Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

"Do you know men or women who: live on the edge, often changing jobs, schools, relationships, and homes?; never feel guilt or shame - even when they are caught lying?; act cold and distant one moment and incredibly emotional the next?; lack empathy, and live for the moment without the slightest regard for the welfare of others?; scheme their way into money, power, and relationships?" "They may be psychopaths, individuals who move through life with supreme self-confidence - but without a conscience. It's often thrilling to be around one. It can be dangerous to love one, work with or live with one. Psychopaths have none of the hallmarks of mental illness: They act normal, but they're not....They are manipulative, dangerous individuals who live and work in our communities, often leaving behind a wake of broken hearts, empty wallets, and ruined lives. Sooner or later, everyone will encounter a psychopath...." "When "Jane" and her charming new husband returned from a whirlwind trip to the Kentucky Derby - paid for with cash advances on her credit card - the weary bride lay down to take a nap. She refused a pill her doting mate offered her, and when she awoke he was gone. Suspicious, she called his grown daughter and was quickly warned: "Are you in a safe place? Now listen, my father has been married many times and some of the women have never been heard from again...you'd better get out of town."" "Pamela Smart, a 23-year-old former teacher in New Hampshire, had her husband killed by her teenage lover and an accomplice. A prosecution witness testified that she gave orders "not to kill Greg in front of the dog because it would traumatize the dog."" "In Canada, a man posing as an orthopedic surgeon performed numerous operations. When questions arose about his medical procedures, he skipped town, leaving behind a string of physically and mentally damaged patients. He also posed as a psychiatrist, a social worker, an undercover customs agent, and a police officer. He may now live in your community..." "Based on twenty-five years of groundbreaking research, Without Conscience is a fascinating journey into the minds of these dangerous individuals. Are they born unable to feel empathy, or are they created by circumstance? How and why do they get away with cheating, conning, and murdering? Are they mad or simply bad? In what Dr. Hare calls our "camouflage society," how can we recognize and steer clear of these predatory people? Without Conscience explores their shocking patterns - and exposes one of the most frightening, often-hidden social problems affecting our lives today."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved