YOU are THE Master Text (Prophets of Narcissism: Louis Althusser, 1960s, SIAS-CIAPS Lecture)
Louis Althusser was a prominent intellectual figure in the 1960s and 1970s, contributing to cultural debates and modern intellectual history. He believed that society consists of practices, such as economic, political, and ideological practices, and that ideology is a central part of the social superstructure. Althusser’s work focused on the concept of the “problematic,” which determines which questions and answers are part of a discourse and which should be excluded. He also introduced the idea of “interpolation,” where ideologies attempt to influence individuals and convert them into subjects, such as consumers.
Narcissism’s Enemies: God, Work, Family (Prophets of Narcissism: Christopher Lasch, 1979, (lecture)
The lecture discusses Christopher Lasch and his views on narcissism, the decline of society, and the role of religion. Lasch criticizes capitalism, consumerism, and the intellectual elite, advocating for a return to traditional values and religious faith. He also discusses the impact of progress and the decline of religion on society. The lecture ends with a preview of the next lecture in the series.
Identify Your Shadow 14 Shadow Types
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses different shadow types in each section. In the first section, he describes the first shadow type characterized by anhedonia, dysphoria, intellectual superiority, victimization, and persecutory delusions. In the second section, he discusses four different shadow types, including a lack of empathy, criminal behavior, paranoia, and emotional instability. In the third section, he provides examples of three different patients as shadow types. In the fourth section, he describes two shadow types in groups, such as nations, clubs, and churches. Finally, in the fifth section, he discusses four different shadow types, including emotional absence, self-destructive behavior, worthlessness, and sadistic behavior.
Change Your Inner Dialog, Narrative Plot
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the inner dialogue and its impact on our psyche. He explains that the voices in our heads are influenced by societal expectations and can lead to emotional dysregulation. Vaknin outlines the characteristics of a healthy inner dialogue and emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own happiness preconditions. He also warns against the dangers of becoming a narcissist or a psychopath in the process of rejecting societal influences.
Why Psychology Will Never Be a Science
Psychology is not a science and can never be one due to its nature as an art form and extension of literature. It fails to meet the criteria of scientific theories, such as yielding testable, falsifiable predictions and being consistent or complete. Psychological theories are more like metaphors or narratives that help people understand themselves and their interactions with others. While psychology attempts to maintain a scientific appearance through observation, measurement, and experimentation, it ultimately lacks the substance of true science.
Victim: Don’t Become Your Abuser!
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the dangers of embracing victimhood after experiencing narcissistic abuse. He explains that there are three categories of victims: those affected by the narcissist’s instability, those misled by the narcissist’s emotional signals, and those intentionally targeted by the narcissist. Vaknin warns that adopting a perpetual victim mentality can lead to narcissistic behaviors, splitting the world into good and evil, and becoming emotionally dependent on the victim identity. He urges individuals to reflect on their own contributions to their situations and avoid falling into the trap of perpetual victimhood.
Narcissism, Islam, Women: Our Future (with Karoline Gil)
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the rise of narcissism in societies, its impact on foreign relations, and the historical context of these phenomena. He also touches on the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline of the United States, the potential rise of China, and the future dominance of women in society. Vaknin emphasizes the inevitability of historical cycles and the futility of resistance, advocating for acceptance and non-resistance. He also predicts gender wars as a defining feature of the future.
Healing Through Meaning: Logotherapy, PTMF, and Cold Therapy (University Lecture)
The lecture discusses the importance of meaning in therapy and presents three treatment modalities that leverage meaning as a healing tool. The Power Threat Meaning Framework focuses on understanding the role of power and threat in people’s lives and how they make sense of their experiences. Cold Therapy aims to eliminate grandiosity in narcissistic disorders and depressive narratives, forcing individuals to face their traumas and construct new, reality-based narratives. Logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, emphasizes the human will to find meaning in life, even in the most miserable circumstances, and the importance of suffering when creative possibilities are not available. The lecture also delves into the philosophical and metaphysical assumptions underlying logotherapy and the significance of meaning in human existence.
Questions My (Late) Goldfish Asked Me about Meaning of Life
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of meaning in life, arguing that it is subjective, arbitrary, and consensus-driven. He explores the relationship between essence, existence, and meaning, and questions whether meaning can exist without a designer. Vaknin also examines the role of context in determining meaning and encourages listeners to find their own answers to the complex and multifaceted concept of meaning.
Nothingness and You in Buddhism and Daoism
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses his philosophical system of life, called nothingness, as an antidote to narcissism. He draws from Eastern influences, particularly Buddhism and Taoism, to explore the concepts of hope, love, and success, and their toxic effects on individual freedoms and authentic being. He emphasizes the interdependence of nothingness and existence, and the role of emptiness in generating value and function in the universe. His philosophy is a synthesis of Western and Eastern thinking, aiming to provide a new perspective on life.