Episode
#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
3:22:27
Published: Tue Feb 07 2023
Description
Paul Conti is a psychiatrist. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - Indeed: https://indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off EPISODE LINKS: Paul's Website: https://drpaulconti.com Trauma (book): https://amzn.to/40vCVJa Paul's LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dr-paul-m-conti-845074216 PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:28) - Human Mind (24:08) - Evil (30:22) - Envy (53:25) - Narcissism (1:21:59) - Pride (1:39:12) - Death (1:54:02) - Trauma (2:19:06) - Therapy (2:33:17) - Subconscious mind (2:39:13) - Conversation (2:51:59) - Emotion (3:15:11) - Advice for young people
Chapters
Lex Friedman introduces his conversation with psychiatrist and scholar of human nature Paul Conte, in which they discuss a wide range of topics including trauma, narcissism, sociopathy, psychopathy, good and evil, hate and love, happiness and envy.
00:00 - 01:48 (01:48)
Summary
Lex Friedman introduces his conversation with psychiatrist and scholar of human nature Paul Conte, in which they discuss a wide range of topics including trauma, narcissism, sociopathy, psychopathy, good and evil, hate and love, happiness and envy.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker discusses how human civilization has evolved from small villages to complex entities where individuals operate like mitochondria in a cell.
01:48 - 09:26 (07:37)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker discusses how human civilization has evolved from small villages to complex entities where individuals operate like mitochondria in a cell. They also touch on how psychiatry provides tools that can be used to help individuals by understanding and processing emotional data.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The levels of emergence and complexity in sentient beings and machines are what make us infinitely fascinating, yet inscrutable.
09:26 - 15:23 (05:57)
Summary
The levels of emergence and complexity in sentient beings and machines are what make us infinitely fascinating, yet inscrutable. The process of creating artificial intelligence involves understanding that we don't know a lot, and trying to create levels of emergence that we don't fully understand, which is both exciting and scary.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The drive towards counter entropy and the preservation of order can lead to the emergence of concepts like good and evil.
15:23 - 23:03 (07:39)
Summary
The drive towards counter entropy and the preservation of order can lead to the emergence of concepts like good and evil. The creative force values sanctity and works towards keeping things together instead of destroying them.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion revolves around the human condition and why human beings commit evil acts towards each other, driven by scarcity and insecurity, and how the initial appreciation and respect can help prevent it.
23:03 - 28:13 (05:10)
Summary
The discussion revolves around the human condition and why human beings commit evil acts towards each other, driven by scarcity and insecurity, and how the initial appreciation and respect can help prevent it.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this snippet, the speakers discuss the topic of jealousy and its impact on society, including resentment and envy towards individuals or groups, as well as the more natural aspect of desiring certain things that others may possess.
28:13 - 35:49 (07:35)
Summary
In this snippet, the speakers discuss the topic of jealousy and its impact on society, including resentment and envy towards individuals or groups, as well as the more natural aspect of desiring certain things that others may possess.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the development of evil and the justification of immoral actions through lies and a hatred of self.
35:49 - 42:01 (06:12)
Summary
The speaker discusses the development of evil and the justification of immoral actions through lies and a hatred of self. They use Hitler as an analogy and emphasize the importance of nurturing positivity and self-acceptance.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker discusses how channeling jealousy into productivity and celebrating others can lead to personal growth and eliminate feelings of jealousy.
42:01 - 49:25 (07:23)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker discusses how channeling jealousy into productivity and celebrating others can lead to personal growth and eliminate feelings of jealousy. The speaker also talks about the power of choice in mitigating the effects of negative emotions and avoiding a dark path.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Narcissistic individuals care about other people, but it's solely related to themselves.
49:25 - 1:02:04 (12:39)
Summary
Narcissistic individuals care about other people, but it's solely related to themselves. Narcissism is a deep sense of inadequacy compensated for by aggression, envy, and disregard for others' thoughts and feelings.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of narcissism can be broadly defined, including malignant narcissism or sociopathy, but there are ways in which a person can think outside of themselves and in a kinder way towards others.
1:02:04 - 1:11:18 (09:14)
Summary
The concept of narcissism can be broadly defined, including malignant narcissism or sociopathy, but there are ways in which a person can think outside of themselves and in a kinder way towards others. While nuanced, definitions of narcissism, empathy, and envy are widely accepted in psychology and psychiatry.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Trauma, no matter the scale, can catalyze profound human connections.
1:11:18 - 1:18:04 (06:46)
Summary
Trauma, no matter the scale, can catalyze profound human connections. In retrospect, experiencing trauma can help people understand the workings of the human mind at a deeper level, which can later be put into words.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the importance of practicing gratitude to combat negative emotions and compares it to going to the gym to work on physical fitness.
1:18:04 - 1:24:00 (05:55)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of practicing gratitude to combat negative emotions and compares it to going to the gym to work on physical fitness.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares how he uses social media as a chance to practice stoicism, gratitude, and humility in the face of negative emotions such as arguments about politics.
1:24:00 - 1:30:30 (06:30)
Summary
The speaker shares how he uses social media as a chance to practice stoicism, gratitude, and humility in the face of negative emotions such as arguments about politics.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the importance of managing negative self-talk and the power of gratitude in counteracting it.
1:30:30 - 1:37:47 (07:17)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the importance of managing negative self-talk and the power of gratitude in counteracting it.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the existentialist idea that meaning can be found in pursuing the passion of life and contrasts the intellectual heaviness of Camus' later writings with the beauty that he saw as a child.
