Why Do We Like Psychopaths? - Alternative View

Why Do We Like Psychopaths? - Alternative View
Why Do We Like Psychopaths? - Alternative View

Video: Why Do We Like Psychopaths? - Alternative View

Video: Why Do We Like Psychopaths? - Alternative View
Video: The Likable Sociopath Trope, Explained 2024, November
Anonim

Everyone has at least once been fascinated by psychopaths from movies, books, or biographical stories about historical characters. But in reality, we find it difficult to come to terms with the fact that the actions of some psychopathic killers are also actions of “reasonable”, which makes the psychopath look like a walking contradiction.

This failure to understand the psychopath's motives in the past has resulted in many defendants being sent to a mental institution for treatment rather than jail or the electric chair. Everything is complicated by the fact that trying to understand the actions of a psychopath is fraught with difficulties, according to an article by a scientist from the University of Mississippi.

The irony is that we use empathy to understand a person who constantly does not understand or see different points of view. This subjective black hole leaves the psychopath somewhat undetectable. And like black holes, they will continue to suck us in while we philosophize about the nature of emptiness. It is this quality that makes the psychopath a commodity for authors and a delight for readers.

Psychopaths are not bound by conscience or super-ego, and therefore they usually have the motivation to act when they see fit, and in the way they see fit. Psychopaths do what they want, even if they realize that she is "dirty". And this defining characteristic of many folk and literary heroes is so attractive to the viewer.

Psychopaths also delight people because they have a strong potential to do unpleasant things to other people. This does not mean that we all want to do unpleasant things for other people, and we admire them for it. However, we must remember that it is dangerous to perceive the psychopath as a role model (as in those films), as the only savior of the family who can act without emotion.

Acting without emotion by default is not a stronger or wiser position, in fact, sometimes it is quite the opposite. But this shows us another reason why people tend to admire such people. Everyone has ever suffered from something, and in those days they felt so weak or humiliated that they just wanted to be numb and not feel anything.

However, it should be borne in mind that emotions make the world a very bright and amazing place. Growing up confronts us with unpleasant emotional experiences, but we must understand that without emotions, life would be extremely boring. Psychopaths are deprived of this, their mental disorder has robbed them of the richness and diversity of human experience.

Feelinger Tatiana

Promotional video: