The Art of Manliness The Wisdom of Psychopaths
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Apr 19, 2023 In this discussion, Kevin Dutton, a researcher at Oxford and author of 'The Wisdom of Psychopaths,' challenges the conventional view of psychopathy. He reveals how certain psychopathic traits can be advantageous in various careers and explores the surprising idea that the Apostle Paul may have exhibited these traits, contributing to his success as an evangelist. The conversation dives into the distinctions between psychopaths and sociopaths, societal influences on these traits, and even includes a self-assessment test for listeners.
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Psychopathy as a Spectrum
- Psychopathy is a spectrum of traits like ruthlessness, fearlessness, and charisma, not just a singular characteristic.
- These traits, at the right levels, can be beneficial, especially in certain professions.
Adaptive Psychopathy in Professions
- Certain professions benefit from "precision-engineered psychopathy", where specific traits are advantageous.
- For example, surgeons need emotional detachment, and lawyers benefit from self-confidence.
Sociopath vs. Psychopath
- Dutton illustrates the difference between sociopaths and psychopaths with a bar scenario.
- A sociopath might react violently to a spilled drink, while a psychopath might calculate a later, more cold-blooded response.
