SURROUNDED BY PSYCHOPATHS

A guidebook for deflecting psychological manipulators.

In Surrounded by Idiots (2019), communication expert Erikson assessed (and color-coded) the most popular types of personalities. Here, the author uses a similar narrative structure and focuses on tactics to help readers avoid “play[ing] into the hands of an evil-minded psychopath.” As he shows, honing one’s recognition of these personalities is especially important because they exist in such a wide variety of settings, from ordinary, daily situations to corporate boardrooms and government offices. To some, the moniker “psychopath” may seem harsh, but Erikson is consistent in his warning that the term is fitting and that they are determined to exploit another’s weaknesses to exact harm. His text reintegrates the four-color personality model from his previous book, and Erikson educates readers on key psychopathic characteristics (superficiality, remorselessness, cunning, etc.), basic defense mechanisms against them, and how to recognize them (partners, co-workers, superiors) and diffuse deviant behavioral patterns. The author shows how to see through the deceptive fog of dangerously controlling behaviors and provides methods to rid one’s life of those whose intent is to “drag many people down with them.” Throughout, Erikson uses reality-based scenarios as examples, allowing readers to properly arm themselves against manipulative tactics by acknowledging the systematic series of common controlling techniques employed by psychopathic personalities—e.g., obfuscation or gaslighting. He also examines this conundrum through the perspective of the observer (the victim) to promote analysis of certain enabling behaviors that may make them attractive bait for hostile manipulators. Ultimately, the author settles on one key countermeasure on which to focus: self-awareness. While some readers may find that the narrative is alarmist, those fascinated by multifaceted behavior will heed Erikson’s warning about diabolically manipulative people and their presence in every corner of contemporary society.

Bluntly cautionary and applicable advice on the importance of vigilance.