Some interesting information but sloppily organized and written. One of the traits psychopaths have an abundance of is focus so its a shame the author isn't one. ( )

I wasn't going to read this book because the main argument is silly.

Would it be nice not to feel fear sometimes?
Yes.
Would it mostly be a disadvantage though?
Yes. (the life expectancy of a psychopath is 50)

Would it be nice not to worry about how other people feel sometimes?
Yes.
Would that mostly be terrible though?
Yes.

So I figured the book would be what I said above, then yet another explanation of the Milgram and Standford experiments, bit of game theory, then something about Enron, an inverview with Robert Hare, a list of occasions when being a psychopath is helpful, the end.

Actually, even though he doesn't prove there's any wisdom in psychopathy at all, it's a really good read. Lots of science and experiments that I hadn't read about before and proper, full explanations that meant I learned something even when it was a topic I was already familiar with. (And he skims over the Stanford prison experiment, thank goodness, as soon as I heard the name "Zimbardo" I thought "here we go!" but it was over super quick)

There's a lot of 1 2 = 13 but that's ok, we all used a dodgy argument to tie together interesting ideas for an essay at some point, didn't we? Just me? It gives structure to the book. Daniel Goleman's book "Focus" got a lot of criticism for not doing this, for not having one unifying theme, so what can you do?

The connection between equanimity, mindfulness, and psychopathy is a very real one, it's a pity there was no nod to the people trying to make sure that "McMindnfulness" doesn't get separated from the practices of cultivating compassion. (nice free short-course that goes into this a little here: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/mindfulness-mental-healt...

It's a bit tone deaf at times. One example is that he talks about sex workers being murdered right before a poem about a moth and a flame that goes:

we get bored with routine
and crave beauty
and excitement
fire is beautiful
and we know that if we get
too close it will kill us
but what does that matter
it is better to be happy
for a moment
and be burned up with beauty
than to live a long time
and be bored all the while

I think that would have been better after talking about Andy McNab for example. Separated from the murder of women by a whole chapter or at least a centered tilde

Over all a very nice pop psychology book, not what I expected. I suppose I would have named it "Some Stuff about Psychopaths and Psychology" and done it with no argument, but I doubt anyone would have liked that.

[ 3.5 stars.. I don't think I'll click on them because it will actually hurt the books average if I give it 3 ]

Fantastic book. We do, in fact, have a lot to learn from these folks. Read it, and see for yourself! ( )

Clever concept, but mediocre writing.

An interesting look into the psychopath as a functioning member of society. ( )