No, the title is “Not” in error. In the U.S., it is estimated that about 5% to 10% of the general population are sociopaths … that’s 1-2 outwardly-charming people out of every 20 are not really charming at all.

You know 20 people, don’t you?

That’s at least ten million sociopaths in the US. I’ve come to understand — unfortunately, on a very personal level — why they’re considered to be some of the most dangerous people around.

Dr. Stout does a great job of describing someone you know — a typical sociopath. Chances are, there is at least one in your life … at least one.

“Imagine—if you can—not having a conscience, none at all, no feelings of guilt or remorse no matter what you do, no limiting sense of concern for the well-being of strangers, friends, or even family members. Imagine no struggles with shame, not a single one in your whole life, no matter what kind of selfish lazy, harmful, or immoral action you had taken.

And pretend that the concept of responsibility is unknown to you, except as a burden others seem to accept without question, like gullible fools. Now add to this strange fantasy the ability to conceal from other people that your psychological makeup is radically different from theirs. Since everyone simply assumes that conscience is universal among human beings, hiding the fact that you are nearly conscience-free is nearly effortless.

You are not held back from any of your desires by guilt or shame, and you are never confronted by others for your cold-bloodedness. The ice water in your veins is so bizarre, so completely outside of their personal experience, that they seldom even guess at your condition.”

Martha Stout, PhD
Harvard University
excerpts from Dr. Stout’s book: The Sociopath Next Door

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