Wow. This feels like an entire semester of a class that I was able to absorb while having breakfast…really, really valuable and feels so essential and helpful. Thank you so much.
I can’t stop thinking about how nothing here starts out looking extreme. it’s just small patterns that keep repeating until they become something much bigger than anyone expected. extremely insightful piece, Joni. Thank you for sharing
Absolutely fascinating! Probably one of the most well constructed discussions on these personalities I’ve read. I really appreciate the measured approach you took.
I couldn’t help but think about Donald Trump while reading this. Having read some of the allegations about his violent rape of children, along with his obvious lack of empathy, his sadism, his narcissism, it makes me wonder if the only difference between a serial killer and a president is the privilege of wealth.
It’s well known that his father was cruel and neglectful, and he was mentored from a young age by Roy Cohn, an obvious narcissistic sociopath and closeted homosexual who was well known for his love of young boys. Many people have speculated that Cohn was molesting a young Donald, which is a common predictor of later pervy behavior and pedophilia. His bizarre personality suddenly makes a lot more sense when you consider all of those factors together.
It’s very well documented that Roy Cohn was in the closet, liked young boys and died of AIDS at the height of the epidemic. All of the rest is either obvious and self evident or reasonable speculation.
I don't think the dark quadrad or whatever it is now is as prevolant as it's made out. What about "i tried legitimate things and they don't work" or "fuck it, no one is on my side" syndrome? Those could come from someone of any psychological make-up.
Thank you for this article! It was very informative! I would add cruelty to other children is always a red flag along with "Cruelty to Animals is always a red flag" .
Within my work in teaching I am constantly arguing the nature / nurture argument with myself. This article highlights that. From every article I have researched it does seem to be a combination of the two. Some of the kids I work with have the worst upbringing but rise above that and others I wonder if one day I will be writing an article about them.
Fantastic read, thank you! I’m interested to know, are women with similar childhood experiences to those flagged in this article equally susceptible to developing dark triad traits? Does sex/gender have any relevance here?
It blows my mind that these things can be seen so early. And that there are ways the trajectory can be changed. I wonder if there's any way to locate people who could have been on that path and then weren't, and match their childhoods.
Thanks for pointing out that blank slate theory is dead and disproven. Each child is different because we are different people and we each need to be parented in different ways.
I wonder why more males turn to extreme violence from being raised in these environments when they grow up?
Thank you, Lexi. I know how valuable time is and I really appreciate you taking the time to read and respond.
Wow. This feels like an entire semester of a class that I was able to absorb while having breakfast…really, really valuable and feels so essential and helpful. Thank you so much.
Thank you for your kind words, Ramitas. I’m so glad it was useful.
I can’t stop thinking about how nothing here starts out looking extreme. it’s just small patterns that keep repeating until they become something much bigger than anyone expected. extremely insightful piece, Joni. Thank you for sharing
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond, Apoorvaa.
Absolutely fascinating! Probably one of the most well constructed discussions on these personalities I’ve read. I really appreciate the measured approach you took.
Thank you for your support and comments, Yakira. Much appreciated.
This was a brilliant read. Thank you so much for your research and the time you put into writing this!
I couldn’t help but think about Donald Trump while reading this. Having read some of the allegations about his violent rape of children, along with his obvious lack of empathy, his sadism, his narcissism, it makes me wonder if the only difference between a serial killer and a president is the privilege of wealth.
It’s well known that his father was cruel and neglectful, and he was mentored from a young age by Roy Cohn, an obvious narcissistic sociopath and closeted homosexual who was well known for his love of young boys. Many people have speculated that Cohn was molesting a young Donald, which is a common predictor of later pervy behavior and pedophilia. His bizarre personality suddenly makes a lot more sense when you consider all of those factors together.
Have you lost your mind? None of what you say is even remotely true. 🤦♀️
It’s very well documented that Roy Cohn was in the closet, liked young boys and died of AIDS at the height of the epidemic. All of the rest is either obvious and self evident or reasonable speculation.
Did parents of monsters have monsters for parents?
Good question!
Charles Manson-similar
Unibomber- similar
Adam Lanza- similar without the sexual part
I don't think the dark quadrad or whatever it is now is as prevolant as it's made out. What about "i tried legitimate things and they don't work" or "fuck it, no one is on my side" syndrome? Those could come from someone of any psychological make-up.
Thank you for this article! It was very informative! I would add cruelty to other children is always a red flag along with "Cruelty to Animals is always a red flag" .
Within my work in teaching I am constantly arguing the nature / nurture argument with myself. This article highlights that. From every article I have researched it does seem to be a combination of the two. Some of the kids I work with have the worst upbringing but rise above that and others I wonder if one day I will be writing an article about them.
Fantastic read, thank you! I’m interested to know, are women with similar childhood experiences to those flagged in this article equally susceptible to developing dark triad traits? Does sex/gender have any relevance here?
Thank you, this is interesting. The article discusses parenting generally, with no discussion of gender. But all of the example are male?
It blows my mind that these things can be seen so early. And that there are ways the trajectory can be changed. I wonder if there's any way to locate people who could have been on that path and then weren't, and match their childhoods.
PS I have been loving your substack.
Another excellent analysis, with useful info for all parents. This intellectual rigor is so welcome in psychology. Thank you!
Thanks for pointing out that blank slate theory is dead and disproven. Each child is different because we are different people and we each need to be parented in different ways.
I wonder why more males turn to extreme violence from being raised in these environments when they grow up?