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
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of values, which are a confluence between how we view ourselves and the world ideally and how we think the world should conduct its affairs. Values are shaped by socialization and acculturation and can
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses self-splitting, a defense mechanism where individuals perceive themselves as either all good or all bad. Addicts typically perceive themselves as all bad and use addiction to transition from a negative self-image to a positive one. Codependency
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the concept of self-identity and its relation to memory and responsibility using the movie “Shattered” as an example. He explores the idea that memory is necessary but not sufficient for possessing a self-identity, and delves into
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the nature of jokes and humor, emphasizing three key elements: lack of empathy, sadism, and therapeutic value. He explains that jokes often involve the absence of empathy and a sense of superiority over the subjects of
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses addiction, arguing that rehab centers are ineffective and that addiction is a choice influenced by the environment. He suggests that addiction may have positive aspects and that society encourages addiction through consumerism and other incentives. Vaknin
In this lecture, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the topic of serial killers. He emphasizes that there is no common motivation for serial killers and that they are not all clones of each other. He highlights the importance of relying on
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the three historical movements that have shaped modern society: the Renaissance, Protestantism, and the Enlightenment. He explains how these movements have led to the rise of pathological narcissism and its impact on society. Vaknin argues that
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the impact of loneliness on people’s decision-making, particularly in relationships with narcissists. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs and gut instincts early on in dating, rather than denying them due to loneliness. Vaknin highlights
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the differences between the DSM and the ICD diagnostic manuals, focusing on the diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. He explains that the ICD takes a more flexible and organic approach to diagnosing personality disorders, using trait