Number 5: The motives, intents, and goals that guide their actions differ.
The biggest difference between narcissists and sociopaths is simple. Every manipulation, lie, or exploitation a narcissist makes is done with the intent to either preserve, protect, or expand their ego and self-importance either to themselves or to others. A key component to narcissism is really an insecure, fragile ego that resides underneath layers of defense mechanisms, usually formed in their early childhood.
Deep down inside their minds, they know that they are average, or even below average. But to a narcissist, being anything below remarkable is a failure and disgrace. Thus, nearly everything they do—the belittling, the lies, the gaslighting, the bullying—is an attempt to hide from the reality that they’re not any better or more important than any other individual on the planet.
Sociopaths, on the other hand, don’t behave in a harmful, dangerous, or toxic manner for the preservation of their own ego and perceived level of self-importance. So then what is their motive? That’s the thing. There often is no motive other than to gain pleasure, to have fun, or to alleviate boredom. Sure, sometimes they might have other motives, such as committing a robbery for financial gain, but their egos, or the fear of shame that they would experience if caught, are not a factor that would stop them.
Sociopaths act for pleasure and to stimulate their senses. Because of this, their actions and personality will often appear chaotic, random, and volatile as there is no pattern or logical reasoning behind them. Their unpredictable nature makes them very dangerous individuals.
Number 4: Sociopaths often have no regard for their own personal safety and wellbeing, unlike narcissists.
Narcissists value themselves higher than anything else in the world, especially when it comes to their own physical safety, appearance, and wellbeing, but sociopaths don’t share those same values. Sociopaths will often prioritize a stimulating, often dangerous, thrill over their own safety.
Because of this, they’re more likely to behave in a daredevil manner, such as jumping off a bridge to feel a rush or engaging in illicit substances without any fear of the consequences. Narcissists value themselves far too high to do anything too risky, especially if it could leave their appearance altered or leave them with a negative reputation. Sociopaths don’t share the same enlarged ego as narcissists, thus leaving them more susceptible to danger.
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