In the 1970s, Robert D. Hare developed a Psychopathy Checklist-Revised [1985 / 2003] (PCL-R),1 setting out the following character traits and behaviors:
glib and superficial charm denial grandiosity parasitic lifestyle need for stimulation sexual promiscuity pathological lying early behavior problems cunning and manipulating lack of realistic long-term goals lack of remorse failure to accept responsibility for own actions callousness many short-term marital relationships poor behavioral controls juvenile delinquency impulsiveness revocation of conditional release irresponsibility criminal versatility
In the first century A.D., the Apostle Paul wrote: “THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be
lovers of their own selves false accusers covetous incontinent boasters fierce proud despisers of those that are good blasphemers traitors disobedient to parents heady unthankful highminded unholy lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God without natural affection having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof trucebreakers
from such turn away.” (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Do we see the commonalities? Not only are we encountering more and more of these personality disorders in real persons, but within the business world, we seem to have created a surfeit of psychopathic faux-persons, as well:
Not every person (or faux-person) manifests all behaviors, but maybe it is time we began to see and name such behaviors for what they are. And to remember that psychopaths also manifest strongly as bullies and narcissists, (though not all bullies and narcissists are psychopaths).
The latter-day proliferation of psychopathic behaviors is causing incredible pain, suffering, loss, and waste, exacerbated by uninformed (and often overworked) court officials and church pastors. When will our courts and churches become venues for relief from the glib, superficial charm, grandiosity, pathological lying, cunning, and manipulation (etc., etc., etc.) of psychopathic bullies?
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1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hare_Psychopathy_Checklist