Psychopaths as Cult Leaders, Dictators, Gurus, and Tyrants
The psychopath's need for followers and power is dangerous, because, combined with their hypnotizing charm and social skills (antisocials are not really reclusive, as some people mistakely believe), they often become cult leaders and gurus, dictators and tyrants (petty tyrants for that matter), whether within a small circle of friends, or, in other cases, much more widespread, as shall be shown by the examples below. You can probably also think of many examples from popular films that depict psychopathy, as well as some celebrities, media moguls, and many people in positions of leadership.
Cult leaders have an outstanding ability to charm and win over followers. They beguile and seduce. They enter a room and garner all the attention. They command the utmost respect and obedience. These are individuals whose narcissism is so extreme and grandiose that they exist in a kind of splendid isolation in which the creation of the grandiose self takes precedence over legal, moral or interpersonal commitments.
. . .Charismatic personalities are known for their inescapable magnetism, their winning style, the self-assurance with which they promote something--a cause, a belief, a product. A charismatic person who offers hope of new beginnings often attracts attention and a following.
Quotes taken from the following website.
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Adolf Hitler and an SS officer. Geoffrey Hill states, "Adolph Hitler. . .above all persons, believed in the power of positive thinking (with himself of course at the helm of the world's selfish, destructive destiny). He above all people believed in the power of the selfish mind (tragically at the expense of millions of others). He above all people refused to allow negative thoughts to cramp his style. . ."
I included the picture of an SS officer to give an example of what one of Hitler's typical followers would be -- not just a psychopath, but a compensated psychopath.