Thomas Erikson’s Surrounded by Psychopaths (2020) continues the author’s exploration of human behaviour, focusing specifically on manipulation, deceit, and the strategies used by individuals with psychopathic traits to control others. Building on the behavioral typology introduced in Surrounded by Idiots, Erikson examines how manipulative personalities exploit predictable patterns in human communication and how readers can protect themselves through awareness, boundary-setting, and improved interpersonal intelligence.
1. Understanding Psychopathic Behaviour in Everyday Life
Erikson argues that psychopathy should not be understood only in its extreme, criminal form. Rather, psychopathic traits appear on a spectrum and can be found in workplaces, relationships, and social environments. These individuals are characterised by:
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Lack of empathy
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Superficial charm
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Manipulativeness
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Shameless pursuit of personal gain
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Inability to feel guilt or remorse
According to Erikson, such individuals often create significant emotional, psychological, and even financial harm because they understand how to exploit the behavioural tendencies of others.
2. The Behavioural Colour Model and Manipulation
The book uses the four-colour DISC personality model introduced in Surrounded by Idiots:
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Red – dominant, assertive, decisive
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Yellow – sociable, optimistic, enthusiastic
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Green – calm, patient, agreeable
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Blue – analytical, detail-oriented, cautious
Erikson illustrates that manipulative personalities—particularly those with psychopathic traits—study these patterns instinctively. They identify weaknesses and predictable responses within each colour type and tailor their manipulative strategies accordingly. For example:
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Reds can be manipulated through appeals to ambition or competition.
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Yellows may be influenced through charm and flattery.
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Greens often yield to pressure because they avoid conflict.
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Blues may be overwhelmed by false logic or misleading “facts.”
Understanding your own colour type, Erikson suggests, forms the first layer of protection against manipulation.
3. Manipulation Techniques Used by Psychopaths
Erikson outlines a wide repertoire of manipulative methods commonly used:
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Gaslighting – creating doubt about one’s own perceptions
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Mirroring and mimicry – copying behaviour to build quick trust
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Love-bombing – giving excessive attention before withdrawing it
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Triangulation – pitting people against each other
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Emotional hot-and-cold tactics – destabilising others to reduce resistance
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False promises and manufactured urgency – pushing impulsive decisions
When combined with charisma and confidence, these techniques make psychopathic manipulators appear trustworthy, competent, or even inspiring—until the victim realises the emotional or material cost.
4. Why We Fall for Manipulation
According to Erikson, people are vulnerable because they:
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Want to be liked, respected, or validated
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Assume others act in good faith
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Overestimate their ability to “read” intentions
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Underestimate how calculated manipulators can be
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Avoid confrontation and conflict
He emphasises that manipulators exploit normal human empathy, using it as a tool against their targets.
5. Strategies for Protecting Yourself
A central purpose of the book is empowerment through awareness. Erikson proposes several protective strategies:
a. Know Your Own Behaviour Profile
Understanding your colour type reveals your predictable reactions—your “buttons” that manipulators may press.
b. Observe Behaviour, Not Words
Psychopaths excel at verbal performance. Their actions over time reveal contradictions and warning signs.
c. Set Clear Boundaries
Say no, demand clarity, and insist on written commitments to limit manipulation.
d. Slow Down Decisions
Psychopaths push victims into impulsive choices. Deliberation weakens their influence.
e. Strengthen Critical Thinking
Question motives, examine inconsistencies, and seek corroborating evidence.
f. Build Social Support
Manipulators isolate individuals. Shared perspectives help expose manipulation early.
6. Case Studies and Real-World Illustrations
Throughout the book, Erikson includes scenarios from workplaces, friendships, sales interactions, and romantic relationships. These illustrate how manipulation unfolds subtly and progressively. Each case shows how recognising the “red flags” and emotional patterns can prevent exploitation.
7. The Broader Message: Awareness as Self-Defense
Erikson stresses that psychopathic manipulators can only succeed if their targets remain unaware. By understanding behavioural patterns and manipulation techniques, individuals regain control over their decisions and relationships. The book ultimately promotes:
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Self-reflection
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Communication skills
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Resilience against manipulation
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Greater psychological literacy
Conclusion
Surrounded by Psychopaths provides a practical, accessible framework for recognising and resisting manipulative personalities. Using the colour-coded behaviour system, Erikson contextualises everyday manipulation within a broader psychological spectrum and offers strategies to safeguard one’s emotional and professional life. The book’s central takeaway is clear: awareness, not aggression, is the most effective defence against manipulation.
