Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us [Hardcover]

As a person with an isatiable appetite for true crime and criminal psychology books i must give this book my highest regards. I dont think there is hardly a person alive who could not benifit from reading this book. Alot of laymen that i come across have the mistaken impression that the term "psychopath" translates into "serial killer". Although this is what might be inferred by popular media (e.g- movies like Psycho or the less known movie Psychopath) it is not the case. In this book, Hare (one of the most respected authorities on Psychopathy and aruguably the most knowledgable in the world) explains that serial murderers are the rarest expressions of psychopathic disturbance. Much more likely than encountering a serial killer he explains, is an encounter with a savvy, smooth talking con artist. One out to use charm, manipulation and agression to control and exploit his fellow man. Goals for this behavior include sex, money, material posessions or occupations. Hare explains not only why psychopaths are highly inclined to commit crimes but what makes psychopathic criminals different than thier "sane" counterparts. He also gives specific descriptions of the symtoms that define the disorder. To sum it up, this book will fascinate, shock, educate and even scare its readers. From psychology students, to liscensed practitioners, to true crime fans, to those involed in any aspect of the criminal justice system or even to those who have no previous interest in the subject this book is a must have. THESE PEOPLE LIVE AMONG US. They are out there in the millions. If we ever hope to make it out unscathed we must know our enemy. Parole boards and judges must be able to recognize the methods of deception and behavioral traits of those affected with the disorder, as indicators of psychopathy will have serious implications concerning the possibility of rehabilitation. Psychologist need to also be well aware that they too are susceptible to victimization at the hands of a psychopath. I have read many stories of well trained and expierienced clinicians dancing like a puppet for a manipulative genuis plenty adept at pushing all the right buttons. Perhaps the best use for this book however, is to educate and prepare the average citizen to distingiush the sincerely amicable soul from the exquisiteley charming individual out to destroy lives for the most trivial of gains. Enjoy this book and make yourself aware that these cold and terrifying aberrations of human beings are lurking out there, anticipating the arrival of their next victim.

This book is essential for the healing of family members and/or victims whose lives have been impacted by the puzzling acts and deceptions of a psychopath. Hare does a wonderful job of boiling down the technical research of a body of work pertaining to these individuals to its simplest, palatable form for the layperson. It is an excellent place to start one's research if you are forced to continue your relationship and/or dealings with this dysfunctional and possibly destructive personality type. I couldn't give it a more outstanding review.

It is becoming more and more important to be able to identify the psychopath. Why? Because these predators are the ones ultimately running our governments, religions and corporations. Dr. Hare's book is not only easy to read, but has very important information on how psychopaths think and act, two ways to identify them. His findings have been used by many other psychologists in identifying psychopaths; Dr Stout and Dr. Cleckley to name just two of them.

He shows how easily one can be conned by these people. Which is why we need to read all the information that we can. And this book is loaded with information that you can use.