The Evil Narcissist Explained: Erich Fromm’s Breakthrough Theory

Now let’s delve into the research and theories of psychoanalyst Erich Fromm regarding malignant narcissism. Fromm used the term malignant narcissism to describe a dangerous combination of traits that include extreme narcissism, sadism (which denotes the enjoyment of control and cruelty), destructiveness, and a lack of genuine empathy or conscience. Importantly, Fromm did not believe that malignant narcissists were born evil. He argued that they became this way after losing the ability to relate to life in a healthy, loving, and creative manner. He explained that, at some point in their development, these individuals cease trying to connect emotionally with others and instead become obsessively fixated on power, superiority, domination, winning, being right, and controlling others’ realities.

This is not about confidence at all; it’s about a deep inner emptiness. Fromm believed that the core problem lies in these individuals becoming disconnected from a sense of aliveness. Stay with me as I explain this further. Fromm argued that healthy individuals are oriented toward what he called biophilia—a love of life, growth, creativity, and connection—which encompasses curiosity, empathy, mutual love, and emotional depth. In contrast, malignant narcissists are oriented toward necrophilia. This doesn’t refer to sexual necrophilia, but to a psychological attraction to deadness. While this may sound extreme, here’s what he meant in simpler terms: they prefer control over spontaneity, order over emotional truth, dominance over intimacy, possession over love, and objects over living beings. Living people are unpredictable; they have feelings, needs, autonomy, and limits, which can pose a threat. Thus, malignant narcissists try to turn people into objects that they can own, dominate, or destroy. This is why their relationships often feel suffocating, dehumanizing, or emotionally disconnected and dead.

When You and The Narcissist Both Stop Contacting — What Happens Next Will Shock You

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