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Psychopaths: People Without Conscience Are Numerous

Few disorders are as misunderstood as is psychopathic personality. Superficially charming, psychopaths tend to make a good first impression on others and often strike observers as remarkably normal. Yet they are self-centered, dishonest and undependable, and at times they engage in irresponsible behavior for no apparent reason other than the sheer fun of it.

Largely devoid of guilt, empathy and love, they have casual and callous interpersonal and romantic relationships. Psychopaths routinely offer excuses for their reckless and often outrageous actions, placing blame on others instead. They rarely learn from their mistakes or benefit from negative feedback, and they have difficulty inhibiting their impulses.

Research suggests that there are numerous psychopaths amongst us in everyday life. Some have speculated that "successful psychopaths" -- those who attain prominent positions in society -- may be overrepresented in certain occupations, such as politics, business and entertainment. Yet the scientific evidence for this conjecture is preliminary.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=what-psychopath-means

Filed under: Psychology Psycopathy Society
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