In a recent paper, Robert Sternberg describes characteristics of toxic people, and compares toxicity with foolishness and . In this post I summarize important points from the article—with strong emphasis on toxicity because toxic individuals can cause great harm—concluding with Sternberg’s suggestions about developing wisdom.

What is missing in our world?

Compared to the previous century, the world has become better. For instance, the average IQ has increased by 30 points (two standard deviations) during the previous century. That is an “absolutely incredible rise in IQ.”1

But the world has gotten worse too: “The potential for destruction is unequaled in the history of our civilization because of the presence of nuclear weapons sufficient to destroy the world and leaders who just might use them.”1

Perhaps what our world needs is more wisdom. Instead, we have foolishness (absence of wisdom); worse yet, we have the opposite of wisdom: toxicity.

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What is toxicity?

Toxicity is often linked to the so-called “dark triad” of traits: narcissism, psychopathy, and .

Narcissism is associated with grandiosity, sense of entitlement, and vanity.

Machiavellianism has been linked with being cold, calculating, and deceptive.

Psychopathy is related to impulsivity, lack of , , and criminal behaviors.

These personality traits share much in common. People high in these traits have a tendency toward exploiting others, treating them unfairly and for selfish reasons. In short, they can cause great harm, physically or emotionally or both.

Toxic individuals have the potential to be very destructive. They can bring out the worst in others. This is not surprising since toxic personalities are typically bad-tempered, arrogant, domineering, and unethical.

Though compared to others, toxic individuals might—and often do—have above-average common sense and high levels of analytical reasoning, they use these abilities for selfish aims.

Of course, a toxic person is not always highly intelligent. When he is of lower , he often surrounds himself with intelligent and capable followers who, under his influence, will find ingenious ways to accomplish his harmful desires and realize his malignant intentions.

As leaders, toxic individuals are not concerned with the common good nor with those harmed by their actions. Of course, they have their preferred people (or groups), but their own selfish desires are of the greatest concern. All else is secondary.

How do toxic leaders gain control of their followers? Not by uniting them but by pitting them against each other.

What is foolishness?

Though the foolish individual shares a few characteristics in common with a toxic one, the two are not the same.

Foolish people are self-involved, overly regarding their own views, and unable to see their own vulnerabilities. They assume they already know all that needs to be known.

Foolish individuals are apathetic—indifferent to outgroups, ethical concerns, and the common good. They are unimaginative and dogmatic.

As opposed to a toxic person, a foolish one does not bring out the worst—but nor the best—in others.

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What is wisdom?

The opposite of toxicity is wisdom. Because they are concerned with what benefits everyone, wise individuals (in contrast to toxic ones) unite people.

The wise person is ethical, constructive, caring, and open to experience. She often possesses superior analytical intelligence; unlike her toxic counterpart, she uses her to achieve positive (not harmful) outcomes. She brings out the best in others.

We need to remember that intelligence, though necessary, is not sufficient for wisdom.

Intelligence is needed to analyze situations, solve problems, and distinguish bad and good ideas. But alone it will not guide the person to choose the good, not the bad.

A toxic person might use her intelligence to harm and injure others because her actions are not guided by values that guide the wise: Justice, compassion, , honesty, and sincerity.

Sometimes a toxic person would be willing to do anything necessary to gain or maintain power. Anything.

Surprisingly, wise individuals are often more feared than toxic ones. Why? Because wisdom is rare and difficult to understand. Instead, people are more likely to admire foolish persons or be drawn to toxic people—who, despite their pernicious , can be seductive and .

Developing wisdom, while countering foolishness and toxicity

How can we help youth develop wisdom, not foolishness or toxicity? Sternberg suggests we....1

Role model wise thinking/behavior.

Encourage reflection on one’s own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.

Emphasize the study of ethical values/reasoning.

Encourage the application of what has been learned to one’s life.

Teach young people that whatever is learned could be used for good or bad.

Promote flexible (not dogmatic) thinking.

Teach youth to seek a common good.

In the meantime, what are we to do with individuals who have , Machiavellian, or traits?

These individuals are not “bad people.” But because they can harm us—especially those of us unfamiliar with how the dark triad expresses itself in actions and behaviors—we need to learn how to respond to toxic behavior.

We can not eradicate toxicity, nor ignore toxic personalities and the harm they cause. Toxicity will always exist. It will seduce, contaminate, and pollute. What we can do is teach wisdom, point out foolishness/toxicity to others wherever we see these traits and behaviors, and protect ourselves well (especially if we have been abused before). and awareness are key.