Psychopaths and Sociopaths

[Ridgerunner]

While some males at my age (19) tend to be less sensitive, they normally still feel something…as a child I didn’t feel anything either…

I don’t think I have it, my motor skills might be slightly less than average in some areas, but i have no language or social skills problems…my lack of empathy doesn’t really affect me socially, since I can still read people’s expressions…

I might get tested for either that or schizoid disorder but i kind of doubt it.
(If I’m writing weirdly it’s because I’m mexican )
(

It may be noted that the warriors and raiders of all eras have tended to be very young men. Young men tend to be less empathetic than young women (who can also be pretty harsh in their own way) or older people of either gender. If you read about the looters and pillagers of history, most are remarkably young. They tend to be somewhat more careless of their own lives and safety as well.

I wouldn’t get too concerned about it.

 

[manualman]

Want to develop your ability to empathize? Read books, especially classics.

Reading well teaches you to put yourself in other’s places. Then a funny thing happens: you learn to be able to do it in real life too.

Spend more time reading.

 

[dsully]

Yes, there should be degrees, as I think that i still have a bit of fondness.

I think that if my case was pure immaturity (I won’t deny it, i do immature stuff q; ) I would still feel some other things…But I don’t. It’s not just the empathy what I don’t feel, I wasn’t even aware that there are more than a few emotions (I was only aware of major emotions).

About the empathy, is more about the way I like to behave…I can’t put myself in other people’s shoes since I have never been there.

But yes, it’s a matter of choices still…I am highly aware of how the rest of the world reacts to things, and after almost 20 years of relating to them I might even be better than some people at this.

And even if I can’t tell differences within myself when people are in anguish, by pure morals and the ability that I do have of telling right from wrong, I do prefer to keep people happy.

Therefore I agree with empathy not being essential, and at least the other people like this who think clearly should be responsible for their actions.

The fact that you are even willing and able to articulate your concerns about these things is a good sign. It could be that you are just rather self-conscious and self-analytical. But, by all means, keep investigating in such a way that you are spurred on to grow in holiness!

 

[fred_conty]

I was wondering what the Catholic position was on psychopaths and sociopaths.

They are against it.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

They are against it.

This is an old thread, but not all psychopaths and sociopaths are killers, rapists, etc. Most of them grow up to live good productive lives. I don’t see how the Church could be against them.