--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But as history and experience…" description: "\"“But as history and experience demonstrate, power-hungry narcissistic psychopaths do not look different from normal people; and if they stand out, it i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ff/bandy-x-lee-2-55693_history_but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrat_1817723.jpg" --- # But as history and experience demonstrate, power-hungry… ![“But as history and experience demonstrate, power-hungry narcissistic psychopaths do not look different from normal people; and if they stand out, it is often for socially approved reasons: their resolve, charisma, decisiveness, and ability to inspire others.” quote by Bandy X. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ff/bandy-x-lee-2-55693_history_but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrat_1817723.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ff/bandy-x-lee-2-55693_history_but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrat_1817723.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ff/bandy-x-lee-2-55693_history_but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrat_1817723.jpg) > ““But as history and experience demonstrate, power-hungry narcissistic psychopaths do not look different from normal people; and if they stand out, it is often for socially approved reasons: their resolve, charisma, decisiveness, and ability to inspire others.”” [Bandy X. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bandy-x-lee-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Power‑hungry narcissistic psychopaths can appear ordinary, often praised for charisma, decisiveness, and inspirational ability, masking dangerous traits. **In simple terms:** Dangerous people can seem normal and even admirable. Key Takeaway Beware charisma that hides harmful intent. Themes leadership psychology ethics Mood cautious critical Type analytical warning When to use this quote - corporate hiring - political campaigns - team building - media analysis Key Concepts narcissism psychopathy social perception Questions to Reflect On - How do you differentiate genuine leadership from manipulative charisma? - What safeguards can prevent charismatic individuals from abusing power? A Different Perspective Charisma can be manipulated, making it hard to detect true motives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Charisma](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/charisma/) [Charisma Decisiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/charisma-decisiveness-2167933/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Inspire others](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspire-others/) [Narcissistic Psychopaths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/narcissistic-psychopaths-2167931/) [Normal people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/normal-people/) [Psychopaths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychopaths/) [Psychopaths Look](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychopaths-look-2167932/) ## Related quotes > [“Women often feel ridiculous that they let someone this disordered into their lives and they didn't even recognize the symptoms until she was way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sandra-l-brown/women-often-feel-ridiculous-that-they-let-someone-this-disordered/) [Sandra L. Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sandra-l-brown/) > [“Charm and charisma can open doors, but it's the hidden darkness within that often seals the deal in the ruthless world of leadership.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhysheq-shukla/charm-and-charisma-can-open-doors-but-it-s-the-hidden-darkness-within/) [Abhysheq Shukla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhysheq-shukla/) > [If I have a mission in life, it is to convince people that everyone is morally motivated - everyone except for psychopaths.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-haidt/if-i-have-a-mission-in-life-it-is-to-convince-people-that-everyone-is/) [Jonathan Haidt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-haidt/) > [“Your path may be painful, but it is also special. The universe has different plans for you. Remember, there are others who have permanently…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peace/your-path-may-be-painful-but-it-is-also-special-the-universe-has/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peace/) > [“Justice departments and parole boards all over the world have accepted his contention that psychopaths are quite simply incurable and everyone should concentrate their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jon-ronson/justice-departments-and-parole-boards-all-over-the-world-have/) [Jon Ronson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jon-ronson/) > [“Demagogues and psychopaths dominated the political scene, and prejudice and intolerance were poisoning everything,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-lagercrantz/demagogues-and-psychopaths-dominated-the-political-scene-and/) [David Lagercrantz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-lagercrantz/) > [“Prisons are full of sociopaths and psychopaths, but when questioned, the imprisoned sociopath will honestly admit that they will commit any number of crimes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tanya-thompson/prisons-are-full-of-sociopaths-and-psychopaths-but-when-questioned/) [Tanya Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tanya-thompson/) > [It is the cult of self that is killing the United States. This cult has within it the classic traits of psychopaths: superficial charm,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hedges/it-is-the-cult-of-self-that-is-killing-the-united-states-this-cult/) [Chris Hedges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hedges/) > [“The psychopaths are always around. In calm times we study them, but in times of upheaval, they rule over us.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernst-kretschmer/the-psychopaths-are-always-around-in-calm-times-we-study-them-but-in/) [Ernst Kretschmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernst-kretschmer/) > [Language and words for psychopaths are only word deep; there is no emotional colouring behind it. A psychopath can use a word like, ‘I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-d-hare/language-and-words-for-psychopaths-are-only-word-deep-there-is-no/) [Robert D. Hare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-d-hare/) > [ “They dream of a world in which their simple and radical way of experiencing and perceiving reality would dominate; \[35\] where they would, of… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrzej-lobaczewski/they-dream-of-a-world-in-which-their-simple-and-radical-way-of/) [Andrzej Lobaczewski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrzej-lobaczewski/) > [“I feel I could kill. I feel that I might like it. And I know that this should scare me. But it doesn't. It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nenia-campbell/i-feel-i-could-kill-i-feel-that-i-might-like-it-and-i-know-that-this/) [Nenia Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nenia-campbell/) > [“Do you know the difference between neurotics and psychotics?” “Neurotics build castles in the sky; psychotics move into them.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tanya-thompson/do-you-know-the-difference-between-neurotics-and-psychotics-neurotics/) [Tanya Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tanya-thompson/) > [“We’re used to the film versions of psychopaths. The clearly crazies. But most psychopaths are clever. They have to be. They know how to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louise-penny/we-re-used-to-the-film-versions-of-psychopaths-the-clearly-crazies/) [Louise Penny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louise-penny/) > [“I think Psychopaths wear lipstick too,' says Joyce.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-osman/i-think-psychopaths-wear-lipstick-too-says-joyce/) [Richard Osman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-osman/) ## More by Bandy X. Lee > [“Hedges, Chris. 2009. Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle. New York: Nation Books. Legaspi,”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/hedges-chris-2009-empire-of-illusion-the-end-of-literacy-and-the/) [Bandy X. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bandy-x-lee-2/) > [“In fact, all DT’s despicable traits have been frighteningly exacerbated by his ascension to the presidency.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/in-fact-all-dt-s-despicable-traits-have-been-frighteningly/) [Bandy X. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bandy-x-lee-2/) > [“we rely upon the voting populace to determine if a candidate’s intellectual abilities “measure up,” an inherently flawed system, as the populace has access…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/we-rely-upon-the-voting-populace-to-determine-if-a-candidate-s/) [Bandy X. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bandy-x-lee-2/) > [“Thomas Jefferson insisted that an “informed citizenry” is the best protection for democracy. It is therefore extremely disconcerting that a staggering percentage of Americans…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/thomas-jefferson-insisted-that-an-informed-citizenry-is-the-best/) [Bandy X. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bandy-x-lee-2/) > [“We believe that Donald Trump is the most dangerous man in the world, a powerful leader of a powerful nation who can order missiles…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/we-believe-that-donald-trump-is-the-most-dangerous-man-in-the-world-a/) [Bandy X. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bandy-x-lee-2/) [Explore all 6 Bandy X. Lee quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bandy-x-lee-2/) ## More Charisma quotes > [“In American terms, the accomplishment of Genghis Khan might be understood if the United States, instead of being created by a group of educated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-weatherford/in-american-terms-the-accomplishment-of-genghis-khan-might-be/) [Jack Weatherford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-weatherford/) > [Those who know New York City primarily through tourism or mass culture may think of us natives as possessing certain shared characteristics, not all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonathan-dee/those-who-know-new-york-city-primarily-through-tourism-or-mass/) [Jonathan Dee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-dee/) > [“Self-confident people face their fears head-on and are willing to take risks.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-c-young/self-confident-people-face-their-fears-head-on-and-are-willing-to/) [Susan C. Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-c-young/) > [“Building confidence is an ongoing process and something that can be accomplished over time.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-c-young/building-confidence-is-an-ongoing-process-and-something-that-can-be/) [Susan C. Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-c-young/) > [No one has more charisma than me in WWE.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheamus/no-one-has-more-charisma-than-me-in-wwe/) [Sheamus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sheamus/) > [They say I'm a natural, I have natural charisma. People say that. I don't know.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwight-henry/they-say-i-m-a-natural-i-have-natural-charisma-people-say-that-i-don/) [Dwight Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dwight-henry/) > [I think generally the heads of terrorist groups are very, very smart people. They're also great manipulators. I would presume that cult leaders are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/loretta-napoleoni/i-think-generally-the-heads-of-terrorist-groups-are-very-very-smart/) [Loretta Napoleoni](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/loretta-napoleoni/) > [“If you're completely off your rocker and have delusions of grandeur in which your personal existence is of special significance to the rest of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-m-wolfe/if-you-re-completely-off-your-rocker-and-have-delusions-of-grandeur/) [Edward M. Wolfe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-m-wolfe/) > [Never be impressed with charisma. Look for character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-warren/never-be-impressed-with-charisma-look-for-character/) [Rick Warren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-warren/) > [New concepts should be introduced by the power of imagery.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-coop/new-concepts-should-be-introduced-by-the-power-of-imagery/) [Douglas Coop](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-coop/) > [Charisma is not just saying hello. It's dropping what you're doing to say hello.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-breault/charisma-is-not-just-saying-hello-it-s-dropping-what-you-re-doing-to/) [Robert Breault](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-breault/) > [“When they are authentically engaged, their positive impressions create memorable moments and leave a lasting impact. Physical beauty becomes irrelevant because their exuberance and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-c-young/when-they-are-authentically-engaged-their-positive-impressions-create/) [Susan C. Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-c-young/) > [John Kerry and Ralph Nader met face-to-face, it was a historic meeting. Astronomers said today their meeting actually created what is called a 'charisma…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-leno/john-kerry-and-ralph-nader-met-face-to-face-it-was-a-historic-meeting/) [Jay Leno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-leno/) > [In high school I had B's and C's, not too many A's, but I must have done well on that medical school test, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-marshall/in-high-school-i-had-b-s-and-c-s-not-too-many-a-s-but-i-must-have/) [Barry Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-marshall/) > [Jeanne Moreau, Lauren Bacall, they had this unconventional beauty, this amazing charisma.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/josephine-de-la-baume/jeanne-moreau-lauren-bacall-they-had-this-unconventional-beauty-this/) [Josephine de La Baume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/josephine-de-la-baume/) [Browse all 349 Charisma quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/charisma/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“But as history and experience demonstrate, power-hungry narcissistic psychopaths do not look different from normal people; and if they stand out, it is often for socially approved reasons: their resolve, charisma, decisiveness, and ability to inspire others.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Bandy X. Lee" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrate-power-hungry-narcissistic/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Charisma" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrate-power-hungry-narcissistic/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ff/bandy-x-lee-2-55693_history_but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrat_1817723.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ff/bandy-x-lee-2-55693_history_but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrat_1817723.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4ff/bandy-x-lee-2-55693_history_but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrat_1817723.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“But as history and experience demonstrate, power-hungry narcissistic psychopaths do not look different from…” — Bandy X. Lee", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Bandy X. Lee", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bandy-x-lee-2/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“But as history and experience demonstrate,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrate-power-hungry-narcissistic/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bandy-x-lee-2/but-as-history-and-experience-demonstrate-power-hungry-narcissistic/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```