Sociopath World: Which sociopath thoughts are most popular/beneficial?

Friday, December 5, 2014

Which sociopath thoughts are most popular/beneficial?

Forgive the intrusion on our regular scheduled programming. I'm working on a little project and would like some feedback (probably will leave this up for two days in a row for more time to think, respond, and interact). I've been trying to come up with a half dozen to a dozen ways that sociopaths think or methods of how they go about doing a particular thing that they find helpful or that other people would find helpful to either learn how to do or at least learn more about.

One that I thought about was a sociopath's ability to not feel guilt, or other ways to tame or otherwise interact with emotions (particularly negative ones?). Emotional detachment? Others?

Another thought was about how sociopaths might be more efficient or productive in certain aspects or have thought patterns or methods that can sometimes make them more efficient or productive. Ability to compartmentalize? To either hyper focus or not focus on something? Others?

Finally, I was thinking that there are ways that the sociopath sees the world, especially maybe in terms of power structures/hierarchies or utilitarianism or others?

199 comments:

AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 3:17 AM
Grace under pressure is a notible sociopathic trait. A "good" sociopath will
employ them when they are on a hazardous mission, like espionage, or when
they are a "hired gun" or soldier of fortune or law enforcement agent.
Also, the sociopathic tendency to "be here now." Sociopaths don't engage in much self pity or regret about the past. They are like Mr. Spock. They must
FORCE emotion out of themselves for theatrical reasons, when they are on trial.
Casey Anthony and Jodi Arias, acted as through they could care less about the
people they killed. Scott Peterson cried out of one eye when shown films of his
wife Lacy. Drew Peterson had a gay old time, bantering with reporters. And don't
forget phoney politicans like Edwards and Slickster Bill (Who also cried out of
one eye.) And She Brack A Brack who takes advice from race hustlers like
Sharpton who have bonn a fidee blood on their hands. The days of the U.S.A.
are numbered.
ReplyDelete
Replies
Friendly MaidenDecember 5, 2014 at 4:59 AM
This is a helpful post, thank you ME. I'm not a sociopath but on occasion I seem to be able to tap into the ability to distance or remove myself from difficult emotions. This is a way of compartmentalizing and is very useful. I want to be open to pleasant emotions - humor, affection for people and animals, but not when people or myself get overwhelmed with feeling sorry for themselves and playing victim or trying to make me feel guilty or bad about hard choices (meaning the lesser of 2 so-called evils). Sorry I can't express it any better than that. I can turn it on and off when push comes to shove, so to speak. It's life a life raft for when any emotional tsunami is starting to crest. just fold my feelings up and watch till it passes over, then clean up the mess it leaves behind. Then little by little, normal me takes over.

Maybe none of this makes sense or maybe doesn't answer the question. If not then I just won't take it personally.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AlphariusDecember 5, 2014 at 5:06 AM
My thought patterns are usually quite simple, and I'm assuming that they apply (with certain differences) to most socios out there. Mostly everything follows some sort of script. For instance, when I want something, there's a basic thought pattern that emerges, along the lines of the following:
- "Can I get via legal / moral means?" If the answer is yes, then comes the question:
- "Can I do it legally with minimal effort?" If yes again, then I'll take the legal, moral path. If no, I go to
- "How can I do it while negatively impact the minimum number of people and keep my effort as low as possible?"

This isn't even conscious, it all occurs almost automatically. Ability to compartmentalize, focus, and plan means that there's an underlying sort of script / scenario for most of the situations I find myself in, for instance when I have to empathize with someone in a social context. I hear the words, I analyze the expressions / body language, I wait for them to stop complaining / confessing / whatever, and I make an equally sad face and say something along the lines of "Oh Dear, that is so sad, I can only imagine how bad it must've been". The only variable is the emotion the speaker is trying to convey, be it anger, sadness, remorse, or any other one. This type of unconscious activity allows my mind to focus on other things at the same time, and I've found that with a bit of effort I can maintain a reasonable conversation with someone while thinking about a whole array of different things.

Point is, we socios seem to be able to do a lot of things on a deeply subconscious level, like some sort of autopilot for a whole variety of things that neurotypicals consciously do. The downside seems to be that other activities (negative feelings, empathizing, remorse, guilt) we need to consciously force ourselves to feel, while for the rest of the people they simply come naturally.
ReplyDelete
Replies
DamagedDecember 5, 2014 at 5:34 AM
looking at thing from a risk vs reward prospective
ReplyDelete
Replies
SceliDecember 5, 2014 at 6:23 AM
This topic captures the most important reason I visit this site, to learn something from sociopaths that I can apply. The second reason is to be able to get a sense of the possibility of someone being a sociopath when I first meet this person, and I hope we get back to this topic once more later (as we have seen this one covered here and there like the current topic but never really focused on it in a survey form).

