Psychopath Test

I am currently reading Jon Ronson’s ‘The Psychopath Test’. It is a fascinating book that ultimately explores the prevalence of psychopathy in corporate and world leadership. It is estimated that about 1% of the general population could be classified as being psychopathic. In the corporate world, the percentage of psychopaths in leadership roles is four times as high.

This finding helps explain how corporations can turn a blind eye to environmental rape and exploitive labour practices in the name of profits. In fact many, if not most, companies actually seek out CEOs who have a proven track record of being able to make decisions without remorse or guilt so that shareholder profits are always maximized.

Jon Ronson is quick to point out that while it may be a psychopath who is leading the charge, it is the rest of us that are supporting and accepting this leadership. A lot of damage is being perpetuated by our collective greed and the political intimidation that induces a fear of speaking out or going against the flow.

“Suddenly, madness was everywhere, and I was determined to learn about the impact it had on the way society evolves. I've always believed society to be a fundamentally rational thing, but what if it isn't? What if it is built on insanity?” - Jon Ronson - (b. 1967)