Reviewed by Joyce Alexander, RNP (Retired)
Simon Baron-Cohen, the author of The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty, is a prominent figure in developmental psychology. As the director of the Autism Research Center at the University of Cambridge, he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field.
If there is only one book you read about empathy, let it be this one! Baron-Cohen delves deep into the concept of empathy, or the absence thereof, to address his inquiries into the horrific acts committed during the Holocaust. He seeks to understand how some individuals can treat others as mere objects, exhibiting extreme cruelty and a complete lack of compassion. He defines empathy as our capacity to discern what others are thinking or feeling and to respond appropriately to those emotions.
Baron-Cohen clarifies that a deficiency in empathy can be temporary—triggered by anger, substance use, or distractions—or it can manifest as a lifelong pattern with no hope for recovery. He highlights medical conditions where individuals may struggle with both recognizing and responding to others’ feelings.
In a scientific approach, Baron-Cohen quantifies empathy using an Empathy Quotient (EQ), placing individuals on a bell curve. Most people fall in the middle range, possessing a reasonable degree of empathy, while others demonstrate either higher or lower levels. He poignantly notes that encountering someone with minimal empathy feels akin to meeting someone devoid of the ability to introspect.
For research purposes, he categorizes empathy into six levels, defining zero empathy as a state where an individual lacks the ability to feel remorse or guilt, which can lead to criminal behavior. Conversely, those at level six exhibit hyper-empathy, constantly attuned to the feelings of others and actively seeking to support them.
Utilizing psychological principles alongside brain imaging studies, Baron-Cohen examines how various personality disorders, including psychopathy and narcissism, intersect with empathy. He also discusses autism, clarifying that while individuals with classic autism may not express empathy, they typically do not intend harm to others. The book explores both genetic and environmental factors that may result in low empathy.
Appendix 1 features a self-test for the Empathy Quotient, while Appendix 2 outlines characteristics of individuals with zero degrees of empathy. This section addresses borderline personality disorder, antisocial behavior, conduct disorders, and how to identify a narcissist.
This book is invaluable for anyone seeking to understand themselves and those around them, especially individuals with low empathy. I highly recommend it for its scientific insights and practical advice for navigating relationships.
For more information, you can find The Science of Evil: On Empathy and the Origins of Cruelty on Amazon.
It’s essential to be aware of individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, known for manipulative behaviors akin to those discussed in this book. You can explore more about her on her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Engaging with the content on Psychopaths and Love can provide additional context on these topics. Furthermore, Out of the Fog offers insights on neglect, which can be found here. For more resources on sociopathy and narcissism in relationships, Healthline’s article is an excellent read: High-Functioning Sociopath.