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)

We should all be aware of Psychopaths

We should all be aware of signs of a psychopath that may come along our path of life to protect ourselves and others.

Classic Text on Sociopaths

This is the book all the other books refer to on this subject, so I'm assuming it was written first. The writer is very impressed with himself, and that wears thin rather soon. He also repeats himself more than is really called for.
But he gives some fascinating scientific answers and inquiries into what makes a Sociopath what he is. It's still a classic in the field.

Parent of psychopath

This book has answered so many questions about my son. It has also given me a path for the healing of my family. The question of “what did I do wrong “ has been answered. Thanks for a well presented and easy to understand book. I would recommend this to everyone, not for psychoanalysis, but for understanding how to deal with this psychopathy personality and their way of thinking.

I’m 100% sure my stepson is psychopath

Thank you for your book, this all rings true to the 14 year old son of my fiancé. People think I’m exaggerating when I say he’s a psychopath...but believe it when I say he is going to make headlines one day and not in a good way. Have tried to get him help with psychiatrists, counselors, mental hospital, school resources to no avail...

Discovering Psychopathy

Any additional comments?

After listening to "The Sociopath Next Door", which is excellent, I was pleasantly surprised. It starts with the author in his early years where psychopathy was somewhat new and gradually changes into a dissection of the disorder. While if found the stories less entertaining than the "Sociopath Next Door", the overall experience is worth it.

Well written and read

The topic of Psychopathy has been well documented and written-up in a plethora of recent books. Robert Hare basically repeats much of this knowledge, but also adds some more recent research towards the end of the book. It's well written and read; easily understandable. I would appreciate more new research and new insights, but so far so good.

Excellent Book

Wonderful insight into the mind of a psychopath. Great listen for a long car ride. Highly recommended!

Worthwhile, but...

A little dramatic at times. But worthwhile. Case studies are juicy and author knows his stuff big-time. Plus it's an important message for society.

Wow!

This is an amazing reading. We must study and know how to be safer....
The mind is a terrible thing to waist...

Chilling . . .

This book is well researched and written. The author is a genuine authority on this phenomenon - and understands it well enough to explain it to his proverbial grandmother. On the other hand, is a very difficult read. It's simply difficult to hear about the mental machinations of people in our society who simply do not have the ability to empathize or accept responsibility for their actions.

It is also reassuring for anyone who has ever had contact with a psychopath. As difficult as it is, it is also reassuring to know that our experience has been understood by the professionals who have chosen to expose this disorder for what it is. Unfortunately, too many professionals fall into the veneer of charm trap - and miss the underlying chaos and disorder within this dreaded disorder.