The Psychopath Test

A Journey Through the Madness Industry

Book • 2011

In 'The Psychopath Test', Jon Ronson delves into the concept of psychopathy, focusing on the Hare Psychopathy Checklist developed by Canadian psychologist Robert D. Hare.

Ronson interviews various individuals, including those labeled as psychopaths, such as a young man who faked insanity to avoid prison and a former Haitian death-squad leader.

He also examines the prevalence of psychopathy in corporate and governmental leaders and critiques the methods and implications of psychiatric diagnoses.

The book raises questions about the boundaries between sanity, insanity, and eccentricity, and warns against the dangers of misdiagnosis and the influence of unqualified experts in the field of psychopathy.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 4 episodes

Mentioned by

Stuart Ritchie

as a journalist whose book was criticized by the Society for the Scientific Study of Psychopathy.

11 snips

Episode 58: Psychopathy

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

as a very good book.

Jon Ronson on Empathy, Culture Wars, and Finding Community

Mentioned by

Spencer Matthews

as a book he recently read.

Is Confidence A Myth? Ex-Secret agent on the secrets of body language

Mentioned by

Jenny Kleeman

as the author of several books, including Them, The Men Who Stare at Goats, The Psychopath Test, and So You've Been Publicly Shamed.

Jon Ronson on Conspiracies, Culture Wars and How Things Fell Apart, Part One

Mentioned by

Conor Boyle

as the writer and podcaster behind several books, including "The Psychopath Test", "The Men Who Stare at Goats", and "So You've Been Publicly Shamed".

Head of TED Chris Anderson and Jon Ronson on Translating Optimism Into Action, Part Two

Mentioned by

Sacha Barbour-Gatt

in relation to his book and career exploring psychopathy.