Posts
Back in May, 2017, I posted an essay entitled "L'etat c'est moi--Trump's identity problem." In it I pointed out that, as a narcissist, Trump would be unable to distinguish between himself and the nation.
I wrote, "It's safe to assume that to a narcissistic ruler, there are no boundaries between himself and his realm. The poster child for this, at least until now, has been Louis XIV of France. He's famous for proclaiming, 'L'etat? L'etat c'est moi,'--The State? I am the State.'"
Under the stress of impeachment, this enormous flaw in Trump's character could not have been clearer. Here's what he said at the National Prayer Breakfast just after the Senate found him not guilty: "As everybody knows, my family, our great country, and your president have been put through a terrible ordeal by some very dishonest and corrupt people. They have done everything possible to destroy us and by so doing, very badly hurt our nation."
In his mind, to criticize him is to criticize the nation. And of course, anyone who dares to criticize him is necessarily dishonest and corrupt. I suspect that it will not be long before he labels his critics as traitors. And, among his millions of devoted followers, there will be many who will take this not just as permission, but as a call to action.
As I wrote in that essay, the safest way to deal with a wounded and enraged narcissist is to walk away, get as far away as possible from their black-hole-like sphere of influence. Unfortunately, with Trump as president and with a Senate that has now told him that he can do no wrong, that's no longer an option for any of us.
-----
REA
I wrote, "It's safe to assume that to a narcissistic ruler, there are no boundaries between himself and his realm. The poster child for this, at least until now, has been Louis XIV of France. He's famous for proclaiming, 'L'etat? L'etat c'est moi,'--The State? I am the State.'"
Beware a wounded narcissist
Credit: Flickr
Under the stress of impeachment, this enormous flaw in Trump's character could not have been clearer. Here's what he said at the National Prayer Breakfast just after the Senate found him not guilty: "As everybody knows, my family, our great country, and your president have been put through a terrible ordeal by some very dishonest and corrupt people. They have done everything possible to destroy us and by so doing, very badly hurt our nation."
In his mind, to criticize him is to criticize the nation. And of course, anyone who dares to criticize him is necessarily dishonest and corrupt. I suspect that it will not be long before he labels his critics as traitors. And, among his millions of devoted followers, there will be many who will take this not just as permission, but as a call to action.
As I wrote in that essay, the safest way to deal with a wounded and enraged narcissist is to walk away, get as far away as possible from their black-hole-like sphere of influence. Unfortunately, with Trump as president and with a Senate that has now told him that he can do no wrong, that's no longer an option for any of us.
-----
REA
2 comments:
Thanks, Bob!
Yes, we've known Trump's madness quite some time now, and but the sheer number of Republicans accepting, supporting, even advocating for his madness is terrifying.
It certainly seems as if the Republicans have abandoned the republic.
What can be done?
Try to be calm and advocated for sanity. Embrace. Be kind. And fight like hell!
Be well.
Rob
Rob,
Couldn't agree more. Thanks for reading the blog and for your thoughtful comment. REA
Post a Comment