It has been estimated that one in twenty-five Americans has shown sociopathic behavior. Despite its frequency, most of us know nothing of that behavior, nor are we aware of sociopaths in our society. This is the sociopath’s greatest advantage. He is invisible.
These individuals are afflicted with what is defined as an “antisocial personality disorder.” “Antisocial” means simply “against society. “ The true sociopath’s only agenda and main source of his twisted gratification is manipulating those in his path to do as he requires. That’s his game. And game it is, with us as pawns as he seeks personal gratification, regardless of the cost to others. His capabilities are monstrous.
He does not follow societies “norms”, and is incapable of playing by the rules. He has no rules, nor can he recognize other’s rules. He does not have a conscience. Thus, he has no brake on socially unacceptable behavior, no boundary past which he dare not go. The sociopath lacks a moral compass. He cannot experience guilt. He knows no remorse. His life is simply endless sinister manipulation of others to feed his own ego.
When confronted with a sociopath’s random acts of cruelty, all you can expect is the unexpected. And of course that can’t be done. Only in retrospect is the unexpected visible. You are forced to think the unthinkable. That can’t be done as well, except in the light of retrospection. A sociopath has no emotional attachment to others. He has no empathy, no compassion. He lives in emotional disconnect with others, his mind acknowledging nothing but personal goals. He cannot accept responsibility for dishonorable actions, but finds great personal satisfaction in causing others to suffer emotional pain. Simply put, the sociopath cannot accept or even understand the concept of personal responsibility.
He lives a loveless existence, unable and unwilling to bond with another being. He is incapable of gratitude or loyalty toward anyone. His quest in life is to meet his agenda of the moment, without regard for others, indeed, with contempt for his victims.
Individuals with severe personality disorders rarely improve. With no capacity for self awareness, they most often aren’t salvageable. Rehabilitation is a myth.
The sociopath becomes more antisocial with the passing of time. Through years of practice, his manipulation techniques become increasingly more refined and sophisticated. Eventually he regards himself as smarter than everyone else. He becomes increasingly brazen and callused. He knows he will never be caught. This is his game. You are his game-piece. There are no boundaries, no rules to a macabre game that increases in intensity and becomes more disturbing every time you’re forced to play.