To those with narcissistic personality disorder, their entire existence is a war that pits them against all others. They see themselves immersed in a world surrounded by others as venal and opportunistic as they. This world is governed only by the rules of war – including those that apply to truth. For these people, there are no true friendships, only alliances – shifting alliances, directed at feeding their insatiable hunger for wealth, recognition, and power.
To them, there is no objective truth – only what is useful. Because narcissists are accountable only to themselves, even a story they invent extemporaneously—become as real to them as objectively verifiable truths are to the rest of us. These fabrications are at once a convenience, and a new battleground to defend against a hostile world.
To the narcissist, a promise—even a written contract—is merely a means to an end; once the end is achieved, the contract is no longer useful, and is ignored.
They are as likely to violate marriage vows, as they are a written contract; they tend to be unfaithful partners in all realms. Fine print, Intimidation, and a willingness to ‘out-lawyer’ any who trust them, work in concert to further the narcissist’s goals, and minimize the consequences.
Psychiatrists say that narcissistic personality disorder is particularly hard to treat; partly because one of the key manifestations is an inability to trust – including the therapist. Also, because the compulsive drive for gain resembles healthier forms of motivation, these people are often highly successful in business and in politics. But, rather than seeking success as a means to promote security or the well-being of their family, or society, the success for the narcissist is an end in itself.
These people are to be pitied; they know no peace, and live without real love or connection to others. But they are not to be trusted; though they compulsively seek power, no effort should be spared to prevent them from attaining it. They are incapable of the empathy that moderates the ruthless exercise of power, and are capable of great destruction.
