Psychopathy is a personality disorder whose hallmark is a lack of empathy. Robert Hare, a researcher in the field describes psychopaths as
"intraspecies predators who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, sex and violence to control others and to satisfy their own selfish needs. Lacking
in conscience and empathy, they take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations without guilt or remorse". "What is
missing, in other words, are the very qualities that allow a human being to live in social harmony."
Psychopaths are glib and superficially charming, and many psychopaths are excellent mimics of normal human emotion; some psychopaths can blend in,
undetected, in a variety of surroundings, including corporate environments. There is neither a cure nor any effective treatment for psychopathy; there
are no medications or other techniques which can instill empathy, and psychopaths who undergo traditional talk therapy only become more adept at
manipulating others. The consensus among researchers is that psychopathy stems from a specific neurological disorder which is biological in origin and
present from birth. It is estimated that one percent of the general population are psychopaths.
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