haunted: AI Inside My Mind
Narcissists experience a profound need for narcissistic supply, which is essential for their self-worth and identity; without it, they face disintegration akin to drug withdrawal. They often view themselves as machines, measuring their worth through performance and efficiency, while simultaneously feeling superior to those who express emotions. This detachment from reality leads to a life filled with grandiose fantasies and a disdain for routine, as they seek constant stimulation and validation from others. Ultimately, their inability to mature emotionally results in a cycle of alienation and self-inflicted isolation, leaving them feeling like a “sickly bird” that others instinctively avoid.
Narcissist Stalks Your Dreams, Nightmares
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of lucid dreaming and its application to the narcissist’s shared fantasy. He explains how the narcissist manipulates and entrains the victim into the shared fantasy, triggering repressed memories and emotional release. The lecture delves into the psychological impact of the shared fantasy, the role of dreams in processing trauma, and the brain’s response to threats and stress during sleep. Vaknin emphasizes the importance of paying attention to nightmares and dreams as they may provide insight and self-awareness to help individuals navigate the shared fantasy.
Magnetic Narcissists: Pathological Charisma
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of the charismatic magnetic narcissist, a type of narcissism that combines post-traumatic, reactive, and societal elements. He explains how the charismatic magnetic narcissist uses trauma, attention-seeking behavior, and conformity to societal norms to bond with and influence others. He also delves into the connection between narcissism and charisma, and how charisma can be compensatory for the narcissist’s sense of absence. Additionally, he explores the group dynamics and practical outcomes of charisma, ultimately linking charisma to narcissism.
Jews Hated by Woke Left and Alt-right Alike (with Conor Ryan, Eyes Wide Open)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the complex issues of anti-Semitism, the identity of being Jewish, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He highlights the historical and ongoing challenges Jews face, both in Israel and the diaspora, and the varying experiences of Jews depending on their geographic upbringing. Vaknin also touches on the concept of Jewishness as both a racial/biological and cultural/religious identity. He criticizes the Israeli response to the October 7th attacks and suggests that Israel’s actions are endangering Jews worldwide by fueling anti-Semitism. He calls for humility and compromise as the way forward for Israel, emphasizing that power does not gain respect, but compromise and respecting others does.
Isolophilia: Healthy Love of Solitude (Solophilia)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of “isophilia,” which refers to the love of solitude as a lifestyle choice. He distinguishes isophilia from mental health issues such as depression, narcissism, and schizoid personality disorder. Isophilia is described as a healthy choice, rooted in the preference for solitude due to the perceived shortcomings of social interactions. However, society often misunderstands and imposes its expectations on isophiles, leading to defensive and dysfunctional behaviors. Despite the challenges, isophilia is presented as a legitimate and adaptive behavioral strategy.
How Narcissist, Borderline Morph Into Each Other
Professor Sam Vaknin announces his extended appointment as a professor at CEOPS and his new role teaching management studies. He then delves into the debate on the relationship between narcissism and borderline personality disorder, discussing the views of prominent scholars and offering his own perspective. He explains how narcissism is a defense mechanism against the core problem of emotional dysregulation, and how both narcissism and borderline personality disorder involve dependency on others. He concludes that both disorders are on the same spectrum, with different solutions and defenses for the same core issue of emotional regulation.
DO THIS When Narcissist Talks to You!
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the importance of focusing on the motivation behind a person’s communication rather than the explicit content. He emphasizes the hidden text method and explains that narcissists communicate with specific goals in mind, such as impressing, confabulating, supporting grandiosity, and manipulating others. He highlights that the actual words spoken by narcissists are less important than understanding why they are communicating in a particular way. Additionally, he touches on the use of language to manipulate and brainwash others, particularly in the case of narcissists and psychopaths.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Vaknin: Lessons of a Life Ill-lived
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin reflects on his 63rd birthday and shares an interview he had with Scott Jacobson. He discusses the irrationality of celebrating birthdays and emphasizes the transient and meaningless nature of life. Vaknin also talks about his early life, the lessons he learned in different stages of life, and the decline of his physical and mental capabilities. He advises on career, ambition, and the importance of not compromising in one’s career. Ultimately, he expresses that he looks forward to death as the ultimate respite.
Malignant Covert Narcissist Becomes Primary Psychopath to Compensate for Collapse
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of malignant covert narcissism, a compensatory state that arises from the collapse of overt narcissism. He explains that covert narcissists develop a second layer of compensation, which is the malignancy, to counteract their feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. This malignancy is characterized by psychopathy, sadism, and auto-erotism, and it is more pronounced in covert narcissism than in overt narcissism. Vaknin suggests that malignant covert narcissism may be more common than previously thought and poses a greater danger to society due to its covert and invasive nature.
Complexes: Your Shadow’s Double Bind (Internal Rhetoric)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the constant dialogue and conflict within the psyche, leading to a state of double bind. He explains the concepts of complexes and shadow in Jung’s work, emphasizing their role as organizing principles in the inner psyche. Vaknin delves into the nature of double bind, the conditions for its existence, and its impact on mental health. He also explores the relationship between complexes, archetypes, and the unconscious, highlighting their influence on memory, identity, and behavior. Vaknin concludes by proposing that the psyche is in a constant state of dialogue and conflict, leading to the emergence of specific complexes.