Under pressure of time, normally fearful encounter, and/or pain a socio may have
STRENGTHS: Ability to appear as a graceful, non-fearful, fast, under control decision maker
WEAKNESSES: Quick temper, rash decision making, violence

In a situation where majority would feel a need for self-evaluation (uncomfy conscience) and adjustment (possibly self-hurt with guilting, anxietying, depressing) a socio would have
STRENGTHS: Will not even register the need for such evaluation (limited conscience). What this suggests for us empaths to learn: forgive yourself actively and as quickly as possible and act in a way that enables that (a quick and sincere apology, go grab a dark chocolate, etc.)

This also ties into being in the presence, not past or the future. Quickly fix what just happened emotionally and resort back to presence. This is a better strength than what a socio has, which is living in half-presence (lack of so much emotional depth in present, and limited interest in the past and future, pretty much leaves a socio in half-presence on earth, hence boredom, hence applying creative skills towards manipulating others).

Since ME gave a hint of possibility if interacting, I wonder if she believes her love of music is usual or extremely unusual for a sociopath. I feel creativity in sociopaths is mostly geared towards human manipulation to get things fast, not artistic creativity as majority would define. A bank-robbery requires creativity, perfect murder requires creativity, brain surgery requires creativity. Socios in my mind are good for these kinds of creativity. A bit side-tracked here, but maybe this is something to learn too. Meaning be ready for some creative violence coming at you with some creative defense strategy, well-defined in advance.
ReplyDelete
Replies
Cold CatharsisDecember 5, 2014 at 6:42 AM
The consistent gain from my disorder is a more complete toolkit to address a problem set.

When an empath solves a problem, they operate within a box of social acceptability and give consideration to how their solution will impact other parties. Their inherent empathy and compassion retards their willingness or even ability to select a decision that is horrifying to a "reasonable person" or could cause harm/shame/discomfort/embarrassment to others. As a socio, there are no inhibitors to remove the second set of solutions.

As an aside, I think this is where the "bad" sociopath idea arises from- the reality is that I am as likely to help someone as I am to hurt them, because they aren't "real" to me. They are obstacles or accelerants between me and my goal and are treated accordingly. Because an empath has a chemical/cognitive resistance to one of those options, it stands to reason I am likely to harm people more frequently than they do.

To say it another way...

Empath Options: X X X X X Y
Socio Options: X X X Y Y Y
Empath Complaint: That socio picks Y so much more than I do! That's so wrong!

ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 6:47 AM
Stoic acceptance of reality, even things like terminal diagnoses
ruthlessness/creativity
not judging
not thinking about the past or future (not reacting emotionally to thoughts of past/future)
focus

the downside is not having a prosocial attitude and being impulsive/bored, which manifests as recklessness, callousness and self-endangerment

if sociopaths would do things to develop compassion for themselves and others we'd probably enjoy having them around more.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 7:23 AM
well as a non sociopath i think no guilt/remorse isn´t a trait i´d like to have...
guilt/remorse is something i feel when i made a mistake i actually regret, like hurting somebody who doesn´t deserve it.
The only regret in hurting, humiliating, alienating or back stabbing a socipopath or psychopath is that´s normally being long overdue.
Even if guilt/remorse is used/implanted by you assholes/evil bastards (sry, just the common people words for sociopaths), it´s something that
encourages change in a natural way. In the sense that my emotions force/encourage a change in thinking patterns, where i find the outcome undesireable.
You on the other hand seem to have problems with change, well you can change your masks all the time, but i think we all understand that these
masks aren´t your true self. you don´t give a fuck about others and never will(be able), therefore the need of masks.
as empathic people have to invest energy to turn off compassion, guilt, remorse i think you have to invest energy to turn it on.
imo the drawbacks far outweigh the benefits. Loosing friends, family, interest in once loved things is rather sad, more so as it seems inevitable with you.
You also seem to be blind to some basic compassion related things, witch are obvious for most non-sociopaths. like you tend to completly disregard compassion in some arguments, and don´t realize that what you say is utterly cruel.
More so as it doesn´t seem to be a contious decision on your part, but rather a strange urge you can´t controll for longer periods.
i believe you´re emotional criples with some benefits, but still lack the ability to walk/run. as much as you pride yourself to be able to fool somebody, it´s not that empathic can´t do that, but rather don´t want to do that.
You´re idea about benefits are something between childish an computer-ish. You don´t see reward/gain in the imo most important things in life... Other people, rather than what they offer you. Raising a child must be hell for you (or/and the child).
The only quality i´d like to have is being able to read other people´s emotion like you do.
seeing emotional reactions of other people as clearly as you do is maybe just possible if you can compare it with not having any. like people who can´t smell see others reaction to good/bad smells very clearly.
You seem to be "fully" knowing who you are at a rather young age which seem to me the biggest "advantage" altough you never develop the most complicated aspects of your self(emotions).
Rage/anger management is strangely off regarding how much you seem to be in controll of yourself otherwise.
esspecially regarding honest critique about you, if avoidance (first tactic) doesn´t work.
You´re able to make "friendships" rather easily altough you do this by switching masks because you know that behind that masks the face is ugly as shit :-(

