The Psychopath Defends – Part 3
76 thoughts on “The Psychopath Defends – Part 3”
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Mr. Tudor,
I was just listening to this video again and something you said stood out to me. You said you don’t have a startle reflex. I’m intrigued! Will you be talking about this in your new book about Psychopathy? I’m very eager to hear more about it.
I haven’t specifically addressed it as I didn’t think there was much more to say other than I don’t have one.
If you’ve questions about its absence, this might provide the basis for expansion in the book. (Cue Truthseeker!)
Thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Tudor. I hope others have questions as well!
When did you first notice that you don’t flinch?
Does Matrinarc know you don’t have a startle reflex?
Did it ever threaten her control if you didn’t flinch if she expected you to?
What about your father and siblings? If they saw you didn’t flinch, did it unnerve him?
Did they ever ask you about it?
What about other sources, specifically sources that are in your closest circles, like intimate partners or close friends. Did they ever notice that you don’t flinch and did they ever ask you about it?
What about when you’re with an opponent of some sort?
Any other situations that you want to share, where you noticed a reaction from someone who noticed that you didn’t flinch, I would be very eager to hear about.
Again, thank you for this opportunity, Mr. Tudor.
Interesting questions Leigh. I wonder if HG’s Matrinarc would’ve known what it meant had she been aware he did not flinch? I doubt it, same with his father and siblings, since I didn’t think a lot about psychopathy had been known for long? They might have known it was part of what made him different though? I think if I were an opponent, the not flinching would be very unnerving. If I was a woman I’m his life, I think I would find it reassuring. My ex didn’t going, he didn’t come up as a psychopath but he has some issues beyond narcissism I believe. I would be interested in knowing if the not flinching goes along with other disorders also, besides psychopathy.
Hi AV,
You said as a woman, you think you would find the lack of flinching reassuring.
Watching Mr. Tudor return without a wrinkle in his suit or a hair out of place. He would be unforgettable. I think many women would also measure future men to this standard…possibly imprinting a bit on psychopathy as desirable. I also wonder how being a key part of this story impacted devaluation and disengagement for Tabitha. How did it get weighted? Is a memory like this more likely to mentally hoover some women into wanting to hold on tighter or go back more readily? What type of empathic woman is most resistent to this?
Many women respond to the shining armor…but sometimes they don’t know the man in the can…so to speak.
Haha Dani, excellent point about the man in the can! It may be normals who would be unimpressed.
Hi AV!
Thank you for your comment! I hope Mr. Tudor decides to address some of our questions in his new book.
I was thinking about my own situation with my Dad when I asked Mr. Tudor about Matrinarc. I remember when I stopped flinching with my father. He didn’t like it at all and eventually he stopped “disciplining” me. I’m thinking my lack of a reaction threatened his control.
Just to clarify, I do flinch now. I think his discipline became so normalized, I just stopped reacting.
Anyway, I was thinking if Matrinarc did something that would normally cause someone to flinch and Mr. Tudor didn’t flinch, did that cause a threat to her control.
Matrinarc, being a narc, his lack of startle reflex might not stand out to her?
Hi NA,
I was thinking if Matrinarc was the one who was trying to bring it about, it might threaten her control. Although, considering she’s an Upper Mid Range, she might not use such rudimentary tactics to get a reaction from people. My father would sometimes “tease”, If I can call it that. Sometimes he would raise his hand but not follow through. At some point it stopped bothering me though and I remember he didn’t like it at all. Interestingly though, he stopped going after me and went after my brother instead.
Leigh
Perhaps that is true re: Matrinarc and threat to control.
I’ve thought of two other questions, Mr. Tudor.
Have you ever feigned flinching in order to assimilate or cause alarm? So for instance, if you’re in the golden period with your freshly acquired IPPS, if something happens that would naturally cause a startle reflex, do you flinch so you don’t unsettle your new IPPS?
The other thing I’m wondering is am I over thinking this? Do people not even notice that you don’t flinch?
No, I do not.
Some do not because they are focused on their own reaction to what is happening. Others notice I do not flinch and that provides me with a considerable advantage.
Thank you, Mr. Tudor.
I have follow up questions, if I may.
How old were you when you first noticed that you don’t have a startle reflex? What was going on at the time that should’ve caused you to flinch, but didn’t?
I would imagine, it must give you fuel and power when you see someone is unnerved by your lack of startle reflex.
I find it fascinating.
If a loud, unexpected boom happens near you, how do you react? How do you process it? What’s going on in your brain?
Read about this in The Psychopath.
