Use your dark triad traits to get ahead

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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:16 The 3 traits
3:09 Historical examples
4:36 Narcissism
5:31 Psychopathy
7:16 Machiavellianism
8:08 Healthy use of dark triad traits

[primavent]

Nice and helpful video, putting things in perspective. As a psychologist though, I can say a real narcissist doesn’t really love himself and really wants to constantly be admired by others, demanding it and putting those others down in the process so he (or she) remains superior. A true narcissist or psychopath won’t be able to control these traits and that is what makes it a disorder. Rendering them unable to form and maintain a balance with their environment, forming and maintaining relationships. You’re talking about a healthy dose of the dark traits, to be controlled and used for good. That’s good advice for those who can wield it.

[regicox]

Damn man! I want to know who is writing your material??? You consistently have your finger on the pulse of the most amazing topics. I am a 60-year-old man and I absolutely love your Channel, and it blows me away that a young guy your age is thinking about the same things that I've been thinking about for years. Keep the videos coming. You're doing a great job!

[corbefranz]

Psychopathy is highly represented amongst doctors, especially surgeons as it helps them to concentrate on the operation without getting caught up in the fear of blood. Great video, I appreciate your content !

[MrHzi]

Though me watching the channel not for real 'education', but for sole entertainment, respect for your effort to constantly expanding your themes and exploring new territories.

[hb-zo]

9:45 i like the "hoewever" instead of the famous"but" . For me, when someone say oftenly but, i don't listen it anymore. Great content by the way. From 🇧🇪

[davidvitale]

I've love your channel from the start- but this is the most on point and helpful episode ever.

Jordan Peterson said "the best man is dangerous, but in control"

[TheAlvoss]

I've used my dark side to withstand pain, fear and hostility. I 1st learned it in survival training and used it in many situations such as preop, and postop circumstances.

[scubastevesILDjourney]

Gift.

I love this message and have had to let people go in the recent past. I've gained greater peace and am surrounded by love as a result. Thank-you.

[dawid]

Turning our darkness into light is truly powerful, well said. Thank you for being a good example for society.


Reminds me of the following passage from the Bible,

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
(Psalms 18: 28)

[thanhchuongnguyen]

Thank you James, those are truly some instructive insights

[suzannecarter]

Second time I've watched this and think it's one of your best. We all tend to freak out over these negative psychological descriptions, but nothing is black and white, there is always nuance. So here's my takeaway re the positive qualities:
Narcissism - a deep sense of self worth (doesn't need to be affirmed by others)
Machiavellianism - iron clad determination to succeed in achieving legitimate goals by whatever means are absolutely necessary
Psychopathology - extreme detachment from emotion (when emotions would just get in the way)

[ianwinter]

I used my dark Machiavellianism to beat my brothers in the board game risk and chess in the past. I am afraid to use these abilities, because I'll become greedy and cruel, the man with no soul only an appetite nothing more. But watching this video gives me comfort and reassurance about how to redirect these gifts. Thank you.

[garysmith]

Narcissists constantly need validation to survive. Energy vampires.

[sp]

Self confidence doesn’t need narcissism…narcissistic are rather insecure people

[Jeffaloo]

The video exceeded my expectations! 🤣👌 Great job! Thank you, and it deserves a subscription. 👌

[PrinceValiance]

Excellent discourse, and proof that a gentleman studies philosophy. You cannot understand how to benefit society and please the female persuasion (2 essential pillars of a gentleman) unless you are tapped into the meaning of life, self, and others, and can analyze and evaluate actions, emotions and reason. To you, James. 🍸Shaken, not stirred.

[himansurai]

Thank you for this knowledge, and my god you are really good looking man

[LeseghoLionelmessi]

Darth krayt is the only man who unlocked the true secrets of the dark side😂

[Alkid]

Hi James,

I really like your videos! They point out very important topics for personal growth one would not necessary consider!
I have one litte suggestion for the future - your movie references are good expamples but they might be a spoiler to people that have not seen that movies yet. How about making a small spoiler warning in the future and including such references either in the very end of a video or referencing a time in the video where to continue watching the rest of the content?

Besides that - great video as usual! Keep up the inspiring content!

[onceuponatimeinamovie]

Ah, James, this is the first video where I strongly disagree. Let me explain.

First, not everyone has sociopathic, or Machiavellian tendencies. While narcissistic traits might be more common, psychopathy is entirely different. Psychopathy isn’t just a collection of traits; it’s a clinical diagnosis that results from a specific combination of behaviors and manifestations. Imagine that there is something called “antisocial personality disorder” which can be seen as a spectrum. Well psychopathy is at the far end of that spectrum.

It’s like saying everyone has a little schizophrenia — no, we might all experience moments of paranoia, but that doesn’t mean we all have paranoid schizophrenia. The key difference is that while people may have certain traits, they don’t necessarily exhibit the full combination required to meet a diagnosis. It’s the sum of these traits that determines whether someone is narcissistic, Machiavellian, sociopathic, or psychopathic.

Second, a narcissistic person isn’t simply confident or proud of their abilities, as you seem to suggest. They have a constant need for validation because of a deep insecurity and low self-esteem. While they might project confidence or superiority, inside they feel inadequate and rely on admiration from others to compensate. This is where the problem arises: a narcissist will manipulate, lie, or put others down to elevate themselves. It’s not about healthy self-confidence; it’s about masking deep insecurity while believing others are inferior or incapable of understanding their supposed greatness.

In mythology, Narcissus became so obsessed with his own reflection that he leaned too close to the water and drowned — a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked self-obsession.

Psychopathy, on the other hand, is much more than emotional detachment. It involves a biological incapacity to feel emotions, a lack of empathy, and antisocial, manipulative behaviors. Psychopaths can distinguish between right and wrong but are completely devoid of moral restraint. They know their actions cause harm, but they simply don’t care.

The concept of the “dark triad” — narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism — revolves around the idea that the end justifies the means. A Machiavellian individual prioritizes manipulation and power, but when paired with psychopathy, it creates a dangerous combination. Psychopaths lack moral boundaries, and their actions are driven by impulsivity and a disregard for consequences. When combined with narcissistic rage and the constant need for gratification, this forms the so-called “dark triad.”