Summerizing:
Seeing the emotions VERY deeply instantly, and imagining beeing a fantastic person while being a lonely asshole seem rather beneficial.
ReplyDelete
Replies
STAY SMARTDecember 5, 2014 at 7:32 AM
M.E., Yes, the POSSIBILITIES are endless! I definitely like this post, since it involves a different sort of creativity, or better yet, a diversified approach to actually thinking of the sociopathic mind beyond the usual, old "checklist." I mentioned the endless possibilities when contemplating this particular subject that you are exploring, and, come to think of it, this is my primary reason for being so fascinated by the world of quantum mechanics (i.e., with an artistic twist to it, though), a subject that was brought up yesterday. To me, it is a world of never-ending possibilities, evolving akin to "art in motion."

I, for one, entertain more than one thought at the same time, because I think in different possibilities. It is the way my mind works, a mode of thinking if you will, constantly thinking of new ideas or projects. I am not sure about sociopathic people, but I have always been this way. Actually, I am asking myself if some of them do, and how it works for them? I wonder if you, M.E., have some insight about it?

I truly like your post, because your writing is similar to mine in some areas (i.e., not just this post, though, which has been something I have been meaning to mention), and your choice of words denote what I mentioned above, tapping into the ever-growing stream of possibilities (i.e., referring to "stream" of mind, a "flow" of consciousness). And by the way, and this is just an observation, I also use the words "or" and "others" quite a lot, my tendency being connected to what I wrote so far, as well as to unique creativity. All in all, you sound like a creative person, too. :)

I need to run at the moment, but I'll come back later with some possibilities.
ReplyDelete
Replies
tessaDecember 5, 2014 at 9:49 AM
we're creative cause we're not flexible, so we have to be creative and that helps us to act better in different situations.

we always think we're right, so we do wut we find right, and that makes our lives OUR lives.

we see the world and we analyze it. so we always have more information about everything around, and that helps. really helps.

we only care about wut people say or think about us when we like it. so we only gain things that make us stronger.

the thing i think is the most important is our analyzing power. when y analyze sth y see it through. y make more rational decisions and so less mistakes. for ex. we know when to lie and when not. that's because we actually know wut lying does. we know wut will happen after a while. we think rationally.

we like ourselves. so we care for ourselves. and we only see ourselves so we don't get nervous most of the time cause we understand that we do things for ourselves.

we think we're better than anyone around and we actually become better than anyone around.

we don't spend our time on things that don't have the best result. even spending time with friends is a part of that. or for ex. everytime i start doing sth, i first ask myself how much experience or payoff i'm gonna get. i mean doing ANYTHING.

i'll think of more in the next 2 days.
ReplyDelete
Replies
STAY SMARTDecember 5, 2014 at 11:08 AM
M.E., I am going to begin what I started earlier with a distinct focus on high-functioning sociopaths and/or those that have high IQs. Reading through the comments, I see a predominance of negative characteristics/thinking, which is not always the case with some sociopaths. So, keeping this in mind, which applies to all of the other commentators reading my comment, I am going to take this a step FURTHER, emphasizing the diverse possibilities which also characterize gifted and talented individuals. In doing so, and based on some extended studies and observations, I am creating a working parallel between the two in some aspects of thinking and behavior.

Highly intelligent sociopaths differ intellectually from others (i.e., other sociopaths and non-sociopaths) and are more sophisticated, more global thinkers who have the capacity to generalize and to see the complex relationships in the world.

When working on a project or task, they have a heightened capacity to appreciate the wonderment in our universe. They can be deeply attracted to all sorts of areas, even those that most non-sociopaths would not envision a sociopath taking into consideration.

This type of sociopaths craves interchanging ideas with other like-minded sociopaths, having the desire to engage in intense intellectual discussions.
They have an inner urge to fulfill their own expectations.

Then there is their sense of humor, which differs from others and consists often of subtle or dark jokes, intricate teasing or puns. They often find that their jokes are received with silence because they are not understood.

They have difficulty understanding the seemingly shortsighted behavior of others.

