Book review: Author shares how to spot a ‘Psychopath’
January 10, 2013
Katie Jones
Staff Writer
The term ‘psychopath’ is sometimes carelessly used as slang word everyday when observing the eccentric behavior of human beings. The word can be sputtered in the heat of an argument or a woman who dresses unusually at upscale events can be titled psychopathic. Although the actions of many people may appear strange, the mind of a real psychopath is more cunning than what meets the eye.
“The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry”, written by Jon Ronson, is the fictional tale about how his interest in investigating a scam targeted at the world’s most skilled neuroscientists inspired him to become a psychopath spotter. After the unveiling of his first hoax, he realizes that some of the most highly respected social figures have psychopathic traits. Driven by his new knowledge, Jon learns to detect attributes in suspected psychopaths like that of superficial charm, need for stimulation, and manipulation listed on the registered PCL-R psychopath test to strengthen his insanity instincts.
Throughout the novel, he meets multiple people with varying levels of psychopathic behavior. He travels behind bars to meet and question people who have led mass massacres or who have simply faked their way into mental hospitals to avoid punishment by the law. Some of his encounters lead him into dangerous situations, face to face with people who could ultimately change his life if they had any suspicion of his studies.
Ronson’s description of the madness normally perceived as psychotic and the actual insanity that lies out of our control in the hands of some of the most powerful people in the world is truly mind boggling. Jon Ronson’s witty behavior creates an enjoyable novel that can guide anyone in the path to becoming a psychopath hunter.
Staff Writer
The term ‘psychopath’ is sometimes carelessly used as slang word everyday when observing the eccentric behavior of human beings. The word can be sputtered in the heat of an argument or a woman who dresses unusually at upscale events can be titled psychopathic. Although the actions of many people may appear strange, the mind of a real psychopath is more cunning than what meets the eye.
“The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry”, written by Jon Ronson, is the fictional tale about how his interest in investigating a scam targeted at the world’s most skilled neuroscientists inspired him to become a psychopath spotter. After the unveiling of his first hoax, he realizes that some of the most highly respected social figures have psychopathic traits. Driven by his new knowledge, Jon learns to detect attributes in suspected psychopaths like that of superficial charm, need for stimulation, and manipulation listed on the registered PCL-R psychopath test to strengthen his insanity instincts.
Throughout the novel, he meets multiple people with varying levels of psychopathic behavior. He travels behind bars to meet and question people who have led mass massacres or who have simply faked their way into mental hospitals to avoid punishment by the law. Some of his encounters lead him into dangerous situations, face to face with people who could ultimately change his life if they had any suspicion of his studies.
Ronson’s description of the madness normally perceived as psychotic and the actual insanity that lies out of our control in the hands of some of the most powerful people in the world is truly mind boggling. Jon Ronson’s witty behavior creates an enjoyable novel that can guide anyone in the path to becoming a psychopath hunter.
- Feed: The Lycourier
- Original article
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