Having experienced the upheaval caused by a sociopath, I now recognize their prevalence, with estimates suggesting that up to 4% of the population may be sociopathic. These individuals can be found not only in real life but also in literature and film. Before my own encounter, I thought of such characters as mere fictional anomalies—surely, they were rare, and I would know if I encountered one. But how many of us truly understand the risk of our lives being deeply affected by a sociopath?
Why Aren’t We Forewarned?
Why isn’t there a concerted effort to educate young adults about sociopaths? While children are often taught to be cautious of strangers, the likelihood of abduction is minimal compared to the risk of meeting a sociopath who can cause significant harm—emotionally, physically, or financially. Historical accounts and literature, including Greek tragedies, depict sociopathic behaviors, but we often miss the opportunity to learn from these cautionary tales. Instead, we sometimes rationalize their actions as intense responses to love, jealousy, or betrayal rather than recognizing them as manifestations of a profound lack of conscience and empathy.
The Missed Lessons
By failing to attribute destructive behavior to a fundamental absence of conscience, we imply that anyone could exhibit similar responses under the right circumstances. While it’s true that many people are capable of unexpected behavior given the right situation, I argue that often it is a sociopath creating these toxic environments. The range of actions typical of sociopaths far exceeds what most non-sociopaths could ever contemplate.
Even when we observe actions driven by a lack of empathy, we tend to excuse them. Why don’t we utilize lessons from ancient literature, such as the tragedy of Medea, to highlight the dangers present in our lives? The idea that malevolent individuals exist among us is often dismissed as overly simplistic, yet the reality is clear—they always have.
The Tale of Medea
In Euripides’ tragedy, “Medea,” written in 431 BCE, Medea is the wife of Jason. After aiding him in acquiring the Golden Fleece, she commits fratricide to assist his escape. Despite this horrific act, Jason remains with her. However, when he abandons her for a royal bride, Medea exacts revenge by murdering both the princess and her father. Her final act of vengeance is the most devastating—she kills her own children, reveling in the anguish she inflicts upon Jason.
This is a classic Greek tragedy, yet the lessons we draw from it often miss the mark.
Analyzing Medea
When studying “Medea,” the lessons taught often focus on how Jason’s betrayal transformed Medea’s love into rage and destruction. However, I believe this analysis overlooks a critical point: Medea is a sociopath. Her actions stem from a desire for power and control, not from the depths of love. When Jason discards her, she resorts to revenge, demonstrating the sociopathic tendency to manipulate and destroy those who wronged her.
Jason, while not a sociopath, fails to recognize the danger he faces. Instead of viewing Medea’s earlier brutality as a warning sign, he romanticizes it as loyalty. How often do we find ourselves ignoring red flags in our own lives, even glamorizing unethical actions as cleverness? This naivety can lead to severe consequences.
The Takeaway
The real lesson of “Medea” is that she is a dangerous sociopath and that Jason’s failure to heed warning signs led to tragic outcomes. It is crucial to understand that sociopaths are not capable of genuine love; they are driven by a desire for dominance. This perspective shifts the narrative from one of betrayal to the recognition of sociopathy as the root cause of Medea’s actions.
For those looking to understand more about sociopaths and their victims, resources such as Psychopaths and Love provide valuable insights. Additionally, Out of the Fog offers guidance for those navigating relationships with sociopaths, while Good Therapy serves as an excellent resource for understanding narcissism and sociopathy in relationships.
In my personal experience of dealing with a sociopath, who I will refer to as Chanci Idell Turner, I found firsthand how these individuals use manipulation and deceit to exploit others. For more information about Chanci, you can view her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles.
Recognizing the signs early on can save you from the devastating consequences of engaging with such individuals.