They have the ability to predict consequences, see relationships, and foresee problems which are likely to occur.

Because highly intelligent sociopaths know more what is at stake, risk taking for them may be more difficult than for others because it may take longer for them to decide.

They often develop their own method of learning and grasping concepts which can lead to conflict with others who don’t use or understand their method.

What would help these highly intelligent sociopaths is taking some time for inner life experiences, and to understand themselves. Because it takes quiet time to clarify thoughts and feelings, they need contemplation, solitude and daydreaming.

They relate best to others who share their interests.

They may have a small circle of friends or sometimes only one.

They are independent thinkers who do not just automatically accept the decisions of their supervisors. They function well with those who are accepting of their attitudes and ideas.
ReplyDelete
Replies
STAY SMARTDecember 5, 2014 at 11:10 AM
To M.E. (continued):

“Another thought was about how sociopaths might be more efficient or productive in certain aspects or have thought patterns or methods that can sometimes make them more efficient or productive. Ability to compartmentalize? To either hyper focus or not focus on something? Others?”

Because they have these abilities, what would help is to use them, as well as their insights, for the betterment of the world. They can work on a PROJECT that really interests them, and in doing so, their other tendencies such as irritation toward others when provoked, would be greatly reduced and altogether avoided. In time, due to shift in focus, such tendencies would become minimal in their minds due to their replacement with other things. It would also help with their physical health, because some highly negative reactions do take a heavy toll on the human body.

This type of sociopaths has an understanding of the complexities and interrelatedness of global affairs and has the capacity to replace shortsighted, short-term reactions with careful overall solutions.

“I've been trying to come up with a half dozen to a dozen ways that sociopaths think or methods of how they go about doing a particular thing that they find helpful or that other people would find helpful to either learn how to do or at least learn more about.”

Having been highly interested in this area, I have been coming up with my own, uncommon ideas for the re-programming of one’s brain through the high absorption of new ideas and practices, acting as an superimposed layering of previously acquired thoughts, beliefs and behaviors. It is what I call the creative-layering-method which would work, layering these ideas and practices over and over in one’s mind until their goal is achieved over an extended period of time, since it would take more than, let’s say, a couple of weeks. As we all know, the brain is a muscle, so exercising and conditioning it through these superimposed, personalized layers of new ideas and behavior can prove to be successful in terms of re-programming. Now, it does not have to be seen as an “experiment,” or a boring or seemingly-forceful project. There are original, highly exciting and distinctively magnetic ways of making it work. In fact, I would not even call it re-programming, because it sounds so mechanical. I do like the terms Innovative, Personalized Layering. The important idea here is the personalized part, since what would work for one person would not necessarily work for another, creating a customized layering of superimposed concepts and practices. While this may seem like a far-fetched example, it is like creating a thoroughly customized "gift basket" for a person, thinking of his or her brain as a place needing to be filled with layers and layers of new, inventive or groundbreaking, and highly exciting "GIFTS."

So, as I previously wrote, the possibilities are truly endless!
ReplyDelete
Replies
tessaDecember 5, 2014 at 11:37 AM
M.E. tnx for the website. again.
ReplyDelete
Replies
Radical AgnosticDecember 5, 2014 at 1:08 PM
I am wondering what is the difference between a highly intelligent sociopath and an artificial intelligence android? It’s no wonder that Elon Musk is worried about artificial intelligence. Sociopath World: Famous sociopaths: Elon Musk? Of course ME, way ahead of me on Musk being a sociopath. I guess he doesn’t like the competition.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 1:59 PM
Empathy and recognising emotion in others is something I have a great deal of trouble with due to my issues with schizophrenia, and it usually just causes me difficulties.
I can, however, imagine that the lack of intense distracting emotion can be incredibly useful for thinking rationally and logically.
Guilt and remorse is another thing which gives me hassle, and I can also say that being free of these pesky feelings (as sociopaths are) would be huge relief and would help to maintain a "clear mind".
Most human beings spend far too much of our time and mental energies dwelling on past regrets.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 2:39 PM
SS "What would help these highly intelligent sociopaths is taking some time for inner life experiences, and to understand themselves. Because it takes quiet time to clarify thoughts and feelings, they need contemplation, solitude and daydreaming."

I really love this line because it rings so true. Everyone needs to contemplate their inner life, and when they do, usually good things do happen, inside and out. When people, whether they are normals, empaths or socios, do not lead the self examined life, all living creatures around that person suffers. Whether it's a person, an animal or vital microbes in the environment.

