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  • The Sociopath Next Door

  • Written by: Martha Stout
  • Narrated by: Shelly Frasier
  • Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (169 ratings)

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The Sociopath Next Door

Written by: Martha Stout
Narrated by: Shelly Frasier
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Publisher's Summary

We are accustomed to think of sociopaths as violent criminals, but in The Sociopath Next Door, Harvard psychologist Martha Stout reveals that a shocking 4 percent of ordinary people, one in 25, has an often undetected mental disorder, the chief symptom of which is that that person possesses no conscience. He or she has no ability whatsoever to feel shame, guilt, or remorse. One in 25 everyday Americans, therefore, is secretly a sociopath. They could be your colleague, your neighbor, even family. And they can do literally anything at all and feel absolutely no guilt.

How do we recognize the remorseless? One of their chief characteristics is a kind of glow or charisma that makes sociopaths more charming or interesting than the other people around them. They're more spontaneous, more intense, more complex, or even sexier than everyone else, making them tricky to identify and leaving us easily seduced. Fundamentally, sociopaths are different because they cannot love. Sociopaths learn early on to show sham emotion, but underneath they are indifferent to others' suffering. They live to dominate and thrill to win.

The fact is, we all almost certainly know at least one or more sociopaths already. Part of the urgency in reading The Sociopath Next Door is the moment when we suddenly recognize that someone we know, someone we worked for, or were involved with, or voted for, is a sociopath. But what do we do with that knowledge? To arm us against the sociopath, Dr. Stout teaches us to question authority, suspect flattery, and beware the pity play. Above all, she writes, when a sociopath is beckoning, do not join the game.

It is the ruthless versus the rest of us, and The Sociopath Next Door will show you how to recognize and defeat the devil you know.

©2005 Martha Stout (P)2005 Tantor Media, Inc.

What the critics say

"Stout is a good writer and her exploration of sociopaths can be arresting." (Publishers Weekly)
"A remarkable philosophical examination of the phenomenon of sociopathy and its everyday manifestations....Stout's portraits make a striking impact and readers with unpleasant neighbors or colleagues may find themselves paying close attention to her sociopathic-behavior checklist and suggested coping strategies. Deeply thought-provoking and unexpectedly lyrical." (Kirkus)

What listeners say about The Sociopath Next Door

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A chilling and critically important book

Whether at home, work or in the broader world, sociopaths wreak havoc on lives and nations around the world. Having the ability to discern and deal with these individuals has never been more important as technology progresses to the point where their reach and impact is potentially apocalyptic. Martha Stout (and the perfectly chosen narrator) offer us both a chilling insight into the hearts and minds of these individuals while also presenting us with an optimistic view of the power of consciousness and connectedness. A great antidote for our increasingly challenging times.

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everyone should have this info

everyone needs to listen to this book just to have at least basic understand of these types of people. lots of great examples with case studies. #Audible1

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More interesting than I thought it would be!

Although the author states 1 in 25 people don't have a conscience and that you pretty much can't go through life without having known one to some degree, I don't believe I have. There is one person that I now question his/her conscience but am not certain they are indeed without a conscience. This book will certainly help me determine that.

This is a great read even if you are not affected by someone who likely has no conscience. The examples are easily relatable and the author does a really good job explaining things. I believe there was only one area she lost me in. Other than that I really enjoyed the book.

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Enjoy a trip into the seldomly talked about.

This book hooked me from the title. It's a very surface level discussion of sociopathy and psychopathy. The author uses stories to illustrate the behaviours and actions a person without conscience might exhibit.

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Essential Information

I liked the way the author presented experiences, data and scientific research.
The readers voice was great to listen to, enhanced the experience of this book.

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Another perspective

If you have zero clue about sociopaths this is very informative. On the other hand there is nothing surprising or totally intriguing to anyone who has a general interest and read any other books on the subject. I enjoyed that it was positive and it passed time with nice example stories.

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Good to be aware of!

Useful and though provoking material. I will look for more books on this subject.
The reader is not to my standards, eg. see correct pronunciation of the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu...thanks

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A very good overview of sociopathy

Using composite examples from her practice, Dr. Stout presents a compelling analysis of sociopathy and strong advocacy for conscience and love as its antidote. One need not have an understanding of psychology to learn from this book. The narration was straight forward as it befits the book's content.

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Excellent book!

Who knew that 1 in 25 people are born without a conscience? The examples in the book of these people in our every day lives was fascinating. I see a lot of politicians and other public figures obviously have no conscience. Hitler had no conscience and other historical figures. Not just the authors research but many others as well.

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great read

narrator fit well with the tone of the book. very interesting insight of the minds of sociopaths

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