I really think narcissists get further in life. They hold themselves to such high standards, and feel very badly if they don't maintain those standards. This applies to how they look, how others view them, education, business, everything.
Narcissists have confidence, and this unwavering confidence in themselves allows them to have the motivation to pursue goals that most would consider unrealistic or impossible.
While true, this also leads to massive problems. Any faults that they may actually have they hide from themselves by overusing ego defense mechanisms such as denial. This can end up giving narcs a completely warped and twisted view of themselves and the people around them. So narcs are a lot more fragile than you'd think.
Narcissists may sometimes believe that being "perfect" implies keeping to certain standards when it comes to their behavior and achievements. This can of course be helpful for them in society. The self confidence they display is also matched by a (hidden) inferiority complex. That is why they easily are "hurt" and take offense from minor things. Narcissism is according to some psychologists, a defense mechanism. At some point during his devolopment, something has made the narcissist feel inferior to other people. This is something that makes the person think other people can't accept him.
At this point the defense mechanism kicks in, and the kid devolops an inflated self image. He feels he can never be hurt... He can though, especially as a grown up when the narcissism backfires. Potential bullies may now be gone and he may even have an elevated position in society. This is not enough though since the narcissist sees enemies everywhere, and is constantly (to his death) at war with the world. Peace in a real sense does not exist for a narcissist.
I completely agree with bob on this.
They are fragile to criticism, and by extension can be played.
As with people like JackC for example we see that he reverts to ideas of being a god and having an innate sense of high self worth, for lack of actual achievements and success.
The substitute reality with something that reinforces their self worth.
I don't think Narcissism has helped me at all, in fact I have to constantly work not to take offence. The response is usually long term anger. I think I have learned not too care too much about it online but in real life I do think it is a hindrance.
Sometimes you need to work around the ego to get something, clearly being a narcissist is going to make this harder.
The narcissist might seem powerful and sometimes is, but he/she always has an Akilles heel. The narcissist is ashamed of something that relates to the past. When trying to find this weakness or flaw, it's important to consider who and what the narcissist is. This flaw when found and mercilessly exploited will pull out the rug under the narcissist, and leave him vulnerable and defenseless. A narcisst can easily be taken down, if you go at him no holds barred.