Yay, Mr. Tudor! I’m so excited! I definitely will!
DearHG,
I’m curious about this…
“Others notice I did not flinch and that provides me with a considerable advantage”
Can you please explain what advantage you are speaking of and how did you get the advantage from noticing them, noticing you not flinching? Xx
It demonstrates I am not afraid. So they are.
Dear HG,
Thank you for your reply and it makes sense. I have a startle reflex and I don’t recall my brother having one.
Loud noises , sudden movements and people jumping out to scare me, like my brother did, makes me jump and scream a little. I think it’s because I’m on high alert most of the time.
My narc husband has a low degree startle reflex.
HG, I’m curious why do some narcs have a startle reflex and some don’t? Why did my brother not have a startle reflex? Do all psychopaths have no fear?
Thank you for your replies and your time, HG! Xx
Startle reflex is linked to psychopathy not narcissism.
Hey Rebecca:
Your brother, my ex. My ex was never high or low. He was with me on exotic vacations, having sex free of kids. Deadpan. He could have a bomb drop down on his house deadpan. No highs or lows. No startle reflex. When the FBI called me in, I divorced him. But did he show fear about what happened … no. He once told me if you have an undesirable ( his term), you just say quietly “ come closer.” Then he would hold his gun. He always had a gun on him. Illegal of course. At first when I said I wanted a divorce he told me calmly “ divorce is off the table.” As if I had no choice. When I filed he calmly told me my head would be blown off like JFK. No heightened emotion. I am smart, hired body guards, left notes about my contacts with who I knew at the pentagon ( my ex lover runs it), who I knew at the Attirney generals office, my ex best friend runs it and he loves me. I also have a buddy who has mafia ties, famous grandfather, I moved him in. I got DV involved, courts involved. I am still here and I must say we are both free. I never disclosed, we settled. I took no money as a smart move but got 80% custody after the child evaluator diagnosed him with ASPD. But I have written here about the shock I got that he was a devoted father. He adores my daughter ( sadly over his other two that have mental illness and the son in and out of jail for two decades with drug addiction issues.) in the end my daughter thrives not that you will ever see much emotion out of him. But he will show up. I hired a psychologist during our marriage to try to get through to him as his 14 year old son was on drugs and dealing. I wanted to save him but my ex said too much money for private schools and therapy and then bought another Rolls Royce for himself. I was ready to leave and falling out of love before the FBI came but the day to day was stable no conflicts with him. I left my legal practice to be a mom and he gave mean amazing maternity. Oddly I am grateful for that despite it all
Dear HG,
So, people that don’t have a startle reflex are psychopaths? Is that right? If so, that’s good to know….Oh, I see what you meant earlier…
Wow! Maybe I should start dropping things at work around certain people and seeing how they react….🙃 xx
Rebecca,
I was thinking the same thing! I’m gonna have to go around making loud noises to see if people flinch or not!
Mr. Tudor–
Regarding your personal lack of startle reflex, does this extend to verbal altercations…
1. Can an IPPS or any appliance produce a response to a malign manipulation that causes you to have a mental jolt, even if you don’t physically respond? Or are the threats to control that are likely manifesting in that circumstance (assuming it’s an in person fuel bonanza) causing more physical responses? e.g. An IPPS tries to slap you after discovering you cheated on her with her sister. You might not expect that sudden escalation to physical violence from an IPPS who has otherwise been subservient to your will. What else is happening that I’m missing that would drive a response from you?
2. Is the mental jolt more like intense stimulation being delivered on a platter to your psychopathy?
3. How are you physically responding to IPPSs in their darkest moments of emotional thinking driven by your supremacy in the act of manipulation? Can you sit perfectly still while an IPPS screams at you?
Do you smirk at her in the way you smiled at the men here?
4. How do you handle sudden bursts of stimulation (if that happens)?
5. Do you have any stories of you as a teenager exhibiting this lack of startle to adults that were menacing you or you suddenly turning the tables on them when they thought they could “take you to task”?
Thank you so much for your time! Much appreciated!
Dani
1. No.
2. Even if I did not anticipate something (unusual in itself) I do not experience a holy but rather a more considered “Interesting” said with a purr of stimulation.
3. I can. I may smirk, raise an eyebrow or remain impassive.
4. I embrace them.
5. Yes.
Dani says,
“Do you have any stories of you as a teenager exhibiting this lack of startle to adults that were menacing you or you suddenly turning the tables on them when they thought they could “take you to task”?”
Mr. Tudor’s says,
“Yes”
Mr. Tudor,
Will you please share a story with us? I would very interested as well!
