Reply to: Question for sociopaths

[d000hg]

Sounds plausible, but Gordon Brown is a counter-example.

Dullness of mind and character is not sociopathy.

[OwlHoot]

Yes but I doubt they meant leaders of politically moderate countries like ours.

A real sociopath would struggle to get elected as party leader because of the amount of guff and emotional understanding needed to manipulate people into liking them, wouldn't they?

Sounds plausible, but Gordon Brown is a counter-example.

[d000hg]

A few years back a prominent US psychologist released a paper that said that some leaders were so far off the scale of normality in terms of their egotism that they are every bit as abnormal as some who are certifiably insane

Yes but I doubt they meant leaders of politically moderate countries like ours.

A real sociopath would struggle to get elected as party leader because of the amount of guff and emotional understanding needed to manipulate people into liking them, wouldn't they?

[Arturo Bassick]

68%
Devastatingly charming with evil intent.

[xoggoth]

what you are really saying is

Probably. I always think Meercat Manor is a great picture of human society although we like to pretend otherwise. You protect themselves, their offspring and their tribe, and kill others when threatened. Not quite defending that, intelligence should provide some improvements on basic instincts for survival, but, since those instincts are still there, I think we have departed far too far from them. We should work with them, not ignore them.

[norrahe]

Hmmm!

Wouldn't a sociopath lie to get a low score on this just so no one would identify them as a sociopath?

Just thinking...............

[EternalOptimist]

Sociopath, Blair etc. Some may assume that is a facetious association. Not so sure.

A few years back a prominent US psychologist released a paper that said that some leaders were so far off the scale of normality in terms of their egotism that they are every bit as abnormal as some who are certifiably insane, that their sense of self worth is as far from normality, albeit in the opposite direction, as that of the alcoholic tramp who spends his life lying in the gutter.

Curiously, I have never been able to find this study on Google since. Doubtless that psychiatrist is also in some hedge with his wrists slit. Be careful what you say.

People who believe in conspiracy theories are often denounced as nutters. Mostly they are. On the other hand, they are probably saner than those who constantly dismiss them. Many of our lords and masters are everything they are accused of being and worse.

If you want to get down to the nitty gritty, what you are really saying is that EVERY human psychological trait, even the ones that are rightfully tabboo, may, at some point may be neccessary for the common good. (survival)

murder
cannibalism
rape
incest
peado
socialism

no - forget socialism

to be honest, it wouldnt be too hard to find historical evidence for all this

[EternalOptimist]

mine said 'Fck off Mother Theresa, we know you are dead'

[xoggoth]

Sociopath, Blair etc. Some may assume that is a facetious association. Not so sure.

A few years back a prominent US psychologist released a paper that said that some leaders were so far off the scale of normality in terms of their egotism that they are every bit as abnormal as some who are certifiably insane, that their sense of self worth is as far from normality, albeit in the opposite direction, as that of the alcoholic tramp who spends his life lying in the gutter.

Curiously, I have never been able to find this study on Google since. Doubtless that psychiatrist is also in some hedge with his wrists slit. Be careful what you say.

People who believe in conspiracy theories are often denounced as nutters. Mostly they are. On the other hand, they are probably saner than those who constantly dismiss them. Many of our lords and masters are everything they are accused of being and worse.

[RSoles]

Is a sociopath able to answer those questions accurately or truthfully though? Someone like Blair for instance may be so far gone that he couldn't recognise his own lies and manipulations. Ditto for a lot of world leaders, perhaps especially of middle eastern origin.

Hmmm, so they might score something like 4% eh?


Shoite......

[PRC1964]

I'm colour blind, and for that reason I hate you, your family and anyone who has ever met you.

[SimonMac]

64% I can live with that, I assume high numbers are good?

[OwlHoot]

32% sociopath - Is that all?! Good grief that's verging on bedwetter

[TimberWolf]

Is a sociopath able to answer those questions accurately or truthfully though? Someone like Blair for instance may be so far gone that he couldn't recognise his own lies and manipulations. Ditto for a lot of world leaders, perhaps especially of middle eastern origin.

[norrahe]

Profile of the Sociopath


This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.

• Glibness and Superficial Charm
• Manipulative and Conning
  They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
• Grandiose Sense of Self
  Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
• Pathological Lying
  Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
• Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
  A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
• Shallow Emotions
  When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
• Incapacity for Love
• Need for Stimulation
  Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
• Callousness/Lack of Empathy
  Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
• Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
  Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
• Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
  Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
• Irresponsibility/Unreliability
  Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
• Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
  Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
• Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
  Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
• Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
  Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily

Me sir! Me sir!

Where's the reference to pasta addiction and flying ones tornado to placate it?