An ego like that? Yeah, I'd say that's pretty likely.
The thing about Bob that really puzzles me is I can't tell how much he believes his own bullshit. Obviously he thinks he's a titanic intellect -- when he says something about how he's not that smart it's pretty shamelessly false modesty -- but there are times it seems he really thinks he's this hugely influential tastemaker and incredibly significant presence, both as a film critic and a social commentator. When I first started following him I figured it was puffery, but the more unhinged his rants get the more I wonder.
Narcissistic personality disorder (
NPD) is a
personality disorder with a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by
exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for
admiration, and a lack of
empathy.
[2][3] Those affected often spend a lot of time thinking about achieving
power or success, or on their
appearance.
[3] ...
People with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are characterized by their persistent
grandiosity, excessive need for
admiration, and a personal disdain and lack of
empathy for other people.
[6][7] As such, the person with NPD usually displays arrogance and a distorted sense of superiority, and they seek to establish
abusive power and control over others.
[8] Self-confidence (a strong sense of self) is different from narcissistic personality disorder; people with NPD typically value themselves over others to the extent that they openly disregard the feelings and wishes of others, and expect to be treated as superior, regardless of their actual status or achievements.
[6][9] Moreover, the person with narcissistic personality disorder usually exhibits a fragile ego (
self-concept), intolerance of criticism, and a tendency to belittle others in order to validate their own superiority.
[9]
The [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSM-5']DSM-5 indicates that persons with NPD usually display some or all of the following symptoms, typically without the commensurate qualities or accomplishments:
[6][9]
- Grandiosity with expectations of superior treatment from other people
- Fixated on fantasies of power, success, intelligence, attractiveness, etc.
- Self-perception of being unique, superior, and associated with high-status people and institutions
- Needing continual admiration from others
- Sense of entitlement to special treatment and to obedience from others
- Exploitative of others to achieve personal gain
- Unwilling to empathize with the feelings, wishes, and needs of other people
- Intensely envious of others, and the belief that others are equally envious of them
- Pompous and arrogant demeanor
[/URL]
...Generally, the symptoms of NPD also impair the person's psychological abilities to function, either at work, or school, or important social settings. The DSM-5 indicates that the traits manifested by the person must substantially differ from cultural norms, in order to qualify as symptoms of NPD.
[6]
See Bob? I can cut and paste factoids from Wikipedia and call it a day, just like YOU!