The Sociopath Next Door

By: Martha Stout

Narrated by: Shelly Frasier

Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

We are accustomed to think of sociopaths as violent criminals, but in The Sociopath Next Door, Harvard psychologist Martha Stout reveals that a shocking 4 percent of ordinary people, one in 25, has an often undetected mental disorder, the chief symptom of which is that that person possesses no conscience. He or she has no ability whatsoever to feel shame, guilt, or remorse. One in 25 everyday Americans, therefore, is secretly a sociopath. They could be your colleague, your neighbor, even family. And they can do literally anything at all and feel absolutely no guilt.

How do we recognize the remorseless? One of their chief characteristics is a kind of glow or charisma that makes sociopaths more charming or interesting than the other people around them. They're more spontaneous, more intense, more complex, or even sexier than everyone else, making them tricky to identify and leaving us easily seduced. Fundamentally, sociopaths are different because they cannot love. Sociopaths learn early on to show sham emotion, but underneath they are indifferent to others' suffering. They live to dominate and thrill to win.

The fact is, we all almost certainly know at least one or more sociopaths already. Part of the urgency in reading The Sociopath Next Door is the moment when we suddenly recognize that someone we know, someone we worked for, or were involved with, or voted for, is a sociopath. But what do we do with that knowledge? To arm us against the sociopath, Dr. Stout teaches us to question authority, suspect flattery, and beware the pity play. Above all, she writes, when a sociopath is beckoning, do not join the game.

It is the ruthless versus the rest of us, and The Sociopath Next Door will show you how to recognize and defeat the devil you know.

©2005 Martha Stout (P)2005 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Stout is a good writer and her exploration of sociopaths can be arresting." (Publishers Weekly)
"A remarkable philosophical examination of the phenomenon of sociopathy and its everyday manifestations....Stout's portraits make a striking impact and readers with unpleasant neighbors or colleagues may find themselves paying close attention to her sociopathic-behavior checklist and suggested coping strategies. Deeply thought-provoking and unexpectedly lyrical." (Kirkus)

Is the Man Occupying the White House...

I bought this because I had heard the term sociopath used to describe the man who is currently occupying the White House. I didn't know if it was true or not. I did some Google research and still wasn't sure. So I purchased this to help me understand who is a sociopath.

I'm glad I purchased the book.

And, yes, as some other have reported, a heavier hand at editing could have reduced some of unnecessary tangents.

This explains sociopathy very well!

Listening to this book made me so happy that I have a conscious. Understanding people that don’t have a conscience makes me have some empathy for them. I’ve had too many people like this in my life. However, I will never be a doormat to them again!

For the layperson

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed it very much, but of Martha Stout's work I would recommend The Myth of Sanity over this one. Her advice here is sound; drawing boundaries and avoiding contact with these toxic people certainly will help. But some of her assumptions and theories skirt the edge of sound science. Overall, entertaining and good food for thought, but there are probably more scholarly texts out there for those who are picky about precision and logic.

Exceptional description of the sociopath

I cried when I the author wrapped up the differences between the sociopath vs the conscious driven individual... I have spent so much time, 18 years, with a sociopath and actually had difficulty discerning my own psychological failures since leaving him. I too vote for the conscious driven, and remarkably recognize what sets us apart now.

Must read for any health care professional

This is one if those books that you will not be able to put down until it's finished . Incredibly well writen book and eloquently read by Ms.Frasier, as a physician I tell you this book had opened my eyes to what I have learned in psychiatry, with such carefully illustrated examples of the sociopathic personalities and it's variations. Dr. Stout I will be looking for more of your work. Enjoy!

Amazing, eye opening audible

I would recommend this to every person so that we can become more aware of possibly unhealthy relationships in our lives!

Extremely enthralling!

"The Sociopath Next Door" was just incredible. It was recommended to me by a friend and was well worth the time and money. It takes a look into minds of sociopaths and gives a much better understanding of them. Whenever I see or hear of people doing horrible things I always ask the question, "What is wrong with some people?" This book answered that question for me and changed my perception of those acts. It also delved into the conscience of normal people, which was somewhat inspiring. This book was well written without being overly wordy and Shelly Frasier is a great reader. I highly recommend this book.

hated it

I read A lot so I feel like I know a good book when I read it...that said, this was the worst book ever. creepy and makes little sense. I couldn't finish it, good luck.

Super fear-mongering, but a fun read

Martha Stout details the characteristics of a sociopath living among the good people of society, lurking and eager to pounce on unsuspecting victims. This book is impressive and kept my attention for the majority of the time, informing me of these hateful people that don't necessarily have complete control of their innate personas. It offers an in depth guide to finding the sociopaths of our everyday lives and methods on how to better protect ourselves from them. I wish there were more case studies in the book.

A veil was lifted from Pollyanna's eyes

The Sociopath Next Door explained what I'd been struggling to comprehend for 7 years!