In their quest for public admiration, narcissists lack empathy for those they step on.

Boston University

The common feature in the dark tetrad is callousness (i.e. a lack of empathy toward others). However, since each trait has different features, they each have different outcomes to their version of callousness.

What Ties the Dark Personality Traits Together?

Paulhus, D. L. (2014). Toward a Taxonomy of Dark Personalities. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(6), 421–426. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414547737

Toward a Taxonomy of Dark Personalities

Callousness in Narcissism

The strategic Machiavellian takes care to avoid consequences while taking advantage. For example, in The Wolf of Wall Street, the malicious stockbroker fleeces the pockets of investors while avoiding detection.

Callousness in Machiavellianism

Psychopaths impulsively take what they want, caring little if others get hurt.

Callousness in Psychopathy

The everyday sadist actually seeks out opportunities to observe or even induce suffering in other people.

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