The Dangerous History Podcast Ep. 0283: We Are Ruled By Psychopaths
Dec 27, 2025
Delve into the mind of psychopaths and discover how they influence power structures. The discussion contrasts violent criminals with high-functioning corporate psychopaths, revealing traits that help them thrive in elite positions. Learn about the emotional detachment and manipulative tactics they employ to exploit others. Historical biases in psychopathy research are explored, highlighting how these individuals can mislead large organizations. CJ emphasizes the need for public education and institutional reform to safeguard against these dangerous minds.
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Rulers Often Exhibit Psychopathic Traits
- CJ Kilmer argues many top politicians and corporate oligarchs show textbook psychopathic traits.
- He links psychopathy to disproportionate representation among rulers and explains why that explains much harmful behavior.
Gacy’s Civic Persona Hid Crimes
- CJ recounts watching John Wayne Gacy interviews and documentaries and noticing striking political-style performance traits.
- Gacy's civic image and powerful friends helped him avoid suspicion despite heinous crimes.
Psychopaths Aren't Psychotic
- Kilmer clarifies psychopathy differs from psychosis: psychopaths know reality but lack conscience.
- He names John Wayne Gacy and Ted Bundy as psychopath examples and contrasts them with psychotic offenders.