There are individuals in this world whose goal is to take advantage of others, often using manipulation and deception. Whether they are classified as narcissists, sociopaths, compulsive, or pathological liars, they operate differently from most people, making them particularly dangerous. They often blend in so well that their true nature is not immediately apparent.
In this article, we will explore some of the common dirty tricks narcissists use, with a focus on the notorious case of Elizabeth Holmes and her fraudulent company, Theranos. Holmes defrauded investors and misled millions of people with her false claims about revolutionary blood testing technology.
But, she is not alone in using these tactics. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 6.2% of the U.S. population has Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Dr. Paul Ekman estimates that 5% of people are pathological liars. That’s potentially one in 20 people, making it crucial to understand how to detect these dangerous personalities.
1. Image is Everything
One of the primary motivators for narcissistic personalities is the need to control how others see them. Narcissists are obsessed with maintaining a specific persona, and they will go to great lengths to ensure that people perceive them in a way that feeds their ego.
In the case of Elizabeth Holmes, she wanted to be seen as the female Steve Jobs. She adopted his signature black turtlenecks, mimicked his product launch style, and even hired former Apple employees to reinforce this image. While it’s normal for people to emulate their idols, a key indicator of narcissist is their willingness to lie to maintain their persona. For example, Holmes famously altered her voice to sound deeper and more authoritative, only for it to slip back to her natural tone at times when she was fatigued.
2. Bold-Faced Lies Without Flinching
Narcissists and pathological liars have a very different relationship with the truth than most people. While many of us feel discomfort or guilt when telling even small lies, narcissists can lie without hesitation or visible signs of stress. Holmes demonstrated this trait by staging fake blood tests during product demos for investors. These tests never worked, yet she maintained her composure and continued with the charade, fooling even highly intelligent and skeptical individuals.
Narcissists are often so adept at lying that their calm demeanor and confidence can make their lies appear credible. They lack the same feelings of guilt or shame that would deter others from engaging in deceptive behavior.
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3. Gaslighting and Excuses
When their lies are challenged, narcissists will often gaslight their accusers, dismissing their concerns and making excuses. This tactic confuses the victim and shifts the blame away from the narcissist. For example, Holmes was known to provide convenient explanations when people questioned the inconsistencies in her company’s technology. If someone asked why they were drawing blood from a vein instead of using a finger prick, there would always be a reason — and the person asking would continue to buy into the lie.
Narcissists are masters of excuses, and they will twist any situation to ensure they are never at fault. Gaslighting is a favorite tactic because it makes the victim question their own perception of reality.
4. Refusal to Admit Defeat
Most people, when caught in a lie, will eventually give up and admit defeat. Narcissists, however, are notorious for doubling down, even when their lies have been exposed. Rather than acknowledging their wrongdoing, they will continue to defend their falsehoods or create new lies to cover their tracks.
Holmes, for instance, continued to promote her company even after being charged with securities fraud and facing criminal charges. She even suggested she would start a new company, completely disregarding the damage she had already done. This refusal to admit defeat is a hallmark of narcissistic behavior, as they cannot tolerate the idea of failure or loss of control.
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5. Playing the Victim
When confronted with the consequences of their actions, narcissists often resort to playing the victim. This allows them to maintain their carefully crafted image while deflecting responsibility onto others. Holmes, for example, portrayed herself as a misunderstood visionary, claiming that people were attacking her because she was trying to change the world. By framing herself as the victim of unjust criticism, she avoided taking accountability for her fraudulent actions.
This tactic works because it elicits sympathy from others, distracting them from the narcissist’s true motives. It’s a manipulative way to maintain control and continue the deception.
6. Surrounding Themselves with “Yes-Men”
Narcissists tend to isolate themselves from criticism by surrounding themselves with people who agree with them and support their lies. They shut out anyone who questions their narrative and dismiss them as “haters” or “jealous” of their success. Holmes and her partner, Sunny Balwani, were known to fire or ostracize employees who raised concerns about the accuracy of the Theranos tests, labeling them as troublemakers rather than addressing the issues at hand.
By eliminating dissenting voices, narcissists create an echo chamber where their lies go unchallenged, allowing them to continue their manipulative behavior.
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7. Mastering Deception with Ease
Finally, one of the most dangerous aspects of narcissists is their ability to deceive with ease. Some, like Holmes, are so practiced at lying that it becomes second nature to them. They don’t need to process their lies or suppress the truth because, to them, there is no distinction between reality and their fabricated world. This makes them particularly difficult to detect because they come across as calm and collected, even when lying through their teeth.
The best way to protect yourself from these individuals is to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Analyze their claims at a high level and ask yourself whether they truly make sense. In Holmes’ case, it was only when journalists took this broader view that they began to uncover the lies behind her groundbreaking technology.
Conclusion
Narcissists and pathological liars are difficult to spot because they blend into society and often appear confident and trustworthy. However, by being aware of the tricks they use — controlling their image, telling bald-faced lies, gaslighting, refusing to admit defeat, playing the victim, surrounding themselves with supporters, and deceiving with ease — you can protect yourself from falling victim to their manipulation.
Remember, while most people lie occasionally, true narcissists do so compulsively and without remorse. Keep your eyes open, trust your gut, and don’t let these dangerous personalities take advantage of you.
Read More: 5 Things Sociopaths Do
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