1:37:47 - 1:44:20 (06:32)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the existentialist idea that meaning can be found in pursuing the passion of life and contrasts the intellectual heaviness of Camus' later writings with the beauty that he saw as a child. They also touch on the nihilistic streak in his later works and his death by suicide.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Life being suffering may not be completely true and could lead to reductionism and the persecution of others.
1:44:20 - 1:49:54 (05:34)
Summary
Life being suffering may not be completely true and could lead to reductionism and the persecution of others. It is important to seek meaning instead of getting associated with overly simplistic ideas.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The experience of sadness and loss can sometimes be seen as a celebration of a beautiful time that has passed, rather than simply a negative emotion, as well as an encounter with the concept of absurdity in philosophy.
1:49:54 - 1:54:40 (04:46)
Summary
The experience of sadness and loss can sometimes be seen as a celebration of a beautiful time that has passed, rather than simply a negative emotion, as well as an encounter with the concept of absurdity in philosophy. It is consistent with healthy function as human beings to experience these feelings.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares a personal anecdote of how their parents instilled in them the value of hard work, and how trauma can affect individuals differently.
1:54:40 - 2:06:27 (11:46)
Summary
The speaker shares a personal anecdote of how their parents instilled in them the value of hard work, and how trauma can affect individuals differently. They also use the example of Emmanuel Kant to support their point.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In emotionally challenging situations, it is important to momentarily separate the emotional impact from the actual meaning in order to be able to move forward and complete tasks effectively.
2:06:27 - 2:15:46 (09:18)
Summary
In emotionally challenging situations, it is important to momentarily separate the emotional impact from the actual meaning in order to be able to move forward and complete tasks effectively. Childhood trauma and the resulting negative self-talk can create a barrier towards openness, trust and mutuality.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The journey towards healing from trauma involves more than just medications or simple clinical procedures, but rather a partnership and journey between the individual and trusted others to acknowledge and reframe the trauma in a different light.
2:15:46 - 2:21:43 (05:57)
Summary
The journey towards healing from trauma involves more than just medications or simple clinical procedures, but rather a partnership and journey between the individual and trusted others to acknowledge and reframe the trauma in a different light.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Is it possible to blend the lines of professional therapy sessions and creating long-lasting, meaningful relationships?
2:21:43 - 2:29:38 (07:55)
Summary
Is it possible to blend the lines of professional therapy sessions and creating long-lasting, meaningful relationships? The speaker examines the idea of incorporating intimacy and friendship into therapy.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Society's anger and envy towards physicians has led to a lack of trust in their expertise, as patients now often believe that they know what medicine or treatment they need based on advertisements and the wealth of medical knowledge available on the internet, leading to a fear for physicians' own safety.
2:29:38 - 2:33:35 (03:56)
Summary
Society's anger and envy towards physicians has led to a lack of trust in their expertise, as patients now often believe that they know what medicine or treatment they need based on advertisements and the wealth of medical knowledge available on the internet, leading to a fear for physicians' own safety.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Intrinsic learning occurs within our unconscious mind, as we suppress unacceptable things and need to explore why we find them unacceptable.
2:33:35 - 2:39:42 (06:07)
Summary
Intrinsic learning occurs within our unconscious mind, as we suppress unacceptable things and need to explore why we find them unacceptable. Understanding and working through our unconscious can help prevent negative experiences from resurfacing.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of being sensitive to a person's reaction to certain words and storing that information away, as well as giving individuals space to accumulate and process their thoughts before speaking, are discussed as key elements of clear and accurate communication.
2:39:42 - 2:46:03 (06:20)
Summary
The importance of being sensitive to a person's reaction to certain words and storing that information away, as well as giving individuals space to accumulate and process their thoughts before speaking, are discussed as key elements of clear and accurate communication.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of emotion in human connection and how it can lead to positive change is discussed.
2:46:03 - 2:54:47 (08:44)
Summary
The importance of emotion in human connection and how it can lead to positive change is discussed. Even in conversations with world leaders, success ultimately lies in the emotional landscape.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes that meaning is generated in humans through their emotions and that these emotions lead to a sense of mystery and wonder, causing humans to ask questions and explore metaphysical concepts like free will.
2:54:47 - 3:02:47 (07:59)
Summary
The speaker believes that meaning is generated in humans through their emotions and that these emotions lead to a sense of mystery and wonder, causing humans to ask questions and explore metaphysical concepts like free will.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The prevalence of negative speech like racial slurs and destructive actions like arson can diminish effective communication between people.
3:02:47 - 3:07:23 (04:35)
Summary
The prevalence of negative speech like racial slurs and destructive actions like arson can diminish effective communication between people. Creating a space where negative language and actions are limited can lead to better communication.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the intense and powerful cultural significance of Russia and discusses valuable lessons about the human mind, psychiatry, psychology, and the Cold War that can be taken forward in the 21st century to prevent another world war.
3:07:23 - 3:14:40 (07:17)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the intense and powerful cultural significance of Russia and discusses valuable lessons about the human mind, psychiatry, psychology, and the Cold War that can be taken forward in the 21st century to prevent another world war.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how defining your values helps you navigate the difficult task of finding your way in an ever-changing world.
3:14:40 - 3:20:30 (05:49)
Summary
The speaker talks about how defining your values helps you navigate the difficult task of finding your way in an ever-changing world. They also touch on the dangers of proxy fights and misunderstandings in conflicts.
Episode#357 – Paul Conti: Narcissism, Sociopathy, Envy, and the Nature of Good and Evil
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around the importance of going with your gut feeling, even though it may not align with data, research, or advice from others.
3:20:30 - 3:22:47 (02:17)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around the importance of going with your gut feeling, even though it may not align with data, research, or advice from others. The benefits of intuition are highlighted in various aspects of life, including career, relationships, and personal satisfaction.