In real life, psychopaths can be found among representatives of various professions, and very few of them are cruel killers, as is often shown in films. But there are professions that experts say are most attractive to the psychopathic personality.
One such expert, psychologist Kevin Dutton, in his book The Wisdom of Psychopaths, demonstrates a surprisingly unbiased approach to the role that psychopaths can play in modern society. It turns out that most psychopaths are characterized by a striving for career growth, among them there are many leaders. Here are 10 professions that psychopaths most often choose:
Civil servant
It will surprise you, but in 2014, an official from the UK Home Office suggested that the government recruit psychopaths because of their ability to remain cool in an emergency. A job that requires a bit of emotional detachment is ideal for psychopaths.
Chef
Psychopaths naturally gravitate towards high positions, and if you think that the profession of a cook is not one of those, then just remember that absolute power is intoxicating, even if it is limited to one cuisine.
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Clergy
Again, you must be very surprised, but as former FBI agent Joe Navarro explains in his article for Psychology Today, some people gravitate towards seemingly harmless professions on purpose to manipulate others. And a religious leader is perfect for this.
Police officer
Psychopaths thrive in unpredictable circumstances and feel even better when they can take advantage of the security forces. It's easy to see why becoming a cop is so attractive to a psychopath.
Journalist
With a unique combination of charm, ruthlessness and determination, psychopaths are very well suited to stalk anyone who is guaranteed to provide them with sensational material. And no obstacles will stop them.
Surgeon
One authoritative study, published in the Bulletin of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, found that there are far more psychopaths among university hospital professionals than their fellow district general hospitals, but they are in turn more psychopathic than ordinary citizens.
Seller
Competition thrives in sales. Progress is ensured through insolent self-promotion, a certain level of shamelessness and lies. It's no surprise that many psychopaths become salespeople.
Media worker
Psychopathy and narcissism often go hand in hand, so being able to appear in front of as many eyes as possible makes psychopaths feel very comfortable.
Lawyer
M. E. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath, admits that her lack of compassion helped her become a lawyer. Overconfidence and composure are key when trying to convince a jury and also knowing how to manipulate people.
General director
It is not uncommon for psychopaths to become corporate executives using manipulative tactics, such as wreaking havoc while remaining cold-blooded, or simply because of their determination.
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Despite the fact that all the professions on this list are quite popular, and that you have to deal with representatives of these professions every day, you should not see psychopaths in all your colleagues or in yourself.
According to experts, only one percent of people are psychopaths, so the chances of meeting them in the professional field are slim. If you still feel that you are dealing with a psychopath, try to protect your psyche. Do not react emotionally to their ridicule, do not be intimidated by their aggression, do not succumb to their distorted ideas about the world. Remain calm and confident and you will not become a target for manipulation.
Svetlana Bodrik