I shall do so.
Thank you, Mr. Tudor!
Mr. Tudor–
1. How do you respond when it’s the IPPS who has decided to lash out physically after malign psychological manipulation and she lands a blow? I feel that hitting you, even in fear or anger, is such a dangerous thing to do.
Hg: Even if I did not anticipate something (unusual in itself) I do not experience a holy but rather a more considered “Interesting” said with a purr of stimulation. — it would be amazing to have a story about both…one where you didn’t anticipate what would happen…one where it was anticipated and you just take in the interesting with a purr.
Dani: How are you physically responding to IPPSs in their darkest moments of emotional thinking…
HG: I can. I may smirk, raise an eyebrow or remain impassive.
2. What factors push you toward calmness in this situation vs activity?
3. When the most potent and copious fuel is pouring over you in a deluge… Such as that situation…are you more likely to soak in it quietly or get energized?
4. What situations induce a sudden stimulation for you?
5. Will one (at least) story about your lack of startle reflex resulting in an adult getting the tables turned be covered in Educating HG?
6. How have other psychopaths responded to your lack of startle, the unaware and the aware?
Thank you so much for your time! Much appreciated!
Dani
1. It is challenge fuel. Usually the physical blow is ineffective and it amuses me that they are so bold to strike me. It however, is not a sensible thing to do.
2. My emotional detachment.
3. It energises me but I absorb it without bouncing off the walls like some amphetamine freak.
4. There are many that fall within that category.
5. You will have to wait and see.
6. With interest, with concern.
Mr. Tudor–
1. Why do you allow the blows to land or catch them? How do you respond to this very unwise action against your person? I have no doubt that you don’t have to accept it…but your answer sounds like you do…
The unaware psychopath responds with interest. The aware with concern.
2. Have you noticed whether other psychopaths vary in their startle response and how does that startle (if present) vary depending on whom they are dealing with?
Thank you so much for your time! Much appreciated!
Dani
1. It is fuel. I restrain and I bring about subjugation. The punishment will come later.
2. No.
Dani,
Have you listened to Dark Cupid Petulance?
Your questions of September 6th are answered there.
Xx
I have not listened to any Dark Cupid. It’s one that I am wary about… Given the content I think to be within. I want to know, but I don’t want to stir myself up unnecessarily. I waited a while before reading, Restraining an Appliance…because I got the gist from the first paragraph…I think HG explaining his perspective is very valuable… But a series of intimate stories where a woman is duped…while informative…might not be good for my mental state. There’s extrapolated knowledge and then intimate story listening/reading. I am cautious for myself. Curiosity killed the Dani.
Hi Dani,
I totally understand, we all have articles or types of articles that we are wary of and for differing reasons.
In terms of the Dark Cupid series as a whole, Petulance is probably one of the milder episodes. It’s more detailed in terms of the thoughts taking place in the narcissist’s mind as the manipulations are executed. It also details the view the narcissist takes regarding the responses of the IPPS.
It’s less graphic than some of the other episodes so if you were to try the series, Petulance is probably one I would feel safer recommending to someone whose personal background I am less familiar with.
With some Dark Cupid episodes I see less of HG himself in the character of the narcissist depicted. In Petulance I see a lot of HG, rightly or wrongly. Not entirely him, but more of him than some of the other episodes.
Perhaps each episode illustrates a different facet of HG. I’m not entirely convinced about that, but it’s certainly possible.
Petulance is probably one of my favourite Dark Cupid episodes, but part of that is due to the fact that I rewrite the plot in my mind as I’m listening. Let’s just say my ending isn’t quite so happy and the narcissist concerned (whoever he happens to be) doesn’t escape unscathed! TS has moves baby. Haha!
All to say, go at your own pace, listen as and when you choose or not at all. If you do choose to try the series though, this one probably isn’t a bad one to start with, particularly given your recent line of questioning.
Hope that helps!
Xx
Thank you for answering, sir. I appreciate it. Hope all is well for you.
Thank you, TS. It gives me something to think about. It’s nice to know that one is mild…and I am intrigued by your idea that each one might be about an aspect of HG. I’ve hypothesized about whether they were HG specific or narcissist generally or a mixture.
Hi Dani,
I think you are right in your assumption, narcissism in general, different schools and cadres depicted. However given HG is a narcissist himself and has a very broad palette of manipulations at his disposal, arguably there are elements of him in each episode. Depending on the circumstances, there would be little to prevent HG from using any number of the manipulations depicted. I see more of HG in Petulance though. That’s just my interpretation. I should listen to them again back to back, it has been a while since I reviewed that series.
