3 ms·
I recall reading that "sociopaths don't feel empathy" is largely a myth/misunderstanding. It's more like they do feel empathy, but they're capable of turning it
by tuesdayrain 8y ago
I recall reading that "sociopaths don't feel empathy" is largely a myth/misunderstanding. It's more like they do feel empathy, but they're capable of turning it off in certain situations. I can see that in myself to some extent. I would say on I'm more empathetic than the average person, but if someone threatens me (like a robber) then my empathy for them drops to 0 and they basically stop being a human in my eyes. Just a nuisance that needs to be removed permanently.
- deleted 8y ago[deleted]
- chongli 8y agoEmpathy as typical people experience it isn't something that can be turned on and off at will, it's controlled by external factors. Sociopaths can learn to develop a cognitive model to emulate empathy but it's not the real thing. That's why sociopaths can turn it on and off; it's just another con game to them.
- theredbox 8y agoExactly. It's not the real thing. As soon as you realize this it totally changes the way you see things. It's emulation, it's pretending and sometimes you can even convince yourself that the empathy you feel it's real. But it's not and at the end of the day the only thing that matters is you.
- chasd00 8y agoimo what you're describing is more self-preservation. For another example, take the most empathetic and understanding human you can imagine and then threaten their child with harm. The gloves will come off in short order.