Key insights

• 💭 Psychopathy exists on a spectrum
• 🔍 Studying extreme populations can provide insights into empathy, altruism, and aggression
• 🧠 Dr. Abigail Marsh studies the neural and cognitive basis of empathy, altruism, and aggression
• 📚 The current understanding of psychopathy is influenced by the work of psychiatrist Hervey Cleckley
• 😶 Psychopathic individuals appear normal but have deep emotional deficits
• 🔪 Gary Ridgway exemplifies psychopathic behavior with little regard for others
• ⚙️ Psychopathy is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1-2% of the population
• ❤️ Extraordinary altruists exhibit traits such as humility, belief in the goodness of others, and sensitivity to people's distress

Q&A

• What do global trends show regarding altruistic behaviors?

  Global trends indicate an increase in altruistic behaviors such as donating and helping strangers over time. Becoming more generous is linked to personal well-being and can be initiated through small acts of kindness.

• How can individuals assess their altruism and psychopathy?

  Individuals can assess their altruism and psychopathy using online tests like TriPM and HEXACO.

• What unusual traits do extraordinary altruists exhibit?

  Extraordinary altruists may exhibit humility, belief in the goodness of others, and sensitivity to people's distress. They value the welfare of distant acquaintances and strangers.

• What are the traits of psychopathy?

  Psychopathy is characterized by mean, callous disposition, aggression for personal gain, fearless behavior, lack of response to risk, lack of fear, remorse, and impulsiveness.

• What is the difference between psychopath and sociopath?

  The difference between psychopath and sociopath lies in the terminology used.

• What is the focus of Dr. Abigail Marsh's study?

  Dr. Abigail Marsh studies the neural and cognitive basis of empathy, altruism, and aggression.

• 00:00 Humans are not fundamentally selfish, as evidenced by the existence of psychopathy and the spectrum it exists on. Studying extreme populations can shed light on empathy, altruism, and aggression.
• 01:58 People with psychopathy appear normal but have profound deficits in emotion and engagement, driving serious antisocial behavior. The difference between psychopath and sociopath lies in the terminology used.
• 03:48 Psychopathy is a neurodevelopmental disorder with distinct personality traits including mean disposition, aggression for personal gain, fearless behavior, and a lack of response to risk.
• 05:35 The traits of psychopathy include lack of remorse, fearlessness, and impulsiveness. On the other end of the spectrum, there are extremely altruistic individuals. Consequences are necessary for harmful actions but understanding the lack of choice in having psychopathic traits is crucial.
• 07:07 Extraordinary altruists may not fit the traditional mold and show unusual traits including humility, belief in the goodness of others, and sensitivity to people's distress. They value the welfare of distant acquaintances and strangers.
• 08:45 Individuals can assess their altruism and psychopathy using online tests like TriPM and HEXACO. Global trends show an increase in altruistic behaviors such as donating and helping strangers over time. Becoming more generous is linked to personal well-being and can be initiated through small acts of kindness.