Why Wealth and Power May Not Alleviate a Narcissist's Feelings of Persecution

When a narcissist achieves great wealth and power, does their feeling of persecution cease? Traditional beliefs suggest that as a narcissist's social and economic status rises, their sense of persecution might diminish due to increased security and social power. However, the reality is often much more complex. From a psychological standpoint, a narcissist's delusion of persecution is self-fulfilling and does not dissipate easily, even with significant life changes like achieving great wealth and power.

Self-Perpetuating Delusion

The delusion of persecution is a core aspect of narcissism, as these individuals often believe that they are constantly under threat or attack from their environment. When a narcissist achieves great wealth and power, it often intensifies their perception of persecution, rather than alleviating it. This self-fulfilling delusion stems from their weak self-ego and ego-ideal, fueling their insecurity and paranoia.

The Case of Donald Trump

A notable example is Donald Trump. Despite his immense wealth and public adoration, Trump is known for his constant accusations of persecution, be it from the media or political adversaries. This behavior is indicative of how a narcissist's perception of persecution does not naturally dissipate with increased wealth and power, but rather becomes more pronounced as a result of their ego's fragility and vulnerability.

Security Concerns and Paranoia

In some cases, a narcissist with great wealth and power might indeed feel safer. High-profile individuals often reside in secure locations to minimize risk. However, this heightened security stems from a fear that others might seek revenge or retaliation for perceived affronts. This fear is not unfounded and can be reinforced by the narcissist's own manipulative and predatory behaviors. The threat perception is thus increased rather than reduced.

Does Power Reassure the Narcissist?

Power certainly does repress, but it can do so in different ways. The effects of power on a narcissist are variable and depend on the individual's psychological makeup. However, it is unlikely that any amount of money, success, or other forms of power will entirely alleviate a narcissist's feelings of persecution. The underlying self-ego remains fragile, and the narcissist's core beliefs remain intact. The sheer magnitude of a narcissist's ego-damage and their inability to see their own actions negatively contribute to this persistent state of anxiety and paranoia.

Future Performance as a Predictor of Persecution

It is argued that narcissists' past behaviors often predict future ones. If a narcissist feels persecuted now, they may very well continue to do so in the future, even if they achieve great wealth and power. This view aligns with the psychological concept that personal and social dynamics are often recursive. Past actions and attitudes tend to set the stage for future experiences, including feelings of persecution and paranoia.

Conclusion

While achieving great wealth and power may offer some tangible advantages, it is unlikely to fundamentally alter a narcissist's feelings of persecution. Instead, the narcissist's delusions and paranoia may intensify, driven by their fragile self-ego and complex psychological makeup. This continual state of anxiety is a hallmark of narcissistic personality traits and underscores the importance of understanding these dynamics for both personal and professional contexts.