How to spot a psychopath

[dkf]

From Broadmoor to boardroom, they're everywhere, says Jon Ronson, in an exclusive extract from his new book

A man in his late 20s walked towards me. His arm was outstretched. He wasn't wearing sweatpants. He was wearing a pinstripe jacket and trousers. He looked like a young businessman trying to make his way in the world, someone who wanted to show everyone that he was very, very sane. We shook hands.

"I'm Tony," he said. He sat down.

"So I hear you faked your way in here," I said.

http://m.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/may/21/jon-ronson-how-to-spot-a-psychopath?cat=books&type=article

[ewagner]

1. Day-aam!

I think I know a few of those!

[Octafish]

2. Quite a list of things to look for, too.

Item 1 -- Glibness/superficial charm

[Cali_Democrat]

3. "Need for stimulation/proneness to boredom"

Dayum....that's me.

Do I need to check into a mental health facility?

[nichomachus]

4. The easiest way is to go to a Young Republicans' meeting

Or a Teabagger meeting
Or the local GOP committee
Or visit the US Congress, Supreme Court, etc.

[canetoad]

5. Glad you posted this

I read the whole article a couple of days ago. This is not encouraging punters to online-dianose psycopathy, just a bloody good read.

This link is a normal page format: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/may/21/jon-ronson-how-to-spot-a-psychopath?INTCMP=SRCH

[dkf]

6. Thanks for the pc link.

Sounds like a fascinating book. I may have to get it. I'm going through some issues with a friend and reading this piece is ringing some alarm bells. Yes I should not do an armchair diagnosis but it's a little too spot on for comfort. Not that they are physically dangerous or anything, but not normal either.