Xx
Hi Truthseeker,
I would be interested in learning your thoughts after back to back listening.
Hi Leigh,
I could see us come Monday morning….oopsey! I’m so clumsy today! 😄😄xx
I think the absence of a startle reflex is an interesting conundrum.
The startle reflex is located in the brain stem. Technically there are no differences in the brain stem of a psychopath and a neurotypical person so in many ways there is no physiological explanation for the absence of a startle reflex in a psychopath.
The startle reflex in psychopaths is often described as blunted rather than entirely absent. It’s blunted I think because whilst the emotional element of the startle reflex is absent and linked to fear, (which is processed in the amygdala an area of the brain structurally different in psychopaths) the physiological aspect is not fear related. The brain stem directly projects visual and auditory information to motor neurons which produce a muscle response. Therefore in this case the psychopath should startle.
Hyper focus likely affects the physiological aspect of the startle reflex too. If the psychopath is facing the threat then he would be hyper focussed on the threat. This article would be an example of a psychopath facing a threat directly. Running through gunfire would be another example or escaping a sinking ship. The hyper focus quite possibly overrides the startle. Psychopaths are hyper aware of their environment so again they are primed to expect the unexpected which would diminish the startle reflex.
I think where the blunted element comes in is possibly something far more commonplace. A loud unexpected noise from behind should startle the psychopath. However, walking through a haunted house where the unexpected is expected, no startle! The emotional fear response is absent and so is the elevated startle response that goes hand in hand with it.
Essentially, any emotional fear related startle response should logically be absent. Any head on hyper focus situation and the startle response should be absent. The physiological wiring for the startle reflex is still present so very occasionally the psychopath should theoretically startle at an unexpected loud noise directly behind him, or a flash of light directly in front of him.
I often wonder about the lack of fear in psychopaths. Is it that the psychopath does not experience fear due to the differences in brain structure? ( Particularly those in the amygdala.) Or, is it the case that the hyper focus of the psychopath causes him not to register the fear? What I mean here is that if I had a cut on my hand, I notice that it hurts. If I then go and break my leg, I focus on the broken leg and not my hurt hand. The pain from the leg overrides my hand in terms of focus. That hyper focus kicks in a lot in psychopathy, it could quite possibly beat fear in terms of being first to the party because hyper focus is used far more frequently.
There are also two aspects to fear. Emotional and physical. The psychopath doesn’t experience an emotional fear response. Cognitively though, they would register the danger of being chased by a lion, so physiologically they should still experience increased heart rate to transport oxygen to the muscles so they can run faster. They should still have an adrenaline surge for similar reasons. I’m not sure if these physiological responses aren’t taking place, (if not, why not because that places them at a physical disadvantage) or if they are taking place but they aren’t noticed because hyper focus and the desire to evade being eaten overrides their fear experience.
If a psychopath was locked in a room with a bomb counting down, just out of reach, I can understand the psychopath not experiencing fear. Instead he would be hyper focussed on escape, either getting out of the room or getting to the bomb and dismantling it. High impression management would mean the psychopath would keep going, secure in the belief he would be successful, there would be no mental space left for fear.
If the psychopath was encased in concrete first, placed in a locked room with a bomb counting down on a table in front of him, hyper focus on escape would be disabled due to the concrete. Then I think it’s possible he might experience fear because the hyper focus isn’t taking up the mental space.
I don’t think about these things often. I just devised that experiment on the fly haha!
Lots of questions still to ask!
@truthseeker6157
Oooh this is fascinating! I love, love this. I’ll have to do some more reading. Thanks for sharing.
@Leigh I hope you can access it, it truly is hilarious and you can literally see, feel, hear all the different variations of Ns. The second time of watching it having gained insight from HG just made it even funnier.
Hi Alexis,
It’s really lovely to see you out and about on the blog again. Don’t know about you but I feel quite sentimental about the whole Ten year blog anniversary landmark!
Thank you, glad you found my ponderings interesting! I’m finding that information out there about psychopathy has a similar problem to information about narcissism. It’s filled with contradictions and likely inaccuracies. Part of that is the research base, so findings are based largely on research conducted on psychopaths in prisons. High functioning psychopaths are unlikely to step forward and say, “Well, for me, my psychopathy functions like this.”
The other thing I’ve registered is that psychopathy is explained through the lense of non psychopaths. It isn’t a lack of intelligence that causes gaps or inaccuracies, it’s the lense that researchers and academics are viewing the psychopathy through. They describe Psychopathy through a normal world view, similar to the way narcissism is described. No one has condensed motivation down into the Necessary Triad for example, it’s always psychology based thinking. I’m not criticising or saying all information out there is wrong or psychology can’t shed light on it at all, but rather, it always feels like guesswork, an estimation.
