How have you endangered other people? Ask a Psychopath

We all know someone with psychopathy.

But few know the truth about it. We’re helping change that… by helping you know the signs. Know about treatment options and resources. And know you’re not alone.

James Fallon is a professor of neuroscience at University of California at Irvine, and the author of the book The Psychopath Inside. He considers himself a "prosocial psychopath."

He joins us today on zoom to discuss what it is like to be psychopathic.

[marijamilovanovic]

I remember a while ago this guy saying in an interview that he took his brother or cousin to an ebola infected cave somewhere in Africa I think and did not tell them. He wasn't afraid and he was aware he should have told them but chose not to. And brother went crazy once he found out. It's interesting his narrative has changed over time from that of 'I simply didn't care' to 'it's simply brain differences'. I guess he's been observing people's reactions to his narrated actions and changing the narrative according to his personal motivation for media exposure. And I would say from what I've seen so far, this channel does not do the effort of portraying the manipulative nuances of the matter. And for people whose natural stand is to seek good in others and try to understand, it is highly dangerous. It is almost enabling.

[sweepphreak]

what I noticed as a danger point is I instantly feel in love with this guy and was thinking wow he would make a great friend not easily offended seems very intelligent and open to discussion of technical topics then I realized that's how charming they are I was charmed right through a computer screen you could be friends with this person drop dead in front of them and they will walk over the lifeless corpse make a sandwich and possibly remember to call 911 just to avoid being accused of some crime for avoiding to report your death

[Anonymous-hglu]

Interesting how when he’s asked a question about if he “is” something. He always says “well people have said I’m……..” so he remembers what people say about him and perceives that as how the world sees him because he doesn’t understand how other people think. Not that he necessarily thinks they’re right about him but it answers a “normal” person’s question by tying another “normal” persons comments to that question.

[blancokitty]

I recently reconnected with my childhood best friend who I realized is pretty dangerous! She shoplifts; she cheated on her husband with her boyfriend who she would sneak in the house at night while the kids and husband slept. She divorced the husband and moved in the boyfriend who Surprise! has criminal allegations from his ex wife that he pulled a gun on her. He has angry outbursts directed at the kids. She has triangulated me with him and others. I sadly had to block her. I could hang with a psychopath who wasn’t dangerous with strong boundaries, but not this chick. No m’aam.

[jflsdknf]

It's fascinating that the lack of empathy makes them incapable of talking about the perspective or experience of ANYONE other than themselves. Literally all he could come up with was the man "had his hackles up" around him (rightly), then he started struggling for words, and had to turn the conversation back toward himself.

[angellacanfora]

Watching these interviews with him, it's as though he is an incomplete person. He's missing the heart bit. The older I get, the more I realize that empathy is everything.

[johnleach]

Did a psychopath choose the background music?

[Magyarosi]

wtf. Such a nice man on the outside. Wholesome in nature (seemingly). Comes off as totally harmless. Scary

[mjacobs]

He is talking about taking his younger brother to camp out in Africa. The younger brother was afraid animals could get to them, but the true danger was it was where the first ebola case happened. James took pleasure in the fact that his younger brother had no understanding of the real danger. James also took his kids waterskiing in shark infested waters. He knew this and they did not.

[xyst_]

One thing I'm curious about is how would a psycopath react to a tragic event happening in their own lives or to someone in their close personal circle. For example, the death of a child, in a violent way, or a spouse or parent. This is a question that I don't see being asked in any of these videos and I'm really curious about it. It's easier not to empathise or feel remorse to something bad happening to someone outside of our "world".

[DaveyEaster]

How can you ever know for sure he's telling the truth?

[IndianaJoe]

I really relate to his comments. Maybe I need to be tested. I've dragged buddies to skydive, bungee jump, etc. but they've stopped short at the Pamplona encierro (running with the bulls). I guess I need to go alone.

[coloradobrad]

Wow, these are the people I 100% avoid. No remorse.

[spectazular]

That brother-in law remark took me the fuck out 😂😂😂. Psychopath or not, dude sound like a blast 😂😂

[zekaay]

I wish people learned from this. People like to pick on the idea of thrill seeking through watching horror movies and true crime, but the real psychos like to risk their lives - extreme sports, etc. It's been said by professionals many times over that real psychos blend into society perfectly, and yet people still pick on the weirdos who don't fit in. I wonder if anybody ever suspects their workaholic boss who seems to live for their meaningless job that gives them power over people to be a psycho, because chances are they might just be one. Most of them are also not killers, but work in the banking sector and media.

[SingularityMedia]

Dancing around what he actually did. Fascinating.

[hillarybillary]

He just cannot answer a question directly. He goes up he goes down, he goes back he goes forth, he’s in he’s out, he’s here he’s there, let me tell ya about my brother, let me tell you about my friend, Vietnam, my friend, a monkeys uncle….

[MarkSmithhhh]

This is insane how intelligent and well spoken he is...seems a very likeable person, extremely charming....but knowing what he is is terrifying

[bradleydeal]

It’s only them. If it doesn’t benefit them it’s not a concern. It does seem like a blessing in some aspects, a lot actually. But, that other half, I like the other half also. To think logically but not to be controlled by your emotions, that’s where it’s at. You can be happy with just yourself while knowing who you are, but also relating to others.

[garyshaffer]

I used to go into vacant houses on the south side of Chicago for bank owned properties that had been vandalized. Most hadn't been re-secured after the break in. I loved it. I was afraid and it felt great. I would have others tell me about how dangerous it was, but they always sounded crazy to me. Like I should carry a gun or something. some people don't see the danger, some just see a house.