"14 Ways Narcissists Can Be Like Cult Leaders" from a blog post on PsychCentral.
1. "Cult leaders act larger than life.
They are viewed as innately good, possessing special wisdom, answerable to no one, with no one above them.
2. Cult members’ rights are subjugated for the “good” of the group, leader, or cause.
Members are told that what the cult wants them to do is for their own good, even if it is self-destructive.
3. An “Us vs. Them” attitude prevails. Outsiders are viewed as dangerous or enemies. This turns members’ focus outward, reducing the chances they will spot problems within the cult. In addition, viewing others as enemies is used to justify extreme actions because of the “dangers” outsiders pose.
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7. The ends justify the means.
The “rightness” of the leader and cult justifies behavior that violates most people’s standards for ethics and honesty. In the zealotry of the cult, anything goes.
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10. Lies are repeated so often they seem true.
The cult leader cannot be wrong and never needs to apologize.
11. Cult leaders enrich themselves at members’ expense.
Members are encouraged or coerced into gratifying the leader’s needs by giving up time, money, and more.
12. Communication is coercive or deceptive.
Things are not always what they se
em. This fosters confusion, leaving members vulnerable. When confused, they seek solace from the aura of certainty the leader seems to possess.
13. Sameness is encouraged.
Certain kinds of appearance, behavior, and cult terms and language become the norm for members. Over time, members come to identify themselves as part of an entity rather than as individuals.
14 .Doing what the leader wants is presented as the path to enlightenment or happiness.
In time, this leads members to give up their old habits and norms. They live in a bubble, filtering out information that might weaken their resolve.
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https://blogs.psychcentral.com/narcissism-decoded/2017/03/14-ways-narcissists-can-be-like-cult-leaders/
Hmm........seems topical, eh?
= new reply since forum marked as read
