The Wisdom of Psychopaths: What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success - Hardcover

Dutton, Kevin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374291357 ISBN 13: 9780374291358

Publisher: Scientific Amer Books, 2012

Synopsis

In this engrossing journey into the lives of psychopaths and their infamously crafty behaviors, the renowned psychologist Kevin Dutton reveals that there is a scale of "madness" along which we all sit. Incorporating the latest advances in brain scanning and neuroscience, Dutton demonstrates that the brilliant neurosurgeon who lacks empathy has more in common with a Ted Bundy who kills for pleasure than we may wish to admit, and that a mugger in a dimly lit parking lot may well, in fact, have the same nerveless poise as a titan of industry.

Dutton argues that there are indeed "functional psychopaths" among us--different from their murderous counterparts--who use their detached, unflinching, and charismatic personalities to succeed in mainstream society, and that shockingly, in some fields, the more "psychopathic" people are, the more likely they are to succeed. Dutton deconstructs this often misunderstood diagnosis through bold on-the-ground reporting and original scientific research as he mingles with the criminally insane in a high-security ward, shares a drink with one of the world's most successful con artists, and undergoes transcranial magnetic stimulation to discover firsthand exactly how it feels to see through the eyes of a psychopath.

As Dutton develops his theory that we all possess psychopathic tendencies, he puts forward the argument that society as a whole is more psychopathic than ever: after all, psychopaths tend to be fearless, confident, charming, ruthless, and focused--qualities that are tailor-made for success in the twenty-first century. Provocative at every turn,The Wisdom of Psychopaths is a riveting adventure that reveals that it's our much-maligned dark side that often conceals the trump cards of success.

About this title

Review:

"Dutton tackles an elusive, important and much neglected aspect of the mind; our personality. He presents some highly original insights and does so in a provocative and humorous style" (V. S. Ramachandran, Gifford lecturer , Reith lecturer and author of The Tell-Tale Brain)

"The Wisdom of Psychopaths is a surprising, absorbing, and perceptive book set out in briskly readable prose and with gripping anecdotes. I found it altogether fascinating." (Philip Pullman)

"Dutton has written a masterful, readable, and entertaining treatise on psychopathy and its manifestations in everyday life. Some of his ideas will generate debate and controversy, but he clearly has provided a thought-provoking book for those seeking to understand the "psychopathic" world in which they live." (Robert Hare, PhD)

"Inspiring and revelatory. Dutton’s book gave me a real insight into who I really am." (Andy McNab)

"[W]onderfully entertaining... it beautifully depicts why psychopaths are the way they are on both a neurological and psychological level. Ultimately it's about understanding them and Dutton does an amazing job illustrating their inner workings. I don't think I have ever read a book that so skilfully blends a serious topic with an adventurous streak, especially when he undergoes a "psychopath make-over". Fast-paced, fun and smart, this is for everyone who wants to know more about what makes psychopaths tick! In short: An intriguing and captivating work about the psychopath's mind!" (The Book Garden)

Book Description:

A fascinating exploration into the mind of the psychopath - revealing what we can learn from it

About this edition

• Publisher: Scientific Amer Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0374291357
• ISBN 13: 9780374291358
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 261