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Jon Ronson on psychopaths, sociopaths and how to spot them
Nov 25, 2024
Jon Ronson, an investigative journalist and author of "The Psychopath Test," discusses the intriguing world of psychopathy. He shares his experiences from a unique course on spotting psychopaths and dives into the bizarre history of experimental treatments in Canada, including nude LSD sessions. Ronson describes chilling encounters with violent offenders and explores the unsettling traits of psychopathy in leaders, emphasizing its troubling presence in both courtrooms and boardrooms. His journey leads to profound self-reflection and insights into societal perceptions of mental illness.
49:12
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Quick takeaways
- The normalization of psychopathic traits in society, fueled by social media and public shaming, blurs ethical distinctions in human behavior.
- Historical treatments for psychopathy, such as the controversial LSD therapy, emphasize the need for evidence-based approaches in mental health practices.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Our Understanding of Psychopathy
The discussion reveals that our perception of psychopathy has evolved significantly, particularly in the context of social media. Certain traits on the psychopath checklist have become normalized and even encouraged, leading to a generation that embraces shamelessness and selective empathy. This shift is partly attributed to societal overreliance on public shaming as a tool for enforcing norms, which paradoxically makes it easier for some individuals to dissociate from feelings of guilt or remorse. As a result, the distinction between typical human behaviors and psychopathic traits has begun to blur, raising important questions about ethical behaviors in modern society.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode