Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight is a 2013 book written by a female law professor under the pen name of M.E. Thomas, describing her up-and-down life as a sociopath.[1] The book describes sociopathy as a disorder that consists of a spectrum of behaviors, rather than the more simplistic stereotype of serial killers.[2] Thomas claims sociopathy helped her be a better lawyer,[3] and in an interview, she suggests that revealing herself in the book helps keep her in check: "Because there's that much pressure and scrutiny, I think I actually will be more successful in continuing to be a good member of society."[4] Lacking her own moral code, she relies on the teachings of her church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[5]
 First edition | |
| Author | M.E. Thomas |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Autobiography Psychology |
| Publisher | Crown Publishers (US) Sidgwick and Jackson (UK) |
Publication date | 14 May 2013 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 163 |
| ISBN | 978-0-307-95666-8 |
On her agent's advice, Thomas requested a psychological evaluation from John Edens, a psychology professor at Texas A&M University, before submitting her book for publication. After administering multiple tests, Edens concluded that Thomas is indeed a sociopath.[2]
The author later appeared in disguise on Dr. Phil discussing the subject.[6] Business Insider reported that Thomas' book made the idea of a "successful sociopath" mainstream.[7] A review in The New York Times described the book as "intermittingly gripping" and "a revelatory if contradictory muddle of a memoir".[8] Prospero, the books and arts column in The Economist, notes how the writing in the book clearly displays the characteristics of sociopathy: bombast, calculation, deceit, and charm.[9]
Actress Viola Davis said she prepared for her role of Amanda Waller in Suicide Squad by reading Confessions of a Sociopath.[10]
A one-hour dramedy, based on the book, is in development, starring and being co-written by Lisa Edelstein.[11]
See also
edit- The Mask of Sanity (1941) by Hervey Cleckley
- The Sociopath Next Door (2006) by Martha Stout
- Snakes in Suits (2006) by Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare
- The Good Psychopath's Guide to Success (2014) by Dr. Kevin Dutton and Andy McNab
References
edit- ^ "Inside the Mind of a Sociopath". Health News Florida. June 9, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
- ^ a b Dickson, Caitlin (June 3, 2019). "How to Spot a Sociopath (Hint: It Could Be You)". Daily Beast. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ Dodgson, Lindsay (May 20, 2018). "The 10 professions with the most psychopaths". Business Insider. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
- ^ Leung, Wency (May 23, 2013). "What's it like being a sociopath? A memoir takes you inside her head". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
- ^ Critchley, Cheryl (December 14, 2013). "The signs of the 'everyday' sociopath". Herald Sun. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ ""I Abducted a Baby"/ Confessions of a Sociopath". Dr. Phil. 15 May 2003. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ Dodgson, Lindsay (December 20, 2016). "Sociopaths are hiding in plain sight — so we asked one how he does it". Business Insider. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
- ^ Ronson, Jon (June 16, 2013). "Feelings?". The New York Times. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
- ^ "Be a sociopath—or just act like one". The Economist. August 15, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
- ^ "New Stills From The Highly Anticipated Suicide Squad Have Emerged". PopWrapped. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 19, 2018). "Lisa Edelstein To Topline 'Confessions of a Sociopath' Dramedy In Works At UCP, Recur On Netflix's 'The Kominsky Method'". Deadline Hollywood. Los Angeles, California: Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved March 26, 2019.