Without Conscience

The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

Erik Marty van Mechelen
1 min readAug 30, 2022

Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us by Robert D. Har, PhD (read on Bookshop.org)

Recommended by a friend I met on the internet who has helped me more swiftly discern through words whether to allow myself to be influenced by a particular person. Matthew 7:16 of the King James Version of the Bible reads “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” However my friend stressed one can tell by one’s words once one has internalized the PCL.

See page 34 for a Key Symptoms of Psychopathy, but note:

Do not use these symptoms to diagnose yourself or others.

The book provides useful context but here’s the list to pique your interest:

Key Symptoms of Psychopathy

Emotional / Interpersonal

  • glib and superficial
  • egocentric and grandiose
  • lack of remorse of guilt
  • lack of empathy
  • deceitful and manipulative
  • shallow emotions

Social Deviance

  • impulsive
  • poor behavior controls
  • need for excitement
  • lack of responsibility
  • early behavior problems
  • adult antisocial behavior

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