Psychopaths

Question 1

What is the Great British Psychopath Survey?

Answer 1

A survey testing people in different professions for psychopathic traits.

Question 2

What are the typical traits of a psychopath?

Answer 2

• Ruthlessness
• Charm
• Focus
• Mental toughness
• Fearlessness
• Mindfulness
• Action

Question 3

What does the author suggest about psychopathy in moderation?

Answer 3

It can alleviate existential ailments that our fragile psychological immune systems can’t handle.

Question 4

What is the Paddock Center known for?

Answer 4

It is a specialized personality disorder directorate with wards for psychopathic patients.

Question 5

What percentage of patients in the Paddock Center are considered ‘pure’ psychopaths?

Answer 5

Around 20 percent.

Question 6

What does the term ‘instrumental violence’ refer to in the context of psychopathy?

Answer 6

Violence that is a direct means to a specific end.

Question 7

What is the significance of charm in psychopathy?

Answer 7

It allows psychopaths to manipulate others towards their goals.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The triumvirate of charm, focus, and ruthlessness can predispose someone for _______.

Answer 8

[long-term life success]

Question 9

Which profession is listed as the most psychopathic according to the Great British Psychopath Survey?

Answer 9

CEO

Question 10

Which profession is listed as the least psychopathic according to the Great British Psychopath Survey?

Answer 10

Care worker

Question 11

What brain signature is associated with high psychopathy scores?

Answer 11

Reduced activity in the amygdala.

Question 12

True or False: Psychopaths are characterized by a heightened emotional response to setbacks.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

What does the author imply about fearlessness in psychopaths?

Answer 13

It often seems unwarranted and is not experienced by many of them.

Question 14

According to the text, what might be a benefit of a psychopath’s proclivity to live in the moment?

Answer 14

It can arm against anxiety and bring joy.

Question 15

What is the author’s profession?

Answer 15

Research psychologist.

Question 16

What was one of Steve Jobs’ notable traits according to journalist John Arlidge?

Answer 16

Charisma.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The ability to roll out a red carpet for those you cannot stand is a definition of _______.

Answer 17

[charm]

Question 18

What is a key ingredient in the recipe for both psychopathy and success?

Answer 18

Charm.

Question 19

What does ‘neural steel’ refer to in the context of psychopaths?

Answer 19

Indifference in the face of life’s misfortunes.

Question 20

What is a common attitude of psychopaths towards worry and fear?

Answer 20

They believe most worries are unwarranted.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: The typical traits of a psychopath can be beneficial when taken in _______.

Answer 21

[moderation]

Question 22

What is a key ingredient in the recipe for both psychopathy and success?

Answer 22

Charm

Along with focus, ruthlessness, and mental toughness.

Question 23

What do people often worry about that distracts them from the present?

Answer 23

What might happen, what might go wrong

This worry causes them to overlook that everything is fine in the present.

Question 24

What principle does Larry propose to manage worries about the future?

Answer 24

Stop your brain from running on ahead of you

This technique encourages focusing on the present.

Question 25

What does Leslie endorse regarding living in the moment?

Answer 25

Give tomorrow the slip and take today on a joyride ## Footnote This whimsical phrase emphasizes the importance of enjoying the present.

Question 26

Which clinical psychologist incorporates centering in his therapy program?

Answer 26

Mark Williams ## Footnote He is associated with the University of Oxford and focuses on mindfulness-based cognitive-behavior therapy.

Question 27

What urgent desire do many psychopaths have regarding their feelings?

Answer 27

To feel good in the here and now ## Footnote This urgency can lead to a disregard for the future.

Question 28

What metaphor does Danny use to describe his approach to life?

Answer 28

Ride the roller coaster of life, spin the roulette wheel of fortune ## Footnote This reflects a desire for excitement and terminal possibility.

Question 29

What is the extreme version of living in the moment?

Answer 29

Shrugging off the future completely ## Footnote While living in the moment can be beneficial, it can also be taken to an extreme.

Question 30

What is often typical of the psychopath regarding mindfulness?

Answer 30

A rapacious proclivity to live in the moment ## Footnote This characteristic is noted in the excerpt.

Question 31

What is the title of a book by Hervey M. Cleckley related to psychopathy?

Answer 31

The Mask of Sanity ## Footnote Published c. V. Mosby in 1941.

Question 32

Who are the authors of 'Snakes in Suits'?

Answer 32

Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare ## Footnote This book discusses the presence of psychopaths in the workplace.

Question 33

What does the Great American Psychopath Survey provide?

Answer 33

Opportunity to learn more about psychopaths ## Footnote Available on Dutton's website.

Question 34

Fill in the blank: 'Feeling good is an ______ for me.'

Answer 34

Emergency ## Footnote This quote reflects the urgency felt by individuals like Danny.

Question 35

True or False: Psychopathy and spiritual enlightenment share the discipline of centering thoughts in the present.

Answer 35

True ## Footnote Both concepts emphasize the importance of present-focused thinking.