I heard a guy say, "Narcissism and Martyrdom Spring From The Same Stock". In What Ways Do You Think He Means?

Answer 1

I agree. It's the idea that "extremes meet". Every narcissist needs a martyr and emotional martyrs are naturally attracted to narcissists (this is why a woman abused by her father will choose to marry an abusive man). And where the martyrs like think about the narcissist as "evil", and of themselves as victims, the narcissist is essentially someone loves himself too much and the martyr is one who loves himself too little.

The martyr (and so many of us are emotional martyrs) literally dismantles/destroys himself for his cause. Those to whom the narcissist looks to for narcissistic supply are participating in the dynamic by making themselves available to -- by enabling -- the narcissist, by not honoring themselves.

They key is understanding that "all is choice" -- everything we experience in life is a result of our choices. And "like attracts like". If I had to choose only between the two, I'd still choose to be a giver, but I think the only truly noble, truly healthy choice, is to be neither. It's not any healthier to dwell in victimhood than it is to be a world class narcissist. I think, essentially, we're all walking wounded trying to find our way back to center.

There is more hope for the martyrs though -- most narcissists are lost causes and are really dangerous people to engage, They are masters at dismantling other via manipulation -- charming, and sometimes downright delightful...once you get past the mask and try to have any kind of healthy relationship with them, you see who they really are (or rather that they don't actually exist in any genuine way at all).

If you think you might be dealing with a narcissist, there's a great online forum/support group, Narcissistic Personality Disorder Refuge (NPDR) at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/npd...

:) Jen

Answer 2

I believe that it can be that they come from the same stock, however the meat of the stock may be a bit different or differently fed.

For the narcissist, he/she is involved so much with themselves that there is no room for thoughts of others, or things that do not matter to them.

For the Martyr he is one that has a belief, right or wrong, about a cause, or purpose of which he is willing to give so much of himself, including himself unto death, to the ends of that cause. "The means justify the end," To bring about that cause for the benefit of all.

So if we take the two together, (and we only have your one quote and not the all of the statement) it would appear that this guy, feels that people who are martyr's are narcissist, into themselves for their cause in exclusion to all other any reasoning.

Martyr's are not necessarily bad for mankind. on the other hand narcissists have nothing to really offer mankind. One could say they take up space.

that's just my take.

Answer 3

Both may come from excessive attention to one's own ego. The narcissist tends to be his/her own center of attention, to be the perfect person or paragon. Some who want to become martyrs do so in order to make themselves important through their deaths. "See what I did for the faith/country/etc." For whatever reason, these people could not see themselves as being valuable to the community except through this extreme measure of self-destruction.

This is not to say that there aren't true martyrs who pursue their goals because they support the community/faith/country/etc. They've gone beyond the purely personal reasons to more transcendent and overarching motives for their actions.

Answer 4

i think it depends on what the intention is with martyrdom (only the martyr knows). Are they giving up their life for others or for a cause, or are they doing it simply for the glory? WHich they obviously won't get to witness since they'll be gone.

Answer 5

Narcissism means to think of yourself. To be obsessed with yourself.
Martyrdom can be the ultimate in thinking about yourself. To make yourself into a hero by your actions.

Answer 6

in both cases the self is the center of attention to the exclusion of other considerations. the martyr is thinking of his value system and his beliefs--willing to die for them. total dedication to his way. the narcissist is totally focussed on his needs and success, noone else or their needs matter. as we know narcissist sociopaths are very prevalent in top corporate positions and in politics, at all levels.."whatever it takes to win and to feed the ego".

Answer 7

It seems to me there may be a connection especially with all the junk that's happening in the world lately, but lol. Manic u really made me laugh. thankyou!!!

Answer 8

I really don't care what some stranger meant by his comments.
I have no interest in narcissists or martyrs.
His thoughts are irrelevant to my life.
Maybe he was saying you're self centered and should kill yourself.

Answer 9

Same can be said of traders and brokers...

But what he meant was that self love is like investing "your only as good as your last.....

Answer 10

that both narcissists and martyrs are overly consumed about/with themselves