Everyone encounters one at some point in their life. The know-it-all is the person who insists on being the true expert on any and every subject. They say things like "Im the only one who has real "intel" or the "inside" scoop. They say, "Like I've always said, it will be this or that" The person loves to talk, talk, talk. It is irritating to most, but if you consider the source and realize it's a disorder, then it is easier to tolerate.
The "know-it-all" is usually a person with a severe inferiority complex. The need for them to think they know it all gives them a feeling of worthiness. The complex usually begins in early childhood. It is a psychological disorder that may manifest itself during achievement situations. On the other hand, it can also manifest later in life caused by diminished attention payed to the person. Age and the loss of youth (physical) past employment, failed relationships can produce the inferiority complex.
The complex results from a conflict between a desire to seek self-recognition in a situation and the desire to avoid the feelings of humiliation frequently experienced in similar situations in the past.
The disorder is characterized by compensatory behaviour such as aggressiveness. It is often subconscious, and is thought to drive afflicted individuals to overcompensate, resulting either in spectacular achievement or extreme schizotypal behavior, or both. Unlike a normal feeling of inferiority, which can act as an incentive for achievement (or promote discouragement), an inferiority complex is an advanced state of discouragement, often embedding itself into ones's lifestyle.
The disorder can manifest as a mental disorder characterized by extreme self-absorption, an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and a need for attention and admiration from others (Narcissism). First identified by Havelock Ellis in 1898, the disorder is named for the mythological Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection. In addition to an inflated self-image and addiction to fantasy, narcissism is characterized by an unusual coolness and composure, which is shaken only when the narcissistic confidence is threatened, and by the tendency to take others for granted or to exploit them. According to Sigmund Freud, narcissism is a normal stage in children's development, but it is considered a disorder when it occurs after puberty.
A degree of narcissism is considered normal, where an individual has a healthy self-regard and realistic aspirations. The condition becomes pathological, and diagnosable as a personality disorder, when it significantly impairs social functioning. An individual with narcissistic personality disorder tends to harbor an exaggerated sense of his own self-importance and uniqueness. He is often excessively occupied with fantasies about his own attributes and potential for success, and usually depends upon others for reinforcement of his self-image. He likes to hear himself talk and will talk to anyone that will listen. He will make up stories of grandeur and make himself appear to have importance.
A narcissist tends to have difficulties maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, stemming largely from a lack of empathy and a propensity for taking advantage of others in the interest of self-aggrandizement. It can be found in combination with antisocial personality disorder.
People in general are trusting and they will not recognize narcissism immediately. They will eventually come to realize the narcissistic person repeats the same stories by embellishing the facts until it's obvious that the person is not only narcissistic but delusional.
The best way to not offend the insecure, know-it-all narcissistic person, is by ignoring them. If that doesn't work or if it's impossible to escape this person, maybe a heart to heart talk would work. In any case, the realization knowing that this is a disorder will make it much easier to tolerate.
The "know-it-all" is usually a person with a severe inferiority complex. The need for them to think they know it all gives them a feeling of worthiness. The complex usually begins in early childhood. It is a psychological disorder that may manifest itself during achievement situations. On the other hand, it can also manifest later in life caused by diminished attention payed to the person. Age and the loss of youth (physical) past employment, failed relationships can produce the inferiority complex.
The complex results from a conflict between a desire to seek self-recognition in a situation and the desire to avoid the feelings of humiliation frequently experienced in similar situations in the past.
The disorder is characterized by compensatory behaviour such as aggressiveness. It is often subconscious, and is thought to drive afflicted individuals to overcompensate, resulting either in spectacular achievement or extreme schizotypal behavior, or both. Unlike a normal feeling of inferiority, which can act as an incentive for achievement (or promote discouragement), an inferiority complex is an advanced state of discouragement, often embedding itself into ones's lifestyle.
The disorder can manifest as a mental disorder characterized by extreme self-absorption, an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and a need for attention and admiration from others (Narcissism). First identified by Havelock Ellis in 1898, the disorder is named for the mythological Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection. In addition to an inflated self-image and addiction to fantasy, narcissism is characterized by an unusual coolness and composure, which is shaken only when the narcissistic confidence is threatened, and by the tendency to take others for granted or to exploit them. According to Sigmund Freud, narcissism is a normal stage in children's development, but it is considered a disorder when it occurs after puberty.
A degree of narcissism is considered normal, where an individual has a healthy self-regard and realistic aspirations. The condition becomes pathological, and diagnosable as a personality disorder, when it significantly impairs social functioning. An individual with narcissistic personality disorder tends to harbor an exaggerated sense of his own self-importance and uniqueness. He is often excessively occupied with fantasies about his own attributes and potential for success, and usually depends upon others for reinforcement of his self-image. He likes to hear himself talk and will talk to anyone that will listen. He will make up stories of grandeur and make himself appear to have importance.
A narcissist tends to have difficulties maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, stemming largely from a lack of empathy and a propensity for taking advantage of others in the interest of self-aggrandizement. It can be found in combination with antisocial personality disorder.
People in general are trusting and they will not recognize narcissism immediately. They will eventually come to realize the narcissistic person repeats the same stories by embellishing the facts until it's obvious that the person is not only narcissistic but delusional.
The best way to not offend the insecure, know-it-all narcissistic person, is by ignoring them. If that doesn't work or if it's impossible to escape this person, maybe a heart to heart talk would work. In any case, the realization knowing that this is a disorder will make it much easier to tolerate.