The more information HG puts out, the more we can place what we read within the framework he creates, but in the meantime, it’s still a lot of estimation, certainly on my part. Interesting though, really fascinating as a subject.
Xx
Hi TS, aww thanks for your message. I still read on here a fair bit and always find your comments interesting and well considered.
It’s so true re psychology. There is some interesting information out there but I only take smidgens of it on board. Where as HG’s work is always accurate, well almost always hahah
And yes, not many greaters in prison to learn about. I really found what you said super interesting because the one whom I dropped the books on the floor with, I suspected he was a greater elite and I think HG said greaters are always N/Ps. He jumped, very briefly and remained fully composed but I thought I must have made a mistake, even though I was certain I hadn’t. So this makes so much sense what you’ve shared.
Hi Alexis,
Your book dropping experience. I’ve read psychopaths sometimes manufacture a fear response to avoid detection. Not full on shock horror but rather a ‘mildly perturbed’ kind of response. In terms of mimicry, they were saying that fear was a more difficult emotion to mimic because they forget that they are supposed to be fearful / anxious in the first place. One described hearing an odd tapping noise outside one night and just marching straight out there to see what was going on.
She was interested, curious, not concerned as to what or who it might be. Small things like that could potentially give the game away a bit, depending on whether the psychopath is male or female, where they live etc.
Difficult to add in a startle response though. It’s so quick, you’d get a delayed jump, which would look stranger than no jump. The old palms up and back, wide eyes, ‘oh’ mouth shape haha!
It is strange to think about all the small looks, mannerisms and movements that would have to be consciously added in, that’s before emotion in the eyes, voice etc, pace of movement, positioning and so on. Not an easy task to pass undetected, at all.
Hi TS,
Grear minds think alike! I have a question in moderation asking Mr. Tudor about what goes through his mind and how he reacts when he hears a loud noise. That’s very different then being in a situation where he can anticipate the next move.
I’ve also heard Mr. Tudor say that a gun pointed at him doesn’t cause fear but he does recognize the danger of being shot. So any response is not a fear based response but one of necessity to deescalate a situation & minimize damage.
But imagine you can get close enough to Mr. Tudor where you can point a gun at him and then he doesn’t flinch. Ruh Roh! Now you’re in trouble!
Leigh,
Haha your Ruh Roh made me laugh. Scooby Doo.
Just call me Cato!
https://youtu.be/0eaLp2qs-Fk?si=SbN0yHZfxSRCrP8r
Xx
That was hysterical! 🤣😂🤣😂
Hi Leigh,
I was thinking more about this today. You stopped flinching with your father because you think that the fear response was normalised. I think that’s probably right. If you think about people living through a war, the early stages must be terrifying to normal people, but over time we see that people function, they go about their daily lives because they have to. There are still immediate needs, money, food etc that override the fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I was a scared kid. I was terrified at night, convinced that something arrived in my room at 10.30 every night. Obviously my mum wasn’t putting up with any of it. I can remember watching the clock in my room as 10.30 came closer. I was absolutely terrified, holding myself so rigid in bed I could feel the brush of my night clothes on my back as I was breathing. During the night if I woke up I was so scared I would sit in the doorway of my mum and dad’s bedroom. If I was caught I was sent back to bed, a place of terror, if not I could sit there until it started to get light then creep back to bed.
I overdosed on fear as a kid I think. Now I am foolhardy in terms of night time walks. I’ll come back to a dark house in the middle of the night and not feel the slightest discomfort. I’ll watch a horror film and go out with the dog no problem and I also don’t startle easily. I do startle, but it’s rare. The kids still try to make me jump because it’s so difficult to do.
There are certain things though where I’ll jump even though I know it’s coming. I watched a horror film last year called Smile. I watched it on the plane going on holiday. I jumped so hard at one scene it was a full on jolt / seat rattle kind of jump. My son was next to me and he commented as it was so unusual “Whoa, what did you see? Are you ok?”
I’ve seen the same scene several times, my daughter is a horror fan and it’s our fall back film if we can’t find anything else. Every time I see that scene I jump, even though I’m fully braced for it. I think it’s because it sits outside of my frame of reference. It’s a very odd scene ( the one at the very end of the trailer where she’s sitting in the car) it’s very unnatural in terms of a movement and what’s depicted. I was terrified of most things as