An article in Psychology Today highlights the traits of a narcissist -- they are not dissimilar to the sociopath (See my earlier series of posts about the traits of the sociopath).   I am not entirety certain whether cults attract narcissists who rise to the top of the hierarchy, or whether narcissists create cults -- but the need for praise and approval and the shifting of blame to others is a hallmark of the narcissistic personality. And this is a hallmark of a cult leader.  I think it is helpful to understand the characteristics of these personality types because they are … [Read more...]