Narcissism is more than just self-obsessiveness. It is a very complex personality trait consisting of arrogance, lack of empathy, entitlement, and an insane desire for validation. There are times when we prioritize our needs above others and seek validation as well. However, a narcissist operates with an entirely different mindset that revolves around admiration, control, and superiority.
My dear readers, if you are here to read this article, I am sure you must be aware of Narcissism, what it is, and how it affects people, or you must have encountered somebody who possessed the traits of a Narcissist. I believe that you most likely have encountered a narcissistic personality, be it in a relationship, friend circle, or at the workplace, and you would know how emotionally distressing it can be to deal with their manipulation and mind games. What you don’t know is why they do what they do. Why do they behave the way they behave?
Being a Psychiatry resident though, no matter how much I write about Narcissism, it just doesn’t seem to be enough. There is always more to talk about. So here I am again! But today, I am going to do something different. We will be diving into the mindset of a narcissist with the help of some quotes about narcissism. So, stay tuned!
1. “Narcissism falls along the axis of what psychologists call Personality Disorders… but by far the most brilliant, successful, and attractive people succumb to it.” — Jeffrey Kluger
Would you believe it if I told you I have been a victim of Narcissism myself? I suppose it’s not that hard. On the contrary, it’s quite easy to fall prey to the superficial charisma, intelligence, and smartness of a Narcissistic individual. In this narcissist quote, a science writer, Kluger highlights that narcissism is not just about arrogance, it can lead one to achieve heights of success. Sadly, this success comes at the expense of those around them.
How does this narcissistic quote reflect their mindset?
For a Narcissist, their self-image is everything to them. They carefully craft a persona that can get anyone carried away but deep down, they are highly insecure and thrive on validation like crazy!
2. “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”-Maya Angelou
When you first encounter a narcissist, they may seem to be very charming. They exactly know how to trick you with their trust, admiration, and even an act of love. However, they cannot hide their true colors for long. They gradually unveil their true selves with time and start gaslighting, manipulating, and blaming games with you. Maya’s wise words serve as a piece of advice for you to pay attention to these warning signs before it’s too late.
Believe them the first time they get cruel with you, and demean you. Don’t wait for it to become a pattern.
How does this narcissistic quote reflect their mindset?
An individual with a narcissistic mindset never changes. They might put on a show temporarily to lure you in but their love is not genuine. You must run when you first witness their toxic behavior.
3. “The lion is most handsome when looking for food”-Rumi
This poetic quote about narcissism perfectly demonstrates how a narcissistic mind operates. When they desperately desire something, for instance, your attention, loyalty, or admiration, they will be at the top of their game. They will do anything in their capacity to impress you, with luxurious vacations, expensive gifts, and glamourous dates.
However, once a narcissistic person has gotten what they desire, their true nature surfaces leaving you stunned.
How does this narcissistic quote reflect their mindset?
A narcissistic person’s love is very much conditional. They are not generous out of love and affection for you, they do it for the sake of gaining control over you.
4. “Half the harm done in this world is due to people who want to feel important… They do not mean to harm… they are merely absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.” — T.S. Eliot
Eliot’s quote about narcissism clearly describes the insatiable hunger they have for validation. Frankly speaking, a narcissist is not always ill-intentioned but their need for approval makes them do crazy things.
A narcissist’s actions including gaslighting, manipulation, and humiliation, are often used as a mechanism to reinforce their self-worth. For them, nothing is more important than their ego which needs a boost now and then.
How does this narcissistic quote reflect their mindset?
A narcissist uses every interaction to boost their ego. They will go to any extent to ensure they are the center of your universe, be it their lies, blame games, or fabricated realities.
5. “Love doesn’t die a natural death. Love has to be killed, either by neglect or narcissism.”—Anaïs Nin
If you have ever been in a close relationship with a narcissistic person you would know that the relationship didn’t last for long. Why do you think that is? That’s because a relationship with a narcissist is not sustainable as it is purely based on materialism. Initially, they are the best partner one could ever wish for, but gradually, their toxic nature begins to erode the relationship.
Nin’s quote about narcissism perfectly captures how it destroys relationships. It doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow process of emotional neglect and abuse.
How does this narcissistic quote reflect their mindset?
A Narcissist can claim to love someone as much as they want but their love is not unconditional. They expect admiration without reciprocation, loyalty without commitment, and devotion without effort. How long do you think this can last? Not long, I assure you.
6. “A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.”—Benjamin Franklin
A narcissistic individual is consumed by his importance, so much so that they are never bothered as to what’s happening around them. They expect the world to revolve around them but they don’t reciprocate anything remotely near to it.
Franklin’s quote about narcissism is a firm reminder of the fact that those individuals who are obsessed with themselves lack empathy, warmth, and genuine human connections.
How does this narcissistic quote reflect their mindset?
The focus of a narcissist is extremely narrow. They cannot have meaningful connections with anybody because they only care about themselves, their appearance, their benefits, and their comfort.
7. “The only thing more frustrating than slanderers is those foolish enough to listen to them.”—Criss Jami
As you know that narcissists are champions of manipulation, they often twist the facts and spread misinformation in a way that works best for them. They rarely confront issues directly, instead, they influence others to turn against their target.
If you have ever been at the receiving end of a narcissist’s smear campaign, you know how frustrating it is to see other people believing their lies.
Jami’s quote about narcissism reminds us that nothing makes a narcissist happier than making a fool out of those around them.
How does this narcissistic quote reflect their mindset?
Narcissists always recreate a situation such that they end up being the victim and the other person becomes a villian of their story every single time. They make sure to paint a picture in a way that makes their target look guilty and they get away with their lies easily.
8. “The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence.”—Jiddu Krishnamurti
A major red flag of a narcissistic person is their inability to accept criticism. They take any form of feedback as a personal attack and react with anger, blame-shifting, or denial.
Jiddu’s quote highlights this key difference between a Narcissist and a self-aware individual. An individual with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder lacks the ability to objectively reflect on their actions and always act defensive.
How does this narcissistic quote reflect their mindset?
A narcissist always takes any criticism as a destruction of their carefully crafted fake persona. Instead of taking criticism constructively, and learning from their shortcomings, they lash out, defect and insult others to protect their fragile ego.
End note!
I hope that some of the very famous quotes about narcissism that I have discussed above have given you an insight into the mind of a narcissist, how they think, behave, and play with those around them. It is very essential for you to recognize what goes on inside a narcissist mind in order to protect yourself from emotional trauma and painful experiences.
There is a high chance that you would have come across a narcissistic personality at least once in your lifetime, be it at your workplace, a colleague, or a romantic partner. Just know that you cannot change them, reason with them, or expect an apology or empathy from them. The best way to protect yourself is to disengage yourself and quietly walk away.
I have tried to cover up almost everything that goes on inside a narcissistic mind but if you think I have missed out on anything, feel free to discuss your view points in the comments section below.
Talia Siddiq, is a qualified MBBS doctor and she is doing specialization in psychology. She has a good experience of working with people suffering from mental issues. She has written extensively on most common yet unattended issues faced by the youth such as psychological issues, relationship problems, self-harm, addictions, career counseling, financial freedom etc.
