The Malignant Narcissist: Serial Killer by Proxy

    No one is more dangerous than a malignant narcissist. These folks are evil personified and consistently exhibit extreme personality traits that combine cruelty, deceit, and an unmitigated thirst for control, regardless of the circumstances. When such an individual gains power—whether in politics, business, or on a personal level—the consequences can be devastating. Though rarely for them. Unlike your run of the mill narcissist who may be self-centered and attention-seeking but still functions within societal norms, the malignant narcissist doesn't believe that rules or laws apply to them. Therefore, granting them any degree of authority invites despair and often, death.

    Some, like notorious cult leaders Charles Manson and Jim Jones, become serial killers by proxy, where they persuade their followers to menace, threaten, even butcher and poison others on their behalf. They don't have to do the dirty work, being the lazy cowards they typically are. Instead, they find a proxy—someone or something else to do the killing for them. These dark, empty vessels also tend to be sadists who derive pleasure from all the hell they unleash. Why? Because it reinforces their sense of power, control, and superiority over others. They also lack empathy and a human touch, and often experience schadenfreude—taking joy in others' suffering—because it validates their belief in their own dominance. For them, it's dominance above all else.

    Witnessing chaos or causing harm feeds the malignant narcissist's grandiosity, making them feel godlike and invincible. Additionally, their destruction often provokes strong emotional reactions in others, which malignant narcissists thoroughly enjoy and exploit for their own amusement and/or pleasure. Their sadistic tendencies, combined with a deep-seated insecurity, drive them to seek out or orchestrate suffering to maintain their fragile yet inflated self-image.

    One of the most dangerous aspects of a malignant narcissist in power is their cunning, manipulative nature. They're highly skilled at deception—using lies, half-truths, and repetition, repetition, repetition to control others. In the year of our lord 2025, social media is their preferred weapon of mass distraction. They gaslight those around them, making people question their own perceptions and memories. By distorting reality, they erode trust and create confusion, ensuring that their victims remain dependent on them. This manipulation extends to entire families, organizations, and/or societies, where they manufacture crises, scapegoat innocent people, and rewrite history to suit their narrative.  Their ability to lie is unmatched. It's second nature to them.

    Vladimir Putin, for example, justified his attack on Ukraine to his own people and all the Russian mothers by saying that their sons would be "Nazi hunting" in the sovereign nation led by a former comedian and Jew. The young, ignorant Russian army, believing Putin's big lie, became his "patriotic" proxy for child kidnapping and mass murder that continues to this day.

    Being completely devoid of compassion, malignant narcissists have no genuine concern for the well-being of others. Not even their own children, in many cases. Their lack of humanity allows them to exploit and discard people without a second thought. They see individuals, regardless of who, as tools to be used rather than as human beings with feelings and rights. In positions of power, they prioritize personal gain over ethical decision-making, often engaging in corruption, abuse, and reckless policies that harm the masses. Remember, they enjoy others' suffering like we enjoy sex and coffee. Their inability to form authentic emotional connections makes them especially dangerous in leadership roles where kindness and empathy are cornerstones.

    Another alarming trait of the malignant narcissist is their extreme vindictiveness. They cannot tolerate criticism or perceived slights and will go to great lengths to destroy anyone who challenges them. Being thin-skinned to the max is a hallmark of the malignant narcissist. It can manifest in personal relationships through emotional and psychological abuse, or on a larger scale through political purges, censorship, and violent suppression of dissent. Their lust for revenge leads to an environment of fear and oppression, where people are afraid to speak out or challenge their authority. In reality, they're paper tigers play-acting as kings.

    Ultimately, allowing a malignant narcissist like a Charles Manson, Jim Jones, Vladimir Putin or anyone like them to gain power inevitably leads to widespread suffering and destruction where no one is safe. Their unchecked arrogance, deceit, cruelty and greed know no bounds and create toxic slushy environments where morality is eroded, evil proliferates, and people die. This includes children. The longer they remain in control, the more damage they inflict, often leaving irreparable scars on individuals, institutions, and nations alike. Recognizing these dangers and preventing such individuals from gaining influence is essential for the well-being of any society, workplace, or personal relationship. 

    Unfortunately, they're everywhere.