Psychopaths

Good news everyone! I'm not a psychopath, however according to this pseudo-scientific test, I do have criminal leanings...

Psychopath Detector

Glibness/superficial charm = SOMEWHAT
Egocentric, exaggerated self-image = YES
Need for stimulation/bored easily = YES
Pathological lying = NO
Conning and manipulativeness = NO
Lack of remorse or guilt = NO
Shallow emotions = NO
Callousness and lack of empathy = NO
Parasitic lifestyle = NO
Poor behavioral controls = YES
Sexual promiscuity = SOMEWHAT
Childhood behavior problems = NO
Lack of realistic long-term goals = YES
Impulsivity = YES
Irresponsibility = NO
Failure to accept responsibility for actions = NO
Many short-term relationships = NO
Varied criminal behavior = NO
Posts 'first' messages = NO

Probable diagnosis = Non-psychopath with criminal leanings


Psychopathy is a personality disorder largely characterised by a lack of empathy, ruthlessness, charisma, self-centeredness, confidence, and dominance. Not to be confused with sociopaths, who are antisocial, whereas psychopaths are extremely good at manipulating others and fitting in, or with being psychotic, which is suffering from disturbed and irrational thinking, as psychopaths are often think more rationally and analytically than the rest of us.

This article I read recently on psychopaths and psychopathy is really quite interesting -- especially the part about how while most villains in the film and tv industry exhibit psychopathic characteristics, so do most of the heroes. Most psychopaths in real life aren't criminals and in fact are quite successful within society, however, should they turn their minds to crime, they're also quite spectacularly successful at that, too. In light of the recent massive swindle of Société Générale, I can't help wondering if Jérôme Kerviel, the guy they say whodunnit, fits the profile... $7 billion in stock market speculation is pretty big cheese, after all.