The Unprincipled Narcissist sees no harm in exploiting others, particularly since these people are seen as inferiors. Another way to look at their personality is to say that they have no superego, that is, no social conscience. The P. T. Barnum attitude of a sucker being born every minute could be their operating motto since the Unprincipled Narcissist displays “an unscrupulous, amoral, and deceptive approach to his or her relationships with others. More than merely disloyal and exploitive, these narcissistic people may be found among society’s con men or women and charlatans, many of whom are vindictive and contemptuous of their victims.”2 If this person sounds familiar it is probably because this style mixes the characteristic self-centeredness of the narcissist with aspects of the antisocial personality.
The Unprincipled Narcissist "evidences a rash willingness to risk harm and is notably fearless in the face of threats and punitive action. Malicious tendencies are projected outward, precipitating frequent personal and family difficulties as well as occasional legal entanglements. Vengeful gratification is often obtained by humiliating and dominating others.”3
This type of narcissist has no allegiance to anyone and moves from one person to another with no regrets and no looking back; of course, because the unprincipled narcissist can be so charming, the person left behind is often deeply wounded and exploited.
For this person truth is relative. “Narcissistic individuals are skillful in the ways of social influence, capable of feigning an air of justified innocence, and adept in deceiving others with charm and glibness. Lacking any deep feelings of loyalty, they may successfully scheme beneath a veneer of politeness and civility. their principal orientation is that of outwitting others, getting power, and exploiting them ‘before they do it to you.’ They often carry a chip-on-the-shoulder attitude and have a readiness to attack those who are distrusted or who can be used as scapegoats . . . . [Paradoxically, this type of narcissist] may invite danger and punishment. But punishment only verifies an unconscious recognition of deserved punishment and reinforces exploitive and unprincipled behaviors.”4
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Click on the note number to return to where you were above; click on the author's name to go to the bibliographic entry.1Millon, 1998
2Millon, 1998, p. 91
3Millon, 1998, p. 91
4Millon, 1998, p. 92