Is Homosexuality Natural?
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the recent legalization of same-sex marriage and parenting in Greece, and the biological and environmental factors influencing homosexuality. He explores the presence of homosexuality in the animal kingdom and its potential evolutionary and biological advantages, suggesting that it may be a form of pleasurable sexual play and a mechanism for population dynamics. Vaknin emphasizes the need for greater tolerance and understanding of human sexual diversity, and the importance of studying biology in shaping societal attitudes towards sexuality.
Inside Mind of Murderous Narcissist (with Isla Traquair)
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the mind of a sexually sadistic killer, explaining that killing is the ultimate intimacy for this type of murderer. He describes the killer’s experience during the act of killing, the aftermath, and the psychological dynamics involved. He also delves into the different types of killers, such as psychopaths, narcissists, and impulse killers, and how their behaviors and motivations differ. Additionally, he touches on the concept of victimhood and its role in contemporary society.
Grandiosity, Idea Of Reference, Other, Apophenia, Pareidolia, Hostile Attribution, Confirmation Bias
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses grandiosity and its deconstruction. Grandiosity involves cognitive distortions, unconscious and conscious operations, and multiple biases and psychological processes. It includes ideas of reference, object apophenia, and social pareidolia. Grandiosity is a core element of pathological narcissism and involves a failure to perceive others as separate from oneself. The lecture also delves into the connection between grandiosity and delusions of reference, as well as the impact of hostile attribution bias and the development of delusions in narcissistic modification.
Can Addiction Be Helped? (Mexico City Lecture)
Professor Sam Vaknin introduces a new view of addiction, presenting five metaphors or narratives to understand addiction. He explains that addiction is a natural state of the brain and that the brain is an addiction machine. He argues that addiction is a positive adaptation as far as evolution is concerned. He suggests that addiction should be managed rather than eradicated and that healthy addictions should be encouraged as a way to substitute bad addictions. He emphasizes the need for a more realistic and humble approach to treating addiction.
Narcissist Not Thinking Straight: Cognitive Disorders (Distortion, Bias, Deficit)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses cognitive deficits, biases, and distortions, and their impact on thinking processes. He explains that cognition is not just about thinking, but also about knowledge and understanding the world. He delves into the ways in which cognition can go awry, leading to attribution errors, fantasy, and reality distortion, particularly in individuals with personality disorders like narcissism. He also explores various theories related to cognitive dissonance, self-affirmation, and emotional arousal, and how they contribute to the cognitive and emotional experiences of individuals with pathological narcissism.
When Narcissist Runs Out of Supply (Self-supply Compilation)
Narcissists exhibit a sense of sacrificial entitlement, believing that their presence in someone’s life is a privilege and a sacrifice on their part. This self-perception combines grandiosity with victimhood, as they see themselves as superior beings who are condescending to interact with others. This form of entitlement is a method of self-supply, reinforcing their grandiose self-image while also framing themselves as victims who are giving up their potential for the sake of others. Narcissists may use this mindset to justify expecting gratitude, obedience, and submission from those around them.
BEWARE! Narcissists, Psychopaths are Immoral, Amoral (Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the moral development stages proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg, which include pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional levels. He also delves into the work of other scholars such as William Damon, who proposed a theory based on Kohlberg’s stages. Vaknin emphasizes that narcissists and psychopaths are incapable of moral development due to their lack of empathy, emotional deficits, and impaired reality testing. He also critiques Kohlberg’s theory, highlighting the absence of emotions in moral reasoning and the rigid cognitive approach. Vaknin suggests that the inability of narcissists and psychopaths to progress through moral development stages has significant implications for society. He also discusses the work of other scholars who have critiqued and expanded upon Kohlberg’s theory.
Schizoid Personality and Schizoid Narcissism Bible (Compilation)
The schizoid personality is characterized by a preference for solitude, a lack of interest in social relationships, and a limited range of emotions. Schizoids are often perceived as aloof, indifferent, and uninterested in both sexual and social interactions. They are typically self-contained and may be seen as emotionally cold or flat. While some individuals may choose a schizoid lifestyle as a rational response to modern society’s demands, for others, it may be a manifestation of a pathological condition. The schizoid personality should not be confused with narcissism, although both may share certain features, such as disrupted object relations. However, the schizoid recognizes the externality of objects but has difficulty emotionally investing in them, while the narcissist does not perceive objects as external and instead forms relationships with internal objects. Schizoid behavior can be reactive and is sometimes misdiagnosed as narcissism. The schizoid’s detachment can be misconstrued as a cry for help or a sign of helplessness, and their self-sufficiency can be misinterpreted as strength. Relationships with schizoids can be challenging due to their asexuality and emotional detachment.
Loner’s Psychology: Mystery of Schizoid Personality (Intro to 6 Hour SEMINAR, link in description)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the schizoid personality in a nearly six-hour seminar, emphasizing the rationality of choosing a solitary lifestyle. He explores the overlap between narcissistic and schizoid behaviors, and the challenges and misconceptions in relationships with schizoids. The seminar delves into the impact of schizoid behavior on others and the potential attraction of schizoids to individuals with certain attachment styles and mental health pathologies. Vaknin also highlights the role of the schizoid personality as a bridge between psychotic and personality disorders.
Narcissist’s 8 Life Failures (Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of ego in psychoanalytic theory and its role in interfacing with reality. He explains the eight stages of psychosocial development proposed by Erik Erikson and applies them to narcissism, highlighting how narcissists fail to develop a cohesive identity and struggle with intimacy, creativity, and self-actualization. Ultimately, narcissists approach old age with despair, mourning their unfulfilled potential.