Fromm’s concept of the syndrome of decay included three personality disorders: (1) necrophilia, or love of death; (2) malignant narcissism, or extreme self- interest; and (3) incestuous symbiosis, or a passionate devotion to one’s mother or a mother substitute. For example, Fromm identified Adolf Hitler as the most conspicuous example of a person with the syndrome of decay. If Fromm’s concepts are valid, we should see the syndrome of decay traits in contemporary personalities.

Your task is to search for recent examples of well-known people with the syndrome of decay; pay special attention to malignant narcissism and incestuous symbiosis. For each example you find, full explain and defend your analysis.

Please post your findings. In addition, pose one follow-up question to the class and respond to the questions of at least TWO of your classmates.