The Wisdom of Psychopaths (2012) by Kevin Dutton, A Short Review

The Wisdom of Psychopaths: What Saints, Spies,
and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success (2012)
by Kevin Dutton, Audiobook

I had just finished listening to this audiobook last week. I'm not sure whether I want to write a proper summary review about it or not. Probably a short one. First, although I'm able to comprehend the big picture of an audiobook (especially on the subjects that are very interesting to me) through listening, I cannot recall the specific juicy quotes or thought-provoking lines unless I have the actual book or ebook to refer to. So, sorry in advance. Secondly, overall this book is stimulating enough (I love psychology!) but the title and subtitle can be misunderstood by those who will never read it. Let me explain.

The word Psychopath in general is negative. The dictionary defines it as a person suffering from a chronic mental disorder with abnormal or violent social behavior. Mad and bad. Then add the word wisdom to it can be very confusing and oxymoron. Plus, "what serial killers can teach us about success" is not helpful either. But once you explore what Kevin Button writes in the book - stories, interviews, theories, research, data - you will start to get why small and control doses of 'good' psychopathic traits as psychologists define it like charming personalities, no fear of failure or risk, cold empathy, hyperfocus, somewhat intelligent and smart (now I'm thinking of my favorite fictional villain, James Moriarty), etc. are useful for us to strive in the world today. At the right place, time and amount, these traits can be very helpful without harming others as some psychopaths do. I remember Kevin Button said that some of the top career choices for 'functional psychopaths' are politicians, entrepreneurs, police, journalist, and even clergy!

Although in general, I enjoy this book, I also have some strong disagreements and dislikes about the author's theories and conclusions. It seems like, without ethical considerations (and clinical help?), someone might use this book as approval for their harmful psychopathic behaviors. From "wisdom" to "destruction." Success at all costs can prove to be a folly determination and serial killers are your worst teachers! Read or listen with care 😉🔍💬 #ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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