Who we are

If there is a singular personality type that consistently gives rise to violence, it is the sociopath--aka psychopath. Narcissists are similar, but are typically out of touch to significant degrees. Such people are not psychotic; their psyches are distorted. They are amoral, robots without feelings for others or for the consequences of their own actions. Their main goal is to win. Martha Stout shows their features in sharp relief in her book: "The Sociopath Next Door."

Most are not violent, just anti-social in subtle ways. We rarely recognize them for what they are—until too late.

• True sociopaths have no conscience—none.
• They make life a game.
• They get their kicks from kicking others, from manipulating, and most of all from WINNING.

The future of humanity would be on more certain ground if the sociopathic nature/nurture--whatever it is--could be eliminated from the human experience. Of course that is easier said than done, and ethical questions abound. Meanwhile we simply must make-do with early-in-life recognition and apply careful but certain controls to safeguard others.

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