Nonfiction / Psychology
256 pages
5 Stars
If you are a reader of this blog, the title might sound
familiar. I originally bought, read, and reviewed this book two years ago. See http://lenoragood.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-sociopath-next-door-by-martha-stout.html
for the original review.
At the time I first read the book, it was research for a
character I was developing. Turns out, the character is not a sociopath. I am
relieved. Well, then, why did I read it a second time? Turns out I now know
someone who began to set off warning bells. The bells have become a clamor, so
I thought I'd give the book a second go-through.
The book held up well the second time through. One of the
things I was quick to notice, I underlined very different passages this second
time through. Before I was looking for a fictional character, and general
information on sociopathy. This time, I read it with a very specific person in
mind.
A sociopath has no conscience. S/He has no empathy, no
capacity to love a pet or another human. They are often charismatic in the
extreme, which is why they are such good con-men. Often, they have a grandiose
sense of self worth, and the world is their oyster. They do not care who they
hurt, or how they hurt them. They are here for one reason and one reason only:
Domination. They are never, ever, responsible for anything that happens, it is
always someone else's fault. If they marry, their spouses are usually somewhat
shallow, and considered trophies. They serve one purpose – to make him look
better. They have no guilt. Period.
Around 2/3 of the way through the book, Dr. Stout gives us
13 rules for dealing with sociopaths in everyday life. Basically, you don't.
But her Rule of three is worth remembering: "One lie, one broken promise,
or a single neglected responsibility may be a misunderstanding instead. Two may
involve a serious mistake. But three
lies says you're dealing with a liar, and deceit is the linchpin of
conscienceless behavior. Cut your losses and get out as soon as you can.
Leaving, though it may be hard, will be easier now than later, and less
costly."
While the first part of the book is downright scary,
especially if you think you know one, the last part of the book offers hope. This
book is very well written, and her stories/examples could become stand-alone
literary works all by themselves. While the sociopath is a pitiful creature,
condemned to being alone, never, ever offer them pity. They feed on it, and
like a vampire, will suck you dry. In fact, they count on it, and use it
against you.
I strongly recommend you buy your own copy, and read it.
Even if you don't know anyone you suspect might be a sociopath, you just never
know. Besides, there is a lot of good information in here that may come in
handy as you travel down life's road.
Thanks for the post, Lenora. I read the book too, and I have dealt with several sociopaths as well. It is a harrowing experience. I wish more awareness/education could be given to people about them. Some sociopaths want to dominate companies; others are content with dominating just one other person. Some are lazy, some are driven. They're often glib, compulsive liars, and so charming and manipulative nothing is ever their fault, and you're the person with the skewed perspective. I feel sorry for them too, but my new motto is, "Compassion is great, but self-preservation comes first." It's okay to put up boundaries and break with people if they make you feel crazy, unsafe, or worthless. I try to put a sociopath in all my major works.
ReplyDeleteTara, I just noticed your comment. Yes, Compassion is great, but self-preservation comes first!!! I couldn't agree more! The first time I read this was just for research, the second time through I kept seeing Trumplethinskin, and it scared the piewadden outa me!
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