Posted on 12/28/2006 6:11:56 PM PST by Valin
The Sociopath Next Door
by Martha Stout Broadway, 2005 Review by James Pratt on Dec 26th 2006 Volume: 10, Number: 52
If the statistics are correct, one person in twenty-five can be classified as a sociopath. That means that almost all of us have met at least one such person (assuming you are not one yourself). It is on the basis of this chilling fact that Martha Stout has written The Sociopath Next Door. If all of us know at least one such person, then many of us may need the advice she offers on how to handle the sociopath you know, and how to protect yourself from that person.
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, a sociopath is a person who lacks the capacity to feel sympathy or compassion for others. They are often described as people who know the difference between right and wrong but don't care. Insofar as they make the distinction between right and wrong, they do so at a purely intellectual level. Otherwise, the only thing that constrains the behavior of sociopaths is the fear of adverse consequences to themselves. In short, they lack what we call a conscience. If there is such a thing as an evil person, the sociopath is the prime candidate for the role. They are charming and ingratiating, but also predatory and utterly ruthless. Thankfully, they have a tendency towards laziness: once confronted they give up easily and move on to the next victim. Once spotted, it's usually fairly easy to get rid of them. Thus, Stout offers what is in essence a "spotter's guide".
First, a terminological point: the words "sociopath" and "psychopath" are for the most parts synonymous. If there is a distinction to be made, it is based mainly on one's theoretical commitments with regard to the etiology of the disorder. Those who describe it as sociopathy tend to believe that its causes are social or cultural, while those who describe it as psychopathy tend to believe in a biological basis for it. Stout seems to fall into the former category, and not only on the basis of her book's title. She leans towards a cultural origin of sociopathy. For example, she contends that although other cultures have such a thing as sociopathic personalities (including the Inuit, who supposedly describe them as kunlangeta, and who traditionally would invite them out hunting and discretely dispose of them), the prevalence of sociopathy in American society seems to be on the increase. However, Stout seems fairly non-committal on this point, and gives due attention to other possible explanations, including biological and developmental ones. Whatever its cause, like most other experts, Stout views sociopathy as an incurable personality disorder.
Did you see post #64?
Scary.
Thanks.
He went to Kenya and videotaped himself for the express purpose of having something to show on Opra. "Look how wise I am and I care".
George Clooney must've seen him at that tribal meeting. Clooney sure seems to swoon at just how 'presidential' he thinks Obama appears. Maybe George Clooney should take Obama's lead and get HIV tested also. It might allay concerns of Obama's wife.
btt
I want dibs (being the hangman) on the gang hangings on the White House Lawn to hang multi-thousands of elected federal RINOs..
Democrats are honest traitors RINOs are insidious spies..
I just wasted 15 minutes re-reading the article, twice, actually, looking for the perky reference. Life is short. I'm sending you a bill.
That would be a misanthrope or in modern terms, a folksaphobe.
(... "photo" credit to "Dead")
Describes him to a "t"
Precisely. And sadly, he's married to one just like him, only worse.
Much, much worse, IMHO.
I don't call her "The Whore of Babylon" for nuthin'...
They are charming and ingratiating....
Whew!
Had me worried!
They make the BEST surgeons and war heros. They have no fear or empathy...but can CHOOSE to live by social rules/law.
Her smile never reaches her eyes!
Good post. I think the 4% figure is way too high for true sociopaths. I think it is much much rarer.
It reminds me BOTH of an 'ex' president and of an 'ex'.....
As did I.
You know, I couldn't agree more. Come to think about it, I know someone who is absolutely brilliant, very successful, but rather "dense" at empathy.
Of course killers are at the farthest end of the spectrum.
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