Are You Yoda or Darth Vader?

There are certain personality traits in literature that fall under the Dark Triad:

• Machiavellianism: A tendency to strategically exploit or deceive other people.
• Subclinical Narcissism: It means focusing towards the self, giving oneself entitlement and importance.
• Subclinical Psychopathy: A tendency to be insensitive and cruel with regards to others.

While it is true that darkness is the absence of light, according to psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, light is not just an absence of darkness, but something more than that.

The Light triad had the following personality traits:

• Faith In Humanity: A belief in the basic goodness of humans.
• Humanism: Finding each human worthy and valuing the dignity of others.
• Kantianism: Treating others as humans, and not as a means to an end.

Some findings from the extensive research:

• A sizable number of people on the Light Triad were older and mature, with more females.
• A study on the behaviour of United States Senators showed many exhibiting the Dark Triad.
• People tend to slightly tilt towards goodness and are basically nice if their defence mechanism is not activated.

We should not think of eliminating, blocking, eradicating or shunning our dark side; accepting it is what makes us a whole person.

The dark side is, more often than not, a big motivator towards fighting real aggression and injustice; we can utilize the power of our negative emotions, and make them productive.