The Anatomy of Evil

By: Michael H. Stone MD, Otto F. Kernberg MD

Narrated by: Charles Constant

Length: 16 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

In this groundbreaking book, renowned psychiatrist Michael H. Stone explores the concept and reality of evil from a new perspective. In an in-depth discussion of the personality traits and behaviors that constitute evil across a wide spectrum, Dr. Stone takes a clarifying scientific approach to a topic that for centuries has been inadequately explained by religious doctrines.

Stone has created a 22-level hierarchy of evil behavior, which loosely reflects the structure of Dante's Inferno. Basing his analysis on the detailed biographies of more than 600 violent criminals, he traces two salient personality traits that run the gamut from those who commit crimes of passion to perpetrators of sadistic torture and murder. One trait is narcissism, as exhibited in people who are so self-centered that they have little or no ability to care about their victims. The other is aggression, the use of power over another person to inflict humiliation, suffering, and death.

What do psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience tell us about the minds of those whose actions could be described as evil? And what will that mean for the rest of us? Stone discusses how an increased understanding of the causes of evil will affect the justice system. He predicts a day when certain persons can safely be declared salvageable and restored to society and when early signs of violence in children may be corrected before potentially dangerous patterns become entrenched.

©2009 Michael H. Stone; Epilogue copyright 2017 by Michael H. Stone (P)2018 Tantor

Fascinating from start to finish

Excellent narration, made unforgettable due to third being one of the best researched and most interesting books I’ve encountered. Recommended to anyone interested the psychology of evil , though be aware that this does not gloss over throughly, thoroughly disturbing matters.

Loved it

I don’t like that he “held back” on a lot of the graphic details. I’m not some lunatic that needs to hear them, but exposure and full disclosure helps when trying to pinpoint the most subtle of motives.

awesome

The book is excellent as it relates to crimiogenic behavior, psychopathy in people who commit these horrific acts of violence.

Author injected his personal values

Interesting and informative but the Author injects many of his own conservative values. I understand when getting into this subject I am going to be subjected to some horrible stories. I wanted to learn the information for what it is. For better or worse. Several times author either said he toned down details of the crime or it was obvious. I feel like you can't learn the right way if things are censored. Psychopaths are not censored and toned down. These people are next to us in line at the grocery store. We need to know what kind of freak show is going on in their head, Just sayin.

attention grabbing

I loved listening this book. I have the hard copy but rarely find time to read being a fill time stupid and having a full time job. I bought the second book just because this one was so good.

Rating of Evil and numerology inclusive.

I found this book interesting and furthering my passion for forensic psychology. The narrator read the book very well and kept me engaged.

Fascinating

I could not stop listening to this book! I found his analysis of the criminal mind captivating.

CW: There are countless descriptions of heinous crimes. He talks about the worst of the worst crimes. If you’re sensitive to that sort of thing, I’d steer clear.

Thoughtfully written

Book was thoughtfully written and offers an interesting take on evil, mental health, and morals

Incredible

You need to read this book if your interested in criminal minds . It will spark further curiosity on the subject.

Evil and Psychopathy

Dr. Michael Stone has produced a most impressive analysis of psychopaths that will serve as a leading reference. Weaving an intricate pattern that draws from many different disciplines he successfully argues for an improved classification system to differentiate the many subtypes of criminal personalities, clarification of how the term ",evil" is best understood , and puts forth a theoretical model incorporating social and behavioral evidence. He makes liberal use of well I own cases, which are edited to accommodate the sensitivities of the reader. His eclectic approach is demonstrated by his familiarity with Dante Alighieri, Puccini, and the prefrontal cortex. The search for transtheoretical hypotheses in exploring origins of criminal behavior is fortunate to have Dr Stone's
considerable talents.