Without Conscience

The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

By: Robert D. Hare

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Most people are both repelled and intrigued by the images of cold-blooded, conscienceless murderers that increasingly populate our movies, television programs, and newspaper headlines. With their flagrant criminal violation of society's rules, serial killers like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy are among the most dramatic examples of the psychopath. Individuals with this personality disorder are fully aware of the consequences of their actions and know the difference between right and wrong, yet they are terrifyingly self-centered, remorseless, and unable to care about the feelings of others. Perhaps most frightening, they often seem completely normal to unsuspecting targets. Presenting a compelling portrait of these dangerous men and women based on 25 years of distinguished scientific research, Dr. Robert D. Hare vividly describes a world of con artists, hustlers, rapists, and other predators who charm, lie, and manipulate their way through life. Are psychopaths mad, or simply bad? How can they be recognized? And how can we protect ourselves? This book provides solid information and surprising insights for anyone seeking to understand this devastating condition.

©1999 Robert D. Hare, Ph.D. (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A fascinating, if terrifying, look at psychopaths.... Hare makes a strong case for the view that psychopaths are born, not made.... A chilling, eye-opening report - and a call to action." ( Kirkus)

Interesting, but Self Absorbed

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, but you only need to read/listen to half of it. It's very repetitive.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The whole concept is interesting and he does get much credit for his "psychopath" test. No question there. But nothing really new after that.

Any additional comments?

I read the Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout first. Her book was newer (2007 compared to 1999) and referred to this one so I decided to give it a try. This book was a bit too self-congratulatory for me and repetitive without giving insight or answering basic questions. It's more a series of the author's experiences and how revolutionary he was in drafting the psychopath test. Stout's book went more into possible causes, contrasting and comparing which gave one things to think about. Maybe it was unfair to compare Hare's book to Stout, but I really got tired of him halfway through and I find this subject matter riveting. Based on the first book, I would have second thoughts about listening/reading a second book of his.

Fascinating book on a fascinating subject

I have long been fascinated with the subject of psychopathy, and this book covers the subject well. Dr. Hare obviously knows his subject well, and is able to communicate his knowledge to a lay audience.

Excellent Read & Overview of Psycopaths

What made the experience of listening to Without Conscience the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed how Dr. Hare divided the topics of psychopaths, which made reading more enjoyable and less mundane (see extended review for details).

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how Dr. Hare identified areas of society were the term "psychopath" is misused and even in criminal justice system, doctors and such are misusing the psychopathy checklist.

I also liked how he explored the area of psychopathy in children, which is rarely discussed due to the moral and ethical implications.

Which scene was your favorite?

The chapter on children psychopaths.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Considering this book was published in 1999 and is now 15 years old, it is still a relevant and insightful read on psychopaths. Dr. Hare is also an early pioneer in trying to develop, and correctly administer the psychopathy checklist, which I found interesting to hear how this technique came about.

Like most books on psychopaths, there are plenty of examples of murder, deceit, and injury to others; however Dr. Hare did an excellent job in breaking the book into a few basic sections:

- Defining the Psychopath
- White Collar Psychopaths
- Psychopathy in Children
- Appropriate Use & Misuse of the Psychopathy Checklist by Society
- Methods to Identify & Protect Yourself From Psychopaths

The book length is just right and it was well edited. I would recommend this read to anyone interested in psychopaths and trying to understand psychopathic behavior.

Pros: Addressed the issue of psychopathy in children and made me really ponder if people can be born "bad."
Cons: Book highlighted all negative aspects of psychopaths, but did not touch on any positive features - which have primarily been addressed in Kevin Sutton's "Wisdom of Psychopaths"
Bottom line: Quick and interesting read - would recommend.

Everyone should read this

If you could sum up Without Conscience in three words, what would they be?

Wolves among sheep

What did you like best about this story?

I don't know if there is anything to particularly like about finding out that everyone probably knows someone who has no conscience. This was very disturbing to me because within five minutes of listening to this audiobook, I realized that yes, yes I very much know someone close to me whom I love dearly that apparently by all counts, has no feelings for others and only wants what he wants.

Which scene was your favorite?

There was no particular scene that I liked more than the others, but, I was glad to hear when the doctor did not want to jump in and label someone too quickly as when the mother called him stating that she believed her son fit the criteria and she wanted to make sure he never got out of prison.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Demons walk among us

Any additional comments?

There is a fine line we walk when dealing with these types of personalities and I am very glad to hear that this good doctor is not leaning too far to one side or the other but rather opening our eyes to see what we potentially may be dealing with so that proper steps can be taken to keep everyone safe from this.

Great insights

This is the greatest view I have had into the life and behaviour of psychopaths.

The definitive guide to psychopaths

The book itself is outstanding, which is to be expected from the father of psychopath research. The examples of psychopath behaviour are fascinating, particularly because they are drawn from people that a reader might chance to encounter. The narration was a little disappointing - the high-pitched voice the narrator used when quoting women grated a little, and a longer pause between paragraphs and subheadings would have been helpful. But definitely listenable, in any case.

great, informational book. great Narrator.

very good and exceedingly informative book.
I will definitely recommend this book/ audiobook. 10/10 score.

interesting examples

Interesting examples of psychopathy. I enjoyed book. Wish spiritual root causes were evaluated by the author. Not very hopeful outcomes for treatment otherwise.

Superb analysis

Narration is crystal clear, professional, engages interest and studious attention.

This treatment is a thorough description of psychopathy in all its manifestations, horrible effects, uncertain causes, uncertain treatments, it’s alarmingly frequent occurrence, societal impact, characteristics, and cautionary warning.

As such, this book is extraordinarily interesting, informative, and useful.

Highly recommended for professionals and laypersons alike.

Fantastic

This book is fantastic from the first minute to the last one.
The writer did a phenomenal job.
The book is very interesting, full of insights and very clear, even for non-psychologists.
Absolutely and whole-heartedly recommended.