In Sheep's Clothing. Discussing Narcissism w/ Dr. George Simon

Summary

In this insightful interview, Dr. George Simon discusses his extensive research into personality and character, highlighting the impact of character disturbances in relationships. He delves into his journey of understanding manipulative behaviors like gaslighting and the importance of recognizing the spectrum of character disorders. Dr. Simon emphasizes the significance of self-love and character health, advocating for personal growth and societal change starting from the individual's heart. His book, 'Essentials for the Journey,' encapsulates his life's work, offering ten commandments for embracing a life of character and love.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. George Simon has studied personality and character for 45 years, focusing on both formal and clinical research.
• 😀 Simon's work emphasizes the difference between personality disorders and character disturbances, highlighting the impact of conscience development.
• 😀 Simon experienced frustration early in his career due to the ineffectiveness of traditional mental health approaches in treating character disturbances and relationship issues.
• 😀 The phenomenon of gaslighting inspired Simon's book 'In Sheep's Clothing,' addressing the manipulative tactics that create doubt and confusion in victims.
• 😀 Simon's second book explores the continuum between neurosis and character disturbances, stressing the need for new diagnostic frameworks.
• 😀 Simon advocates for cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on changing behavior to alter thinking, rather than the other way around.
• 😀 In his latest book, 'Essentials for the Journey,' Simon outlines ten commandments for character development, emphasizing interconnectedness, truth-seeking, and genuine love.
• 😀 Simon underscores the importance of self-awareness and overcoming entitlement as crucial steps in character growth.
• 😀 He criticizes the current societal and professional environments that perpetuate character deficiencies and stresses individual responsibility for change.
• 😀 Simon's work is grounded in a belief that personal and societal transformation starts with the heart, advocating for a mindful approach to behavior and relationships.

Q & A

Who are the speakers in the provided transcript?

The speakers in the transcript are Ross Rosenberg and Dr. George Simon.

What is Dr. George Simon's area of focus in his professional career?

Dr. George Simon's area of focus is the study of personality and character, both formally and clinically, for about 45 years.

What inspired Dr. Simon to write his book 'In Sheep's Clothing'?

Dr. Simon was inspired to write 'In Sheep's Clothing' after witnessing the phenomenon of gaslighting and the manipulative tactics used by individuals with character disturbances in relationships.

What is the term 'gaslighting' associated with in the context of the transcript?

In the context of the transcript, 'gaslighting' is associated with a manipulative phenomenon where individuals make their partners doubt their own perceptions and sanity within a relationship.

What does Dr. Simon believe is necessary for personal growth and overcoming character disturbances?

Dr. Simon believes that personal growth and overcoming character disturbances require a change in perspective, understanding the interconnectedness of everything, and developing a sense of character health.

What is the term 'iatrogenic trauma' as mentioned by Dr. Simon?

Iatrogenic trauma, as mentioned by Dr. Simon, refers to the harm or trauma experienced by individuals as a result of the treatment they receive, particularly when it comes to therapy that fails to properly address their issues.

What is the main focus of Dr. Simon's book 'Character Disturbance'?

The main focus of 'Character Disturbance' is to lay out the entire spectrum of character disturbances and to provide guidance for seeking the right kind of help to address these issues.

What are the 'Ten Commandments of Character' that Dr. Simon refers to in his book 'Essentials for the Journey'?

The 'Ten Commandments of Character' are a set of principles or axioms that Dr. Simon suggests can guide individuals towards developing a healthy sense of self-love, character, and spiritual health.

What does Dr. Simon suggest is the starting point for societal change and improvement?

Dr. Simon suggests that the starting point for societal change and improvement is at the individual level, beginning with self-awareness, self-love, and personal growth.

How does Dr. Simon describe the relationship between thought and action in terms of personal development?

Dr. Simon describes that while thoughts can influence actions, it is more effective to act one's way into a new way of thinking rather than trying to think one's way into a new way of acting.

What is the significance of the term 'self-love' in the context of the transcript?

In the context of the transcript, 'self-love' is significant as it represents a foundational aspect of personal development and healthy relationships, and is a concept that Dr. Simon emphasizes in his work.