M.E. Thomas - Confessions of a Sociopath, Psychology, Capitalism & Pro-Social Psychopathy

In this episode, Gary sits down with M.E. Thomas, author of Confessions of a Sociopath, to explore the nuanced world of psychopathy — from societal perceptions and neurodiversity to capitalism and morality. Together, they unpack how psychopaths function within society, challenge common misconceptions, and examine the impact of sampling bias in research. Their conversation dives into the complex relationship between empathy, narcissism, and identity, touching on everything from immigrant contributions and fictional character relatability to language, writing, and community dynamics. M.E. also shares her personal journey: growing up in the Mormon church, navigating academia, and her therapeutic path toward self-understanding after publishing her book. This wide-ranging discussion ultimately questions what society assumes about morality and suggests that, perhaps, a world with psychopaths isn't as dysfunctional as we think.

M.E. Thomas' website - http://www.sociopathworld.com/

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Takeaways

• Psychopaths are often misunderstood and demonized in media.
• Neurodiversity movements can influence perceptions of psychopathy.
• Research on psychopathy often suffers from sampling bias, focusing on prison populations.
• The identity of a psychopath can be complex and multifaceted.
• Psychopaths may possess a rationality that benefits society.
• Capitalism and psychopathy share overlapping traits, particularly in risk-taking.
• Empathy and social norms are perceived differently by psychopaths.
• The law often favors empaths over psychopaths in criminal cases.
• Psychopaths can be immune to mob mentality, which can be advantageous.
• There is a symbiotic relationship between psychopaths and normal individuals in society. Immigrants often take on jobs that others refuse to do.
• Psychopaths can identify and exploit opportunities in society.
• Cultural migration may have led to a higher prevalence of psychopathy in certain populations.
• Language and writing can be powerful tools for expression and understanding.
• Narcissism and psychopathy have distinct differences in self-perception.
• Empathy can sometimes lead individuals to make dangerous decisions.
• Fictional characters can reflect complex human emotions and experiences.
• Misplaced empathy can lead to harmful situations for individuals.

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Some stories just hit different. Welcome to The Dark Finds Podcast, hosted by writer, true crime creator, and psychology enthusiast Gary Colton. Each episode takes you deep into the world of those who’ve lived through — or created — something extraordinary. From fighters, musicians, and war veterans to cult survivors, ex-cons, psychologists, and entrepreneurs, we explore the lives of people who exist on the edge of the norm. Through honest, often raw conversations, we uncover their journeys, insights, struggles, and what drives them.

At its core, Dark Finds is fueled by one obsession: understanding human behavior in all its forms.