Professor Sam Vaknin argues that the concept of a unitary, unchanging self is flawed and that people are more like rivers, constantly changing. He proposes a theory of pseudo-identity, where individuals have multiple self-states that are brought forth by an
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses philosopher David Chalmers’ view that simulations are as real as reality and that reality may be a simulation. Vaknin disagrees with Chalmers on two main points: 1) Vaknin believes that there will always be a conscious
Covert narcissists and passive-aggressive individuals share some traits, but there are key differences between them. Covert narcissism involves hidden grandiosity, while passive aggression is about internalizing negative emotions and expressing them indirectly. Both can be emotionally invested in failure and
Professor Sam Vaknin argues that stupidity is taking over the world, with technology empowering mediocre individuals and fostering a self-delusion of malignant egalitarianism. He believes that the rise of stupidity is due to a reverse Flynn effect, where average IQ
British journalist Eve Torfic interviews Dr. Sam Vaknin about narcissism. Vaknin explains that a relationship with a narcissist can work if one suspends their autonomy and serves the narcissist’s needs, which he summarizes as the four S’s: sex, supply, safety,
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the rise of narcissism and suggests that it is comparable to climate change and the shift in gender roles. He proposes that we harness the energy of narcissism and channel it in socially acceptable ways, sublimated.
Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the psychological impact of the war in Ukraine, highlighting the fact that trauma is a systemic event that affects everything from an individual’s ability to think and trust others to their ability to sleep. He notes
Fantasy is a psychological defense mechanism that helps people cope with an unbearable reality. There are two types of fantasy: person-centered and process-centered. Person-centered fantasies revolve around another person and often dissolve into reality, leading to chaos. Process-centered fantasies are
In this transcript, Professor Sam Vaknin discusses the phenomenon of grieving the death of a narcissist. He explains that prolonged grief syndrome is typical of ex-partners who were or are narcissists and that closure becomes impossible when the narcissist dies.
Professor Sam Vaknin uses a technique called estrangement in his therapy sessions, where he addresses his patient with the name of someone significant in their life to elicit an outsider’s point of view and provoke the patient. In this session,