Ahh the Sociopath. Formerly known as the psychopath (now an outdated term that can no longer be used). These are some of the most fascinating individuals on the planet. In the strictest terms, they are not really humans, but aliens walking amongst us. They feel no true emotions and have no empathy towards others (two key defining human characteristics), so what are these creatures? The answer is tricky, but it seems to be a safe bet that this has something to due with evolution. These "mutant humans" see the world in a manner so different that we cannot comprehend it. Mutations are key to evolution, but there are many mistakes that fail along the way, or that need to be drastically refined over long periods of time. So are sociopaths the next step or a doomed failure.
Most humans are relatively stupid. This is easily proven with the large followings that many fundamentalist organizations attract and hold sway over. However, the lowest common denominator still has some form of empathy for the suffering of others. Sociopaths cannot fathom that other humans can suffer, as they cannot feel anything themselves. They steal, abuse, attack, and murder simply because they can. The idea that they are monsters inducing suffering in the world is the furthest thing from their mind.
The most dangerous part about the sociopath mind set is the fact that they believe (and will argue to the bitter end) that they are actually the most self aware and empathetic people in the room. This is because they have spent a lifetime studying the humans around them to learn what "emotion based" lifeforms do on a day to day basis. They then use this "data" to blend in to society and wreak havoc. This relentless analysis and creation ofmanufactured personas is what makes sociopaths truly believe they have self awareness and empathy. Do not try to disabuse them of this belief, as the reaction will be explosive (I have recently been in one of these conversations). The sociopath's greatest fear is humans uncovering what they really are.
So why the rant on sociopaths? They are all in prison or institutionalized, right? Not so. "Functional sociopaths" are all around us (most CEOs fit the bill). I have had several close relationships with these individuals over the years (both personal and professional). I don't need Area 51 or UFOs to believe in aliens. They walk amongst us and are studying us everyday. Pay enough attention and tune into the right behaviors, and you can become an alien hunter just like me. Just be aware of how dangerous these creatures are. Then have a beer!
Very well put, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are relating some of the most common aspects of our quotidian social life to social pathology, and precisely targeting the "Fundamentalist" organizations, the types of which, of course, we need not name.
"Belonging" as a social pathology pattern: hot damn!
Isn't it amazing the kinds of behaviors that are considered social pathology nowadays? Better yet, isn't it fascinating what kinds of behaviors are NOT?