Creative Individual As Dark Personality
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the connection between creativity and mental illness, suggesting that mental illness may be a harbinger of creativity rather than intelligence. He explores the strategies that creative geniuses use to fit in with society, delves into the affinity between mental illness and creativity, and examines the shared genetic vulnerability framework of creativity and psychopathology. Vaknin also discusses the impact of the environment on creativity and mental illness, as well as the potential positive adaptation of mental illness for the species. He concludes by proposing that mental illness should not be stigmatized, as it has contributed to the advancements in science, art, and utility.
Women Who Hate Women, Men Who Love Them
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the rise of misogyny among women and the impact of the #MeToo movement. He explains that women are becoming more masculine, leading to a scarcity of eligible male partners and increased competition among women. Vaknin also explores the different types of masculinity in men and their reactions to changing gender roles. He emphasizes the need for new models and institutions to adapt to the evolving dynamics between men and women, warning that the lack of positive identity and vision for the future could lead to the downfall of the human species.
Dostoyevsky’s Beef With Psychology Path Towards Its Renaissance ( Congress Presentation)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s quarrel with psychology and how it contrasts with modern psychology. Dostoyevsky’s work delves into the human soul and the individual’s reaction to society, contrasting with the statistical and pseudo-scientific approach of modern psychology. Dostoyevsky’s characters struggle with morality, suffering, and the conflict between the pursuit of truth and the rejection of life. His use of symbolism and exploration of the self reflect his own inner conflicts and his commitment to truth. His characters’ inner fixity and rejection of life lead to a spiritual death, and his work serves as a critique of narcissism and the pursuit of perfection.
A-ha Moment, Gut Instinct, Insight, Knowledge, Intuition: Epistemology in Psychology
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses insight, intuition, gut instincts, aha moments, epiphanies, and their emotional and cognitive aspects. He explains that aha moments are emotional reactions to sudden insight and are usually preceded by a period of pondering and analyzing. Aha moments are crucial in psychotherapy as they lead to self-awareness and the ability to connect seemingly unrelated events. He also delves into the differences between motivation and knowledge, and the role of intuition and insight in psychotherapy. Additionally, he explores the need for emotions in inducing transformation and change, and the compensatory mechanisms used by individuals who lack insight. Furthermore, he touches on the epistemic value of theories and the role of epistemology in psychology.
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.
Why We LOVE WAR: Pornography of Violence (with Scott Jacobsen)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the nature of war, its impact on human psychology, and its role in society. He explores the effects of war at a distance and up close, the psychology of bystanders versus combatants, and the mindset of politicians and the general public before, during, and after war. Vaknin also delves into the factors that increase or decrease the odds of war, as well as the positives and negatives of war in the advancement of human civilization. He concludes that war is a human phenomenon that should be accepted and adapted to, rather than futilely attempting to eliminate it.
Narcissism: Unclean Energy (with Michael Shellenberger, November 2022)
Sam Vaknin discusses the evolution of narcissism from a healthy childhood phase to pathological narcissism in adulthood, which becomes a clinical entity when it remains infantile and extreme. He explains that narcissism has become an organizing principle in society, influencing various social institutions and movements. Vaknin suggests that narcissism and psychopathy are on a spectrum, with malignant narcissism and psychopathy often overlapping. He argues that modern civilization’s incentive structure rewards narcissistic and psychopathic traits, leading to their prevalence in certain professions and social movements. Vaknin proposes that instead of fighting narcissism, society should rechannel it towards socially beneficial goals by providing narcissistic supply as a reward for positive actions. He believes that this approach could lead to a redefinition of civilization, as narcissism is an inescapable part of current social fabric and technology.
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.