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)

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.

Without conscience is direct and informative

Would you listen to Without Conscience again? Why?

It takes time to absorb the information.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Not applicable.

Have you listened to any of Paul Boehmer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No

Any additional comments?

This is important information about humans that doesn't often come to light.

TERRIFIC COVERAGE OF THE TOPIC

HARE KNOWS HIS TOPIC WELL & SPEAKS IN PLAIN LANGUAGE SO THE LAYPERSON CAN UNDERSTAND.

When I gave up on books that supposedly would...

tell me how to avoid getting taken advantage of (like the moronic How To Deal With Difficult People) and the worse than useless In Sheep's Clothing), I decided to take a look at the opposite end of the problem--the manipulators themselves: a much better idea, as it turns out. Without Conscience provides a nicely developed portrait of the psychopath, people born without the ability to empathize and register normal human feelings, even though they can imitate them convincingly enough to con and abuse others. (There are an estimated 2 million psychopaths among us in the US, and they are not to be confused with their most extreme representative: the serial killer. Chances are you know or have known a psychopath.) The neurology represented in this book is a bit behind the current wisdom and for better information about the brain's role in psychopathy, one might read The Science Of Evil and The Tell-Tale Brain. Overall, Without Conscience is a very useful book for understanding the serious manipulator and how to deal with him/her.

Excellent Research, Sociopath Next Door Better

While Dr. Hare is the authority on psychopaths, and I gained a full understanding of what a psychopath is from his book, I found that his research dealt much more with the criminal element. The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout was more helpful to me, as it covers more of the day to day people we are in contact with every day . . . the ones we work with and for, go to school with and unfortunately have personal relationships with. I can now spot one a mile away. Wish I knew then what I know now . . .

Interesting

This was an interesting and informative read however it seemed like the author was scare mongering at points. His theory that young people were more likely to be phycopaths was based on opinion rather than fact and I personally discount this idea on due tomy own observation that the last generation has always lemented the ruin of society in the next. More media reports does not infact indicate a rise in actual crime. I recommend it but keep your sceptical mind on... as with anything.

Intriguing and engaging - but dated and hyperbolic

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

Audible: These banal questions for a review are horrible. Anyway, this book is certainly interesting - and the author is intelligent and thorough on the topic. However his constant digressions about "runaway juvenile violent crime" and "unprecedented criminality" painting a picture of an epidemic of psychopathy are neither accurate or honest.

Perhaps the original mid-90s publishing date can excuse this, but crime on the US and Canada, where the author has been drawing his anecdotes, has been drastically decreasing - not increasing - over the past two decades. This is especially true of violent crime.

While all starts well, when he turns the focus towards children at the end, his well thought out dissection of psychopathy takes on the clueless, uninformed tone of the frustrated parents he showcases - drawing way too many examples from film, TV and pop culture to be taken seriously. It's a damn shame, since he does begin to touch upon the true scourge psychopathy has wrought on society in the form of white collar criminals, con men and manipulators. However, he ends sounding like the narrator from a 1950s Reefer Madness short.

Would you recommend Without Conscience to your friends? Why or why not?

Redundant question, Audible.

Which character – as performed by Paul Boehmer – was your favorite?

Again, this review format is atrocious and horribly thought out. This is a non fiction book.

Was Without Conscience worth the listening time?

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

Interesting nonetheless. A worthwhile listen despite its flaws.

A classic

This is a classic book about psychopathy. Although it is somewhat dated, it provides accurate about people who destroys others' lives.

It's like the best police movie, with explanatins.

What did you love best about Without Conscience?

The insight into the phychos' phyche. They are normal people, they just do not have the conscious that the rest of us do. It makes them freer and dangerous. The author points out at how not so rare such people are, and give tips on how to spot them.

Real life advice on dealing with psychopaths.

Excellent resource for understanding exactly what you are up against if you find yourself involved with one of these predators.