His
verbosity reflects this propensity.
Reality is, naturally, quite different and this gives rise to a
"grandiosity gap". The demands of the false self are never satisfied by
the narcissist's accomplishments, standing, wealth, clout, sexual
prowess, or knowledge. The narcissist's grandiosity and sense of
entitlement are equally incommensurate with his achievements.
To bridge the grandiosity gap, the malignant (pathological) narcissist
resorts to shortcuts. These very often lead to fraud.
The narcissist cares only about appearances. What matters to him are
the facade of wealth and its attendant social status and narcissistic
supply. Witness the travestied extravagance of Tyco's Denis Kozlowski.
Media attention only exacerbates the narcissist's addiction and makes
it incumbent on him to go to ever-wilder extremes to secure
uninterrupted supply from this source.
The narcissist lacks empathy - the ability to put himself in other
people's shoes. He does not recognize boundaries - personal, corporate,
or legal. Everything and everyone are to him mere instruments,
extensions, objects unconditionally and uncomplainingly available in
his pursuit of narcissistic gratification.
Pages:
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243