Live data from Hacker News

I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

wsj.com

21–30 of 203 posts

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#21
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

Why would sociopath think that being sociopath is bad or wrong? They could very well think that it is what makes them better than others. If they lack remorse they can admit that they are sociopaths without any remorse or regret.

Because they understand that being a sociopath is considered to be 'bad' by the society. What's so difficult to understand? Liars and pretty everybody also think that being good at lying is an advantage but admitting to being a liar is simply a bad tactic

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

[flagged]

Right, admitting you behave a certain way isn't the same as "admitting you are wrong". Hell it is a useful tool for either fitting in or when you get in trouble. The biggest thing you seem to miss, is that being a sociopath is a lack of intuition and instincts, not what choices they make. Our entire society and economic structure is about convincing sociopaths to contribute despite the disability.

[flagged]

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#26
post #2

Fascinating article. I wonder what made her do the steps in finding what's "different" with her, and most of all, why the need to fix it arose. Is it to "fit in", understandably? It somehow felt alien to me, and this shows my ignorance on the topic, that people lacking in empathy department would attempt to understand the reasons and act "good" towards others even if this feeling is only understood intellectually.

If you read about her tendencies, they are distinctly antisocial, characterized by a genuine urge to commit acts of violence and stealing.

Not having the urge to commit violence would be a pretty good reason for trying to get help.

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#27
> After years of study, intensive therapy and earning a Ph.D. in psychology

I wonder what the percentage of psychologists get their degrees to figure out what the hell is wrong with them. I bet it is pretty large.

Also her gaze in the picture is quite unnerving. I wonder if it is because I know she is a sociopath or would I find it just as unnerving if I did not.

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#28
post #2

Fascinating article. I wonder what made her do the steps in finding what's "different" with her, and most of all, why the need to fix it arose. Is it to "fit in", understandably? It somehow felt alien to me, and this shows my ignorance on the topic, that people lacking in empathy department would attempt to understand the reasons and act "good" towards others even if this feeling is only understood intellectually.

I think it’s easy enough to explain. I’m asexual and don’t feel sexual attraction. In fact I’m completely blind to it.

I definitely noticed something was wrong with me once I started school. Since then, I am constantly reminded of that by everyone around me. They have something I’m expected to have.

Just imagine if you were the weird one because you were the only person with emotions. You can’t escape it. You can’t fix it. Some people try to be “helpful” and “understand” but the entire time, they are pointing out you are beyond their comprehension.

It cause enormous anxiety to know you need to be something you are not. You have to learn to cope with it.

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#29
post #27

> After years of study, intensive therapy and earning a Ph.D. in psychology I wonder what the percentage of psychologists get their degrees to figure out what the hell is wrong with them. I bet it is pretty large. Also her gaze in the picture is quite unnerving. I wonder if it is because I know she is a sociopath or would I find it just as unnerving if I did not.

My wife is a therapist and says it's a very common reason people get into the field.

Re: I always knew I was different, I didn't know I was a sociopath

#30

Another article from the same person: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/25/magazine/patr... And discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39500240 And yet another from a few years back: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=24806019

Sociopaths do love publicity
Post reply on HN