Column: A case study of narcissism

The NPI-16 is an index which is commonly used in social science research to evaluate an individual’s level of narcissism. Below is each item on that index, coupled with quotes from a respondent who was evaluated as highly narcissistic.

Item One: “I think I am a special person.”

Respondent’s Quote: “Sorry losers and haters, but my I.Q. is one of the highest — and you all know it! Please don't feel so stupid or insecure, it's not your fault”

Item Two: “People always seem to recognize my authority.”

Quote: “My twitter has become so powerful that I can actually make my enemies tell the truth.”

Item Three: “I know that I am good because everybody keeps telling me so.”

Quote: “Wow, every poll said I won the debate last night. Great honor!”

Item Four: “I really like to be the center of attention.”

Quote: “We are going to have an unbelievable, perhaps record-setting turnout for the inauguration, and there will be plenty of movie and entertainment stars. All the dress shops are sold out in Washington. It’s hard to find a great dress for this inauguration.”

Item Five: “I am an extraordinary person.”

Quote: "I'm the most successful person ever to run for the presidency, by far. Nobody's ever been more successful than me. I'm the most successful person ever to run. Ross Perot isn't successful like me. Romney — I have a Gucci store that's worth more than Romney."

Item Six: “I always know what I am doing.”

Quote: “I will build a great, great wall on our southern border and I will have Mexico pay for that wall.”

Item Seven: “I am going to be a great person.”

Quote: “There’s nobody bigger or better at the military than I am.”

Item Eight: “I like to be the center of attention.”

Quote: “All the women on ‘The Apprentice’ flirted with me — consciously or unconsciously. That’s to be expected.”

Item Nine: “I am more capable than other people.”

Quote: “Do you know that John McCain was a 'birther'? They couldn’t get the records. Hillary failed. John McCain failed. Trump was able to get (Obama) to give something — I don’t know what the hell it was.”

Item Ten: “I like having authority over people.”

Quote: “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters.”

Item Eleven: “I insist upon getting the respect that is due me.”

Quote: “Those Intelligence chiefs made a mistake here, & when people make mistakes, they should APOLOGIZE." Media should also apologize.”

Item Twelve: “I find it easy to manipulate people.”

Quote: “(Gaddafi) paid me more for one night than the land was worth for two years, and then I didn't let him use the land. That's what we should be doing. I don't want to use the word 'screwed,' but I screwed him.”

Item Thirteen: “Everybody likes to hear my stories.”

Quote: “I actually think I'm going good, I have the biggest crowds. Nobody's ever had crowds like this."

Item Fourteen: “I can make anybody believe anything I want them to.”

Quote: “I call it truthful hyperbole. It's an innocent form of exaggeration — and a very effective form of promotion.”

Item Fifteen: “I expect a great deal from other people.”

Quote: “I am not a fan of John McCain because he has done so little for our Veterans and he should know better than anybody what the Veterans need, especially in regards to the VA. He is yet another all talk, no action politician.”

Item Sixteen: “I am apt to show off if I get the chance.”

Quote: “I look very much forward to showing my financials. Because they are huge."

Spelling and grammatical errors were President Trump’s and his alone.