‘People of the Lie’
To the Editor:
In 1983, psychiatrist M. Scott Peck published a book titled “People of the Lie,” a psychological examination of human evil. Peck’s central premise is that evil comes from deep-seated narcissism, which is a refusal to take accountability, and a chronic state of self-deception.
Such people resist feeling guilty for their wrongs. They prefer making falsehoods to camouflage their behavior, presenting a false self-image of perfection and scapegoating to project their own malice onto others. They are experts at appearing publicly lucid while harboring deep animosity toward those they deem beneath them. They use their authority to control, condemn and exclude the marginalized to feed their own narcissistic superiority.
Today, we are witness to depravity in its worst form, oppressing the poor while rewarding the wealthy. It is dangerous and hypocritical to support people who lie. This is an example of weaponizing pleased people against those who are less fortunate.
The warning signs of evil against humanity of all people are devastating. Narcissism threatens the health, safety and ability of the most vulnerable to live a life of dignity and wholeness. Vigilance is necessary to be aware of signs that evil is mounting an attack against humanity. A subliminal and subterranean shift and signs of a potential shift in society that favors substance over justice/fairness. Let’s stay awake and aware.
Al Mayes is a minister with Renaissance Incarceration in Eureka.
