Kevin Dutton, Ph.D., is an accomplished writer, yet his latest book, The Wisdom of Psychopaths—What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success, falls short in its message. Dutton’s central argument is that psychopathy, when present in moderation, can be beneficial. In his preface, he suggests that psychopathy shares similarities with anxiety and depression, claiming it can offer advantages if harnessed correctly. He likens psychopathy to sunlight, arguing that while overexposure can be harmful, controlled exposure can enhance well-being.
As a research psychologist affiliated with the Calleva Research Centre for Evolution and Human Sciences at the University of Oxford, Dutton interviewed leading experts in psychopathy. However, he selectively presented information, painting an incomplete picture that emphasizes the positive traits of psychopathy while downplaying its inherent dangers, such as manipulation and exploitation.
Dutton employs persuasive writing techniques often used in magazine journalism. While magazine articles aim to convince readers of a specific viewpoint, this can lead to a biased representation of facts. Despite his claim to not glamorize psychopathy, he glorifies its traits and suggests that they can be managed and utilized for personal gain.
His use of verisimilitude—the semblance of truth—can mislead readers. For instance, he presents psychopathic traits like charisma and confidence without mentioning the more insidious qualities of deceitfulness and manipulation. If he had included these attributes, the overall impression of psychopathy would be far more negative.
Dutton cites numerous experts and studies to bolster his arguments, but he often neglects to present the full scope of their findings. For example, he references Scott Lilienfeld’s work on the Psychopathic Personality Inventory and suggests that psychopathy exists on a spectrum. While Lilienfeld acknowledges this, he does not imply that psychopathy’s traits confer advantages. Dutton’s interpretation twists these insights to fit his narrative.
His cavalier statements overlook the harsh realities of psychopathy, which can lead to significant harm. He even suggests that psychopathy might be a “medicine for modern times,” raising questions about the validity of his arguments. Dutton’s assertions ignore the damage caused by individuals with these traits, as evidenced by the role psychopaths played in financial crises.
Having personally encountered the manipulative tactics of a psychopath, I found Dutton’s prose uncomfortably reminiscent of my experiences. Just as my ex-partner used charm and eloquence to deceive, Dutton’s writing can distract from the underlying truths of psychopathy. Readers without prior knowledge of the disorder may be swayed by his engaging style and extensive references to research, which ultimately presents a distorted view of psychopathy.
For those seeking to understand the true nature of psychopathy and its implications, I recommend exploring resources like Psychopaths and Love or BetterHelp’s guide on sociopathy in relationships. Additionally, individuals looking for more information on complex PTSD can check out Out of the Fog.
In summary, Dutton’s Wisdom of Psychopaths is ultimately a disservice to society, promoting an oversimplified and dangerously misleading perspective on a complex psychological issue. Readers should approach this book with caution and a critical eye, especially if they lack familiarity with psychopathy.