Why read center of the universe
“Sterlin L. Mosley offers a deeply insightful and compassionate perspective on narcissism, reframing it not just as a pathology but as a coping mechanism shaped by early trauma—both a cause and effect of deeper wounds. Filled with stories of the exploits of narcissists and those affected by them, his exploration is especially timely in an era where social media culture amplifies and rewards narcissistic strategies, making this disorder an urgent societal concern. As someone who also examines narcissism and the Dark Triad in my own work, I appreciate Mosley’s nuanced approach to this complex personality structure. Congratulations to the author for shedding light on this important subject with both rigor and empathy.”
—J. D. PINCUS, Ph.D., social psychologist and author of The Emotionally Agile Brain: Mastering the 12 Emotional Needs That Drive Us
“Mosley explains the subtypes of narcissism, which allows the reader to understand these tendencies when they show up in our relationships. A valuable read for anyone who has dealt with this type of pathology or been the victim of narcissistic abuse. Readers will also be able to develop a host of coping strategies, which makes space for healing and insight when we recognize these traits in ourselves or others.”
—SHARI BOTWIN, LCSW, author of Stolen Childhoods: Thriving after Abuse and Thriving after Trauma: Stories of Living and Healing
“This is a timely and relevant book that explores the complexities of narcissism, conveyed in a concise and poignant writing style. Center of the Universe provides a valuable contribution to the growing literature on the fascinating topic of narcissism. With the use of illuminating case studies, Mosley provides the clinical knowledge and practical advice needed for therapists and anyone who deals with narcissism and wants to understand the narcissistic mindset. I highly recommend this book for survivors of narcissism and clinicians alike.”
—TERRY GASPARD, MSW, LICSW, author of The Remarriage Manual and Daughters of Divorce
CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE: Transforming the 27 Types of Narcissism from the Inside Out-jULY 10, 2025
Expands the conversation on narcissism by showing how it distorts our relationships, institutions, and collective sense of self—and how we begin to heal.
In this groundbreaking follow-up to The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else, Sterlin Mosley invites readers beyond basic diagnosis into transformation. Drawing on his expertise in human relations and his deep understanding of empathy, identity, and personality, Mosley reveals how narcissism isn’t always loud, grandiose, or obvious. It often wears the mask of helpfulness, self-sacrifice, perfectionism, or even spiritual wisdom.
Through case studies, cultural analysis, and a new framework for understanding power and empathy, Center of the Universe examines how narcissism quietly shapes families, organizations, political ideologies, and even our inner dialogue. Instead of reducing narcissism to a single personality trait, Mosley offers a compassionate lens that empowers readers to recognize these patterns in themselves and others—and to begin the real work of transformation.
Whether you’re navigating toxic relationships, unraveling internalized shame, or trying to lead with more integrity, Center of the Universe offers a clear, soulful, and practical path toward deeper empathy and lasting change.
MEET STERLIN
Sterlin Mosley, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma. He teaches classes on personality psychology, social change, cultural awareness, and women’s and gender studies. He holds a master’s degree in Human Relations Counseling, where he specialized in personality typologies and personality pathology, and a Ph.D. in Intercultural Communication. Dr. Mosley has conducted research on the Enneagram personality typology for over ten years and is a certified Enneagram coach and teacher.
Dr. Mosley has developed and facilitated numerous undergraduate and graduate courses, professional workshops, training, and lectures on personality, empathy, culture, gender, sexuality, spirituality, and communication. Dr. Mosley is the co-founder and CEO of Empathy Architects. He provides personal and professional coaching and develops and facilitates workshops on the Enneagram personality system, empathy, narcissism, and other systems to help foster greater awareness and positive change. Dr. Mosley is also a ballet dancer and founded a dance company where he is a resident choreographer and artistic director. He currently resides in Norman, Oklahoma.
THE NARCISSIST IN YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE: Recognizing the 27 Types of Narcissism
Helps readers to identify how narcissism shows up in their own lives and when everyday narcissism becomes destructive.
The Narcissist in You and Everyone Else introduces readers to the notion of narcissism as a spectrum-based model of increasing loss of empathy (due to a variety of factors including genetics, trauma, abuse, conditioning and environment) that can give way to a propensity toward narcissism.
Through studies and examples, Sterlin Mosley defines the 27 subtypes of narcissism and how these variations differ from the limited description of the narcissistic as popularized in psychological literature, movies, and other forms of popular culture. He offers readers an opportunity to explore how their own narcissistic tendencies may show up and how to challenge those tendencies to continue to push for greater compassion and empathy for ourselves and others.
Using the Enneagram model of personality, Mosley explores and explains the variety of narcissistic tendencies and types and reveals useful tips on how to best manage those tendencies in ourselves and the narcissists around us.
WHY READ THE THE NARCISSIST IN YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE
“Dr. Mosley’s well researched and scholarly book on the 27 Types of Narcissism: Discovering the Narcissist in You and Everyone Else, provides a detailed, academic approach on how to deal with the narcissistic distortions of the 27 Enneagram instinctual drives. Sterlin takes a deep look at empathetic development, and global egocentric empathy for another’s feelings. This work is very useful in assisting my clients on their psycho-spiritual journey through life. Sterlin provides excellent suggestions on how to be with the different enneagram types, narcissism and the 3 primary instinctive drives. I highly recommend this book.”
— Deborah Ooten, PhD, Founder and CEO of Conscious Dynamics, LLC
“Penetrating and accomplished, Dr. Mosely’s book details the intersection between Enneagram personality types, their three instinctual drives, and the many forms that narcissism can take. Clinicians will find powerful insights they can use with their clients. Curious readers and students of the Enneagram will discover a unique application of the system, one that offers useful recommendations for how to deal with narcissism in your personal and professional life.”
— Tom Condon, Enneagram Teacher and author, “The Dynamic Enneagram”