Thread by @corporatemach

THREAD:

Psychopaths vs Narcissists/Sociopaths

Note: I use the words 'Sociopath / Sociopathy' and 'Narcissist / Narcissism' interchangeably

Psychopathy:

-Caused by genetics
-Marked by a dysfunctional or inactive amygdala, within the brain. Psychopathy is a neurological disorder
-Zero Fear (Extremely Low 'Neuroticism')
-Zero Compassion (Extremely Low 'Agreeablness')

Psychopaths tend to be ruthless, but not sadistic. They will inflict harm upon others if it advances their own interests, but they don't actively take any pleasure in it.

Psychopaths are confident, and not egotistical (assuming they are Psychopathic and NOT Narcissistic). They are thick skinned rather than thin skinned; they won't explode in anger if insulted.

Narcissism / Sociopathy:

-Caused by abusive or negligent parents, although genetics probably does play some role
-Egotistical
-Impulsive
-Sadistic

'Egotistical':

Narcissistic men feel the need to constantly remind everyone how great they are.

Their speech often communicates "I am high status, rich, powerful, and I sleep with beautiful women."

Narcissistic men often denigrate others, so they can feel superior in comparison ('Narcissistic Denigration').

If his speech sounds like "I am Rich, You Are Poor. I am High Status, you are Low Status. I'm a King, you're a Peasant", he is narcissistic.

Egotism is a strategic liability.

Narcissistic men will do things that stroke their ego, but that are strategically counterproductive, and they will refuse to engage in courses of action that would be strategically beneficial because such courses offend their ego.

Yes, normal people do sometimes foolishly prioritize their ego over strategic efficacy, but narcissistic men take this to an extreme.

'Impulsive':

Narcissistic men tend to have poor impulse control.

Most notably, they are impulsively angry; they are thin skinned.

They impulsively explode in anger when insulted (whether the insult is real, or merely imagined is irrelevant).

'Sadistic':

Narcissistic men actively take pleasure in inflicting harm upon others, because they enjoy the sensation of superiority that wielding power over others gives.

This is stark contrast to the ruthlessness of psychopathy; while a psychopath is cold and indifferent, a narcissist is angry and sadistic.

To be clear, Psychopathy and Narcissism are by no means mutually exclusive psychological conditions.

Ted Bundy is an example of a man who is *both* Psychopathic and Narcissistic.

Jordan Belfort is as well.

Vladimir Putin displays every warning sign of being a Psychopath, but there is no sign of narcissism in his personality.

Donald Trump displays every warning sign of being a Narcissist/Sociopath, though he doesn't seem to be Psychopathic.

Disclaimer:

These comments about Putin and Trump are not political comments; they are psychological comments.