Narcissists Don’t Just Love Themselves—They Need You to Love Them Too
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We discuss Main Character Syndrome – a psychological disorder where someone sees themselves as the center of attention in every situation, acting as if life revolves around their story while overlooking others’ perspectives. When identifying someone with narcissistic tendencies, these are the formal psychological attributes:
1. Narcissism
- Definition: Inflated sense of self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- In Politics: Can manifest as performative speeches, focus on personal legacy, or seeing oneself as a “savior” figure.
- Why it Appears: Politics naturally attracts confident, assertive personalities; narcissistic traits can help with public image and persuasion.
2. Authoritarianism
- Both Left and Right: Authoritarian tendencies can appear in any movement, especially during times of perceived crisis.
3. Moral Certainty
- Definition: Belief that one’s values are unquestionably correct.
- In Politics: Leads to polarization; opponents are not just wrong, but morally flawed.
- Appeal: Makes messaging stronger and more emotionally charged.
4. Tribalism
- Definition: Strong loyalty to one’s group, often at the expense of objectivity.
- In Politics: “Us vs. them” thinking; facts may be dismissed if they threaten group identity.
- Psychological Root: Evolutionary need for belonging and protection.
5. Cognitive Dissonance
- Definition: Discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs.
- In Politics: Explains why people defend leaders even after contradictions or scandals—changing beliefs is psychologically harder than rationalizing.
6. Need for Cognitive Closure
- Definition: Desire for firm answers and dislike of ambiguity.
- In Politics: Attracts individuals to ideologies that offer clear narratives and strong convictions.