Without a Conscience

Without a Sense of Right and Wrong

It is by the grace of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. -- Mark twain

The diagnosis "psychopath" is no longer listed in the bible of the mental health profession, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM IV). However, I will use that term because most of us are familiar with it and it still applies to that life philosophy and behavior. The DSM IV placed psychopaths under the catch-all "anti-social personality disorder." There are distinct differences. Don't be lulled into a sense of security thinking all psychopaths went the way of dinosaurs and the Edsel --not true! Oh no, psychopaths are still with us. Do you know someone who meets the criteria for psychopathy? If you know 100 people, statistically speaking, you know at least one psychopath. I am not referring to the serial killer from whom you hide under your seat at the movies. Thankfully, they are extremely rare, thought not rare enough to suit the rest of us.

One writer described psychopaths as "soulless beings." This description conjures up images of long pointed fangs, a deathly pale complexion and a black, flowing opera cape. Psychopaths look just like the rest of us. In fact, they are frequently considered quite attractive. Dr. Hervey Cleckely wrote a classic volume called The Mask of Sanity. Dr. Cleckely uses adjectives and terms such as likeable, charming, intelligent, great success with the ladies. And on their dark side, he says they are irresponsible and self destructive (not to mention destroying others). Dr. Cleckely is a master of the understatement.

To Dr. Cleckely's list I will add the psychopathic attributes I have observed. Psychopaths are often fun, witty, dazzling, oh so very charming and captivating. More of them than I would like to admit are extremely intelligent and highly educated. How are psychopaths different from other exasperating people? They show no remorse for using and harming anyone who happens to cross their paths. Their emotions are skin deep, therefore they become bored easily. They are constantly in pursuit of excitement and stimulation. Psychopaths are self-centered; other beings are simply props for their performance. When Shakespeare said "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players" he must have been referring to these consummate performers.

Where are you likely to find a psychopath? They can be found in numerous occupations, especially ones that offer power and access to naive prey. You are apt to find them in an executive boardroom, a pool hall, a college classroom (yes, teaching), a prison, operating room, or speaking from the pulpit on Sunday morning. They adapt exceptionally well, especially when you consider their emotional limitations and destructive life styles. They are represented at all socioeconomic and educational levels.

No matter where you find him you can be certain that you don't want to get within striking range. You can also bet he will leave a wake of misery, bewilderment and heartache wherever goes. Dr. Robert Hare, the recognized expert on psychopaths says of them, "They are …likely to be men and women you know who move through life with supreme self-confidence—but without a conscience." I recently attended two law enforcement conferences… I recognized one probable psychopath at each conference. Spotting them is something much like finding tiny sharks teeth on the beach, once you recognize one you are much more likely to pick them out in the future. Oddly enough, they were featured speakers. Or is it odd? Remember they are talented performers. Practice makes perfect.

Dr. Hare paints a vivid picture of these skilled manipulators, "He will choose you, disarm you with his words, and control you with his presence. He will delight you with his wit. He will smile and deceive you, and he will scare you with his eyes." If eyes are truly the windows to the soul, look into the eyes of a psychopath and you will see darkness where a soul normally resides. I have looked into those soulless eyes. You might wonder, "What could be more disturbing?" When they look back…

In the Are You Dating a Psychopath? test you will find behaviors that are consistent with the twisted psychopathic belief system. Take the test and find out if you are dating a psychopath.

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