Yes, narcissists can manipulate even the smartest of people. Narcissists are skilled manipulators who use a combination of charm, charisma, and cunning tactics to achieve their goals and maintain control over others. They have a strong need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others, which allows them to exploit people's emotions and vulnerabilities for their own benefit.
Narcissists often possess a high level of emotional intelligence, which enables them to read and understand people's emotions and use that knowledge to manipulate them effectively. They may use various tactics, such as gaslighting (making someone doubt their perception of reality), love-bombing (overwhelming someone with excessive affection to gain their trust), triangulation (creating conflicts between people to maintain control), and guilt-tripping, among others.
Even intelligent individuals can fall victim to manipulation by narcissists because these tactics can be subtle and hard to detect, especially when the narcissist is skilled at presenting a likable and charming facade. Additionally, some intelligent individuals may underestimate the manipulative abilities of a narcissist or believe they can outsmart them, only to find themselves entangled in the narcissist's web of control and manipulation.
It's important for people to be aware of the signs of narcissistic behavior and manipulation, maintain healthy boundaries, and seek support from friends, family, or professionals if they suspect they are dealing with a narcissistic individual.