Top 50 Quotes About Narcissism

Before we jump into some eye-opening quotes about narcissism, let’s get a handle on what it really means and what traits define it.

What is Narcissism?

Narcissism, at its core, is all about being overly obsessed with oneself. Think vanity, arrogance, and a serious lack of empathy for others. But when we talk about narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), we’re diving into a mental health issue marked by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant craving for admiration, and zero empathy. If you want to dig deeper, check out books on narcissism.

Traits of a Narcissist

Folks with narcissistic personality disorder tend to show some pretty recognizable traits. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Big Ego: They often blow their own trumpet, exaggerating achievements and expecting to be seen as superior without actually earning it.
  • Fantasy Land: They’re lost in dreams of endless success, power, beauty, or perfect love.
  • Special Snowflake Syndrome: They believe they’re unique and should only hang out with other high-status people.
  • Admiration Junkies: They need constant praise and admiration.
  • Entitlement Issues: They think they deserve special treatment and expect others to comply with their wishes.
  • User Mentality: They don’t mind stepping on others to get what they want.
  • Empathy Deficit: They struggle to understand or care about others’ feelings and needs.
  • Green-Eyed Monster: They’re often envious of others or believe others are envious of them.
  • Arrogant Attitude: They display arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.

Knowing these traits can help you spot and deal with narcissistic personalities. For more on how these traits play out in different situations, check out our articles on narcissism and social media or how to deal with a narcissistic boss.

Quotes About Narcissism: A Closer Look

Quotes can be like little nuggets of wisdom, especially when it comes to understanding tricky stuff like narcissism. They give us a peek into the minds of narcissists and some handy tips on dealing with them.

Quotes on Narcissistic Behavior

  1. “The narcissist devours people, consumes their output, and casts the empty, writhing shells aside.” – Sam Vaknin
  2. “Narcissists are consumed with maintaining a shallow false self to others. They’re emotionally crippled souls that are addicted to attention.” – Shannon L. Alder
  3. “Behind every mask there is a face, and behind that a story.” – Marty Rubin
  4. “When a narcissist can no longer control you, they will instead try to control how others see you.” – Unknown
  5. “He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.” – Buddha

These quotes give us a glimpse into the confusing and often manipulative world of narcissists. If you’re curious about how narcissists behave at the end of a relationship, check out our article on what a narcissist does at the end of a relationship.

Quotes on Dealing with Narcissists

  1. “I don’t feed off my ego, I feed off my accomplishments.” – Todd Ruthman
  2. “Stay strong, make them wonder how you’re still smiling.” – Unknown
  3. “You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep the other person warm.” – Unknown
  4. “Sometimes the best way to rise above someone who puts you down is to step aside.” – Dodinsky
  5. “The only way to win with a toxic person is not to play.” – Unknown

These quotes are like a survival guide for dealing with narcissists. They remind us to set boundaries, keep our self-respect intact, and focus on our own well-being. For more tips on handling narcissists, check out our article on how to communicate with a narcissist.


Feel free to share your own experiences or favorite quotes about narcissism in the comments below. Let’s learn and grow together!

Famous Quotes on Narcissism

Narcissism is a personality trait that has fascinated and perplexed people for ages. These famous quotes, drawn from the wisdom of psychologists, experts, literature, and media, offer a peek into the mind of a narcissist.

Quotes by Psychologists and Experts

Psychologists and experts have spent years studying narcissistic behavior, and their insights are both enlightening and eye-opening. Here are a few quotes that capture the essence of narcissism:

  1. “Narcissists are master con-artists. They even fool themselves! That’s why so few professionals can see through them.” – Anonymous Psychologist
  2. “The ‘I’ alone isn’t enough to define who we are.” – Dr. Kristin Neff
  3. “Narcissistic Personality Disorder is marked by grandiosity, a craving for admiration, and a lack of empathy.” – American Psychiatric Association
  4. “Deny a narcissist admiration, and they’ll dislike you. Give it, and they’ll treat you with indifference.” – Mason Cooley

Want to dive deeper? Check out our list of books on narcissism.

Quotes from Literature and Media

Literature and media have given us some unforgettable narcissistic characters, and their quotes often hit close to home. Here are a few that stand out:

  1. “I don’t care what you think unless it’s about me.” – Kurt Cobain, Nirvana Lyrics
  2. “Narcissus weeps when his reflection doesn’t love him back.” – Mason Cooley
  3. “Half the harm in the world comes from people who want to feel important. They don’t mean to cause harm, but they don’t care about the damage they do.” – T. S. Eliot, ‘The Cocktail Party’
  4. “A narcissist always paints themselves as the victim or the innocent one. They get offended by the truth. But what’s hidden in the dark will come to light.” – Unknown

Need a laugh? Check out our collection of funny quotes about narcissism.

Reflecting on Narcissism Through Quotes

Looking at quotes about narcissism can give you a fresh take and a better grasp of this personality trait. They can also help you reflect on yourself and understand narcissistic relationships.

Quotes That Make You Think

Self-reflection is a great way to grow, and quotes about narcissism can give you some real food for thought. Check these out:

  1. “A narcissist paints a picture of themselves as being the victim or innocent in all aspects. They will be offended by the truth. But what is done in the dark will come to light. Time has a way of showing people’s true colors.” – Karla Grimes
  2. “Narcissists are consumed with maintaining a shallow false self to others. They’re emotionally crippled souls that are addicted to attention.” – Shannon L. Alder
  3. “The ‘Selfie Stick’ has to top the list for what best defines narcissism in society today.” – Alex Morritt

These quotes remind us that understanding narcissism is a journey of self-discovery. They also give us a peek into the minds and behaviors of narcissists.

Quotes About Narcissistic Relationships

Narcissistic relationships can be tough and complicated. These quotes can help you see things more clearly:

  1. “The sadistic narcissist perceives himself as Godlike, ruthless and devoid of scruples, capricious and unfathomable, emotion-less and non-sexual, omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent, a plague, devastation, an inescapable verdict.” – Sam Vaknin
  2. “When in a relationship, a real man doesn’t make his woman jealous of others, he makes others jealous of his woman.” – Steve Maraboli
  3. “A narcissist doesn’t break your heart, they break your spirit. That’s why it takes so long to heal.” – Unknown

Whether you’re dealing with a narcissist or trying to move on from one, these quotes can offer comfort, understanding, and a sense of community. For more tips on handling narcissists, check out our articles on how to communicate with a narcissist and how to deal with a narcissistic boss.

Padam Raj Joshi

Prof. Padam Raj Joshi is a distinguished expert in personality development and health prioritization, with a rich academic and professional background. He is the founder of PersonaQuests, a unique online platform that offers personalized one-on-one consultations aimed at fostering profound and sustainable personality changes.

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