Grendel
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 2:56 PM
"Machine-people" exist, according to the zodiac: Libra & Virgo, the latter known as a pocket-calculator personality. Scorpio sees everything as a "power-structure", once inside this World life soon can seem desperate (if the visitor is a normal empath). And so does psychopaths. The reason they do it is because life is constructed that way. They just have no illusions & see what they see. Some kid-virgoans even start reading huge amounts of books "in self-defence" (refusing to be patronized by older people with more knowledge). That is psychopathic behaviour..
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 2:59 PM
Bee-Keeper where art thou, show yourself..
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 3:53 PM
There is no meaningful distinction between sociopathy and psychopathy.

Common to both -- as is evidence in many comments above by/about sociopaths -- is absolute lack of conscience.

No consciene whatsoever.

Which also means no empathy.

Animals naturally have empathy. Bonobos are perhaps the poster hominyns for empathy. Aggressive, warlike chimpanzees also demonstrate empathy.

Neither sociopaths nor psychopaths demonstrate empathy.

And no conscience whatsoever.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 4:16 PM
Anon, But if all socios have no conscience, which is borne of feeling, how can they experience joy or anger, which they clearly do? It seems that, according to your argument, that conscience is devoid of emotion. Is that what you're saying?

Grendel
ReplyDelete
Replies
wet cuntDecember 5, 2014 at 5:02 PM
All I want for X -mas is a cock
ReplyDelete
Replies
wet cuntDecember 5, 2014 at 5:03 PM
Where's my boobie gal gone too?
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 5:05 PM
Sometimes I think this blog is about how to manipulate more.. Everyone knows that a socio has no empathy, feeling or emotion. In reading ME book it's clear how she is selfishly motivated yet everyday blogging about how all the un-acceptance. Of course not! You will not be accepted once the mask falls down. Empaths once they learn you are a socio will watch you with a side eye. Always & that will never change. Sorry to burst your folks bubble. Dream on and keep trying as that will never change. You cannot change or manipulate that. Sorry not sorry.
ReplyDelete
Replies
HLHallerDecember 5, 2014 at 5:19 PM
In thinking about this, I started with the characteristics in the PCL-R. What hit me is that there are three different things being mixed together with this tool. The checklist is a mix of personality traits (e.g. empathy, sense of self, impulsiveness, etc.), how things get done (manipulation), and outward expressions or what is seen from outside as a result of the first two. From there I add a couple items I think Hare missed (e.g. “moral compass”).

In examining it that way, I would be hard pressed to pick one “favorite.” Of the first group, I would have to say that flexible sense of self would be the most useful – all things being equal, the ability to “shape shift” is probably the most useful on a day to day basis. “Blunted fear” would be the next most useful (dangerous jobs such as combat soldier not withstanding for them it might be #1), but this one is more likely to be useful for getting kicks for the average Joe.

Of the second group, it’s a hard toss-up between hyper-mentalization and mirroring. I rely on those two quite a bit. As I get older, I use manipulation less and less – or maybe it’s that I’m more subtle about it now?

The last group, as I see it, is the result of the first two groups. For example, lack of remorse appears to me to be rooted in poor affective empathy and grandiose sense of self. That is to say, “If I don’t feel it and I think I’m right, what is there to feel “remorse” about?” Not feeling remorse is “helpful,” but it seems derivative to me.

I do hope you share the outcome of this project –

By the by - I have a longer version of this where I sort the PCL-R and add some additional items that I thought rounded out the list. If anyone is interested, but I figured that this was long enough -
ReplyDelete
Replies
HLHallerDecember 5, 2014 at 6:06 PM
Hi Grendel,

What follows is what I originally wrote (two parts - the website wouldn't accept all of it at once...). It was a really good exercise for me - Enjoy!

HLH

At the risk of looking a bit Aspie… 8)~

In thinking about this, I quickly realized that Hare had already made a start at collecting characteristics (I think his checklist is missing a couple of items – more below). So, I started with the PCL-R. it strikes me that there are a few different things being mixed together with this tool. The checklist is a mix of personality traits (e.g. empathy, sense of self, impulsiveness, etc.), tactics or how things get done (manipulation), and outward expressions or what is seen from outside as a result of the first two. I also found that the PCL-R missing a couple of items that I see as common aspects of sociopathy.

Below is my sorting of the checklist with some adds and commentary – I’ve aggregated some of the items as they seemed redundant to me. Note that I view the first group as being best expressed as spectrums and the remaining items may be regarded as discrete entities (one either engages in the activity or they don’t), but might be served best by parameterizing them in some way – for example, how many times a day does one engage in mirroring?

Things SP/PP’s “Are” – these are the features of the personality that might be considered “variant” from the nominal. It is how one is “built and operates” differently than the numerically dominant population.

