Different Matters by Damien Grant Barbera Oakley on Different Matters, psychopaths, sociopaths, Machiavellianism and the evil genes behind them
Aug 4, 2025
Dr. Barbara Oakley, a Distinguished Professor of Engineering and bestselling author, dives deep into the genetics of evil in this engaging conversation. She explores the biological roots of psychopathy and the brain differences that define it. Oakley shares insights on the limits of rehabilitation for these traits and discusses the notorious Dark Triad personality types. The discussion also touches on how leadership styles intersect with narcissism, and how social media amplifies harmful behaviors in society.
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Early Childhood Cruelty Case
- Reed Malloy described a child who at 18 months showed rage, lack of remorse, and began killing animals.
- The mother recalled the child's pleasure at causing horror and then mimicking her reaction when she returned.
Nature Includes Biology And Brain Damage
- Barbara Oakley notes 'nature' can mean genetic predisposition or brain damage before/around birth.
- She frames serious antisocial behavior as often rooted in biological differences rather than pure upbringing.
Brain Signatures Of Psychopathy
- Kent Kiehl's mobile fMRI studies reveal quantifiable differences in paralimbic system function among psychopaths.
- Oakley says these brain signatures provide measurable biological underpinnings for psychopathic tendencies.
