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.
How to Cope with 3 Types of Narcissism (with Dr. Ahmed Fouad, Starts 05:30)
Professor Sam Vaknin discussed narcissism, its origins, and its impact on individuals and society. He emphasized that narcissism is a post-traumatic condition and a survival strategy, and that society rewards narcissistic behaviors. He also explained the special relationship between narcissists and borderlines, and the concept of interjection. In terms of treatment, he mentioned that no treatment modality has been effective with narcissism and proposed a therapy called “therapy” that involves retraumatization. He also provided strategies for dealing with narcissists and protecting children from their behavior. Finally, he expressed the need for peace and collaboration in the Middle East.
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.
Manipulative Histrionic Craves Attention: HPD Misconceptions Debunked (Literature Review)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses histrionic personality disorder, emphasizing its attention-seeking behaviors and exaggerated emotionality. He reviews recent studies that challenge traditional perceptions of the disorder, including its gender bias in diagnosis and its connection to other mental health issues such as eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, and substance abuse. The lecture also explores the influence of adverse childhood experiences on histrionic personality traits and their association with impulsivity and alcohol use severity. Overall, the emerging picture of histrionic personality disorder suggests a complex interplay of power dynamics, emotional regulation, and attention-seeking behaviors.
Criminalize Narcissistic Abuse? (with Dr. Yana Greenberg, Be Honest Podcast)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of narcissism, distinguishing between clinical narcissism and societal narcissism. He explains that narcissism can be defined in multiple ways, including as a mental illness, a social problem, or an organizing principle of society. Vaknin emphasizes the importance of criminalizing narcissistic abuse and provides practical advice on how to recognize and protect oneself from narcissistic behavior. He also discusses the covert narcissist and the potential for narcissistic behavior to worsen or change as individuals age.
Dispatches from the End of the World (Technoculture with Federica Bressan)
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the psychology of the metaverse and its potential impact on human behavior. He argues that the metaverse represents a commodification of reality and a shift towards a more narcissistic and psychopathic society. Vaknin believes that the metaverse will exacerbate existing societal problems, such as victimhood, paranoia, and conspiracy theories, and that people will be drawn to the metaverse as a form of escapism from the unbearable realities of the world. He also expresses concern about the breakdown of intergender relations and the decline of intimacy and community in modern society. Vaknin suggests that the metaverse may offer an attractive alternative to the current state of the world, which he describes as the worst period in human history due to the lack of support and the prevalence of global challenges.
Why Narcissist Never Listens to YOU? (Hint: Because he CAN’T: Attentional Narrowing)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of attentional narrowing and hyper focus in narcissism. He explains that narcissists suffer from dissociation, memory gaps, and amnesia, which are not fully explained by dissociation. Attentional narrowing is a serious problem for narcissists, as their attention is focused on obtaining narcissistic supply and maintaining grandiosity, leading to a lack of attention for others and the environment. Hyper focus and attentional narrowing are also observed in other mental health conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and psychopathy. These phenomena are associated with heightened emotional arousal and a drive to withdraw from negative emotions. The lecture emphasizes the negative impact of attentional narrowing on self-control and the ability to focus on relevant information.
Psychology of War Criminals (TalkTV with Petrie Hosken)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the transformation of individuals in war, attributing it to psychological defense mechanisms and fear. He explains how bonding with the enemy and the breakdown of ethical consensus lead to abnormal behavior and the commission of war crimes. Vaknin emphasizes the role of conformity and peer pressure in war, but also highlights the potential for individuals to resist committing war crimes. Overall, he stresses the complexity and ugliness of war, acknowledging that not all soldiers commit war crimes despite the pressures to do so.
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.
How Narcissist Misperceives YOUR Intimacy, Love (with Conor Ryan, Eyes Wide Open, EXCERPT)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the dynamics of intimate relationships with narcissists. He explains that narcissists are incapable of perceiving others as separate from themselves and can only form relationships with internal constructs of others in their minds. They use external regulation and projection to maintain their self-image and avoid shame. The narcissist’s concept of love is actually narcissistic elation, a merging and fusing with a mother figure that affirms their grandiosity. Narcissists choose partners based on what they can provide, such as sex, services, safety, and object constancy, rather than who they are as individuals. The victims of narcissistic abuse often struggle to accept this reality and may resort to narcissistic defenses to cope.