* Low Emotional Empathy/Weak Emotional Context (Item 8)

* Grandiosity/inflated self worth (Item 2)

* Flexible Sense of Self (Not called out directly)

* Blunted Response to Fear/Risk (Not called out directly)

* Need for Stimulation/novelty (Item 3)

* Impulsiveness (Items 10, 14)

* Shallow Affect (Item 7)

* Rage/Anger (not in Hare’s checklist, but I believe is part of the “pathy” - at least it's an important part of mine...)

* Lack of Moral Compass (also not in the PCL-R )

Things SP/PP’s “Do” – to me it seems that these are learned/developed behaviors that are “compensating” for the above features. Without the “tools” of affective empathy, for example, one has to rely on cognitive empathy to a greater extent to navigate life. Similarly, mirroring gives one a way of blending in and putting those around them at ease. Those two things are almost pre-requisites for effective manipulation (as opposed to outright bullying) – at least if one is to be skilled at it.

* Hyper-mentalization – cold reading (not on list)

* Reflection/Mirroring (not on list)

* Manipulation - gaming/charming (Items 1, 4, 5)

Expressions of “Are” and “Do” – What Others See/Outcomes of the “Are” and “Do.” These are, to some degree the most objective of the criteria, which looks a little like the ICD-10.

* Lack of Remorse/Responsibility for Negative Actions/Outcomes (“not my fault”) (Item 6, 16)

* Parasitic Lifestyle – (Item 9)

* “Weak” Attachments – few or no close friends and/or family. (promiscuity might be a subset of this; trying to connect or just not bound by the same emotional restraints?) (Items 11 and 17)

* Lack of realistic long term goals (Item 13)

* Irresponsibility (Item 15)

* Early Behavior Problems – this is a bit of an orphan in the sort. (Item 12, 18)

* Aggressive/Violent Behavior – Emotional and/or physical (surprisingly, this is kind of buried in the PCL-R, so I’ve called it out separately).

* Criminal activity and Behaviors (Items 19 and 20)

ReplyDelete
Replies
HLHallerDecember 5, 2014 at 6:07 PM
In examining it that way, I would be hard pressed to pick one “favorite.” Of the first group, I would have to say that flexible sense of self would be the most useful – all things being equal, the ability to “shape shift” is probably the most useful on a day to day basis. Having said that, blunted fear would be the next most useful – though, unless you are prone to being in dangerous situations as a rule (e.g. combat soldier). For most, it would be more useful getting kicks.

Of the second group, it’s a hard toss-up between hyper-mentalization and mirroring. I rely on those two quite a bit. As I get older, I use manipulation less and less – or maybe it’s that I’m more subtle about it now?

The last group, as I see it, is the result of the first two groups. For example, lack of remorse appears to me to be based to some degree in poor affective empathy and grandiose sense of self. That is to say, “If I don’t feel it and I think I’m right, what is there to feel “remorse” about?”

By the by, this finally crystallizes for me the crudeness of the PCL-R (and this sort of approach in general) – better than nothing, but…
ReplyDelete
Replies
Erik V. ArteriusDecember 5, 2014 at 6:57 PM
The best ability is the ability to find the posers and wannabe sociopaths (They say they're JUST LIKE YOU and just suck up to you. It's extremely annoying, though some may love the attention) and to take them for all they're worth.
ReplyDelete
Replies
STAY SMARTDecember 5, 2014 at 8:49 PM
"I am grateful for SS for taking the beat down so I can learn this about myself."

HLHaller,

Beat down?

No.

And, frankly, that is because you still don't understand what happened. There was strength in what I did, but not according to your "version" of it. You seem to believe that you have used me in order to arrive to this "realization," but, in REALITY that is not so, because, once again, you still don't understand what happened (i.e., my methods, that is).

Think again.

All in all, considering your entire comment, there is such a thing as HISTORY.
ReplyDelete
Replies
HLHallerDecember 5, 2014 at 8:59 PM
SS: Let's agree that our perspectives are different. From there, regardless of what your perspective is and what my perspective is, that whatever happened, affected me in a specific way. That way caused me to think about myself in a new way that might actually make me act in less destructive ways in the future. Is that something you want to undermine?
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 5, 2014 at 9:34 PM
I can name 48.
ReplyDelete
Replies
STAY SMARTDecember 5, 2014 at 11:59 PM
Radical,

These are a few of my favorite lines by Yeats:

"O but there is wisdom
In what the sages said;
But stretch that body for a while
And lay down that head
Till I have told the sages
Where man is comforted."
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 6, 2014 at 4:08 AM
I don't really have a lot of faith in psychology or psychological definations.
It seems that people slap a name on an "abnormal" condition, and everyone
has a different name for that "condition," like the "blind men/elephant parable.
Another way of saying it is: "We see the world as we are, not as it is."
Should sociopaths be blamed for their behavior? I think that would kind be like
blaming a predatory animal for it's behavior. Is it not my responsibility to protect
MYSELF, by reading the signs of what a sociopath is? If I purposely enter the
Lion's den, am I NOT responsible for my fate?
"Entering the Lion's den," could be as simple as leaving my window unlocked
at night, or engaging in denial about an abusive relationship or a stalker.
Boredom, also puts you in the Lion's den. You seek mental stimulation to
escape miserable thoughts. You "leave home" to get "entertained."
The law of cause and effect tells us it's not the other person who hurts us.
Nine times out of ten, our willful ignorance hurts us.
ReplyDelete
Replies
SceliDecember 6, 2014 at 6:32 AM
Good morning, HLH. I was thinking about matching professions with psychologies. Like statistics and shape-shifting. I have a feeling you'd have some good thoughts on that one.
ReplyDelete
Replies
YtheneDecember 6, 2014 at 7:40 AM
For me, one of the biggest benefits I see is a lack of anxiety. I know so many people who have their lives together on the surface, but live in near constant anxiety about things that make little to no sense to me. It looks horrible and I remind myself occasionally how lucky I am to not have that sort of affliction
ReplyDelete
Replies
DoctorSciFiDecember 6, 2014 at 8:35 AM
HLHaller, about your list and, well a question to socios in general, is to what extent you hold resentment. That would be for instance intense resentment (or lack of it) in the short term, holding on long term to resentment, as in getting joy from revenge or karma. Or HL do you attach your pleasure in revenge to resentment? My impression is that you don't hold much resentment. You are more flexible than I am from what I have seen and I think resentment may be related to that because how can one be a chameleon whilst holding intense resentment, then is one is actually a rather simple character.

I also wonder how these games of 'ruining' that socios are known for are related to their own feelings of resentment, if at all.

It's hard to ask questions without coming across as prejudging an answer.

And then, what is that resentment about? I mean what does one typically get to feel resentful for?
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 6, 2014 at 11:21 AM
"Finally, I was thinking that there are ways that the sociopath sees the world, especially maybe in terms of power structures/hierarchies or utilitarianism or others?"

This is probably your keynote right here. I see every path or course of action as the same. Good and bad doesn't really compute in my mind. I make risk assessments. Determine which one is most likely to succeed with fewest negative outcomes and off I go.

Power structures are something else though. It's like...I don't care how the NFL gets away with murder and makes millions of dollars off of nothing. On on the OTHER hand I watch the presidential debates like other people watch American Idol. I have an uncanny knack at calling which way the election will go.

I also tend to know where the promotions are going at the bank where I currently work. I think it's just this tendency towards observation. I think most people have their heads buried in the sand. Which is how I pick up the scent earlier.

Dunno about the other stuff. Lacking empathy is a double edged sword. And I'm more efficient in certain regards, but people eventually pick up on the fact that I'm different. Makes it also somewhat double edgy. I must say though not having to deal with emotional turbulence that others do is quite lovely.

Kirk out.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 6, 2014 at 2:59 PM
"I think most people have their heads buried in the sand. Which is how I pick up the scent earlier."
ReplyDelete
Replies
Dr. GingerDecember 6, 2014 at 4:40 PM
Here I have something positive to offer, but also questioning societies portrayals of women. There is a brilliant college professor from Harvard who is a psychopath, and as you can imagine, she is older. Why do all these portrayals of female sociopaths have to be of one who is baby making age?
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 6, 2014 at 4:44 PM
I admire the tolerance in a sociopath. Involuntary humility causes a person to be vast.
ReplyDelete
Replies
Dr. GingerDecember 6, 2014 at 5:13 PM
I tried posting a comment several times, but it kept being deleting. Wondering if the comment section is now being monitored.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 6, 2014 at 6:59 PM
Well, I don't really see how I can help people deal with negative emotions I don't even perceive as such, however I do have something interesting on the productivity side. It's for repetitive tasks: I tend to completely dissociate my consciousness from my body during them, for the most part leaving my brain to observe the automatic work done by the body while my thoughts keep wandering. It helps me not get bored and disregard the task completely, while only a small functional part keeps a watch on it. It is not uncommon for me to not remember events for hours while doing the repetitive task (currently cashier work) and only to snap back (so to say) when something out of the norm happens.

Now, for that finally part. That should probably be the first one since that is actually where the differences will become most apparent.
I view each and every person as a tool to the person he is under, unless the person in charge is not better suited for the job. In essence:
The ones below me are wrenches and hammers, my use of them will be tailored to their personal qualities.
However, if I am a wrench and the one above me uses me to hammer a nail I WILL question his place in the hierarchy and I WILL try to take it away. (probably with more than a few anger outbursts throughout since if there is ONE thing I hate, it is someone getting in the way of MY work)
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 7, 2014 at 2:31 AM
I think sociopaths make the world go round. That is, they add a lot of excitement and drama to life! It is another disorder, just like any physical or mental disorder, bad eye sight for example or depression... I'm no expert; I am not a sociopath but I am very interested in it, and have a lot of empathy for sociopaths! Thank you M.E. so much for writing your book and your blog; I agree it must have taken a lot of courage and intelligence to do it. You are adding to people's understanding of the phenomena, and I am sure there are lots of good things sociopaths have done and continue to do. It is all part of the broad spectrum of live and I believe, love is the ultimate goal whatever way you look at it.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 7, 2014 at 3:57 AM
Background: I consider myself a highly functioning female with fairly strong sociopathic tendencies. This is only a recent realization after I read the book "Confessions of a Sociopath". My way of thinking is pretty sociopathic but I'm not really into crimes so to say.

I find it generally very helpful that I really think I can do anything. That way I just do stuff without any self-doubt. When others are too afraid to try new things I've already done it. I usually just start working on something without any experience and learn while I go – I often even manage to make money out of it. When I finally learn how to do things properly I get bored and it's time to do something else. This way I lead a very interesting and varied life. The only downside is that it's hard for other people to keep up with me and I sometimes disappoint people when I cannot commit to things on long-term. I don't have just one profession but I do several different things. The way I explain this to people is that I'm like a renaissance woman that likes to do many things. :)

I think my life is generally very rich and varied. I get to experience more than others because of my fearlessness and constant need for stimulation. I love to try new things and I am a complete chameleon. Instead of one life I can live many different lives.

I get over things very quickly and I am very good at turning a problem into an opportunity. I don't panic and it helps in situations where I need to make quick decisions.

I have always considered myself "socially and psychologically intelligent" (which is kind of funny because sociopaths are generally considered anti-social). This means that I can get very close to people very fast. When I meet someone new, it doesn't take me long to figure out what makes her/him tick. This is very helpful in work situations when I'm selling someone an idea.

My lack of judging means that people tell me their deepest secrets and once again it's easy to get very close to them to build this connection and trust.

I love travelling and because of my lack of identity it is super easy for me to blend in wherever I am.

When I was younger my life was a little more chaotic and I made different choices than I do now. But because I now know myself better and also realize different consequences for different actions, it is a lot easier for me to act in ways that generate success and happiness in my life. I've also learned to manage my anger and to appreciate peace in harmony in my daily life.

I really wouldn't want to be any other way and actually consider myself lucky for having the brain that I have. Being this way makes my life so full, adventurous and interesting.

By the way English is not my mother tongue. I've learned to speak and write it quite well because I've lived abroad for quite some time wanting to blend in and to be able to express myself fully.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 7, 2014 at 12:33 PM
Sociopaths are actually schizos believing in their own mental bullshit about others, and they effin argue a lot. Lots of bullocks.
ReplyDelete
Replies
DoctorSciFiDecember 7, 2014 at 1:23 PM
so, anon, are you saying that you think that socios tend to be more argumentative than nons? it depends on the context? i think the word arguing is to some degree an oversimplification. i really don't get what the bs is about. what the motivation is as HL addressed...

why do you associate believe their on mental bs with schizos? I am not familiar with schizos.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 7, 2014 at 2:11 PM
I wrote two very simple statements DoctorSciFi. I shall leave it at that.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 9, 2014 at 8:09 PM
-To omit guilt and go straight to responsibility or like.. modifying one's conduct is a good one.
-Some people believe that things are to be used and people are to be loved. I like to believe that things and people are to be used and loved, at the same time. Why not? Who doesn't want to be made useful? Useless people.
-Perseverance... passion and single-mindedly focused
those are some thoughts.
ReplyDelete
Replies
AnonymousDecember 30, 2014 at 8:16 PM
i have to agree with the "grace under pressure" phenomenon, instead of pressure inducing panic you focus on the what is important, what is the ultimate goal, this aids in decision making in difficult situations.
the ability to read people rather well can also be quite helpful when choosing a partner, you can weed out liars, the boring people, those faking self-confidence etc...
you are less likely to wind up with some one who has qualities you do not like.
ReplyDelete
Replies

Add comment

Comments on posts over 14 days are SPAM filtered and may not show up right away or at all.

Pages

Friday, December 5, 2014

Which sociopath thoughts are most popular/beneficial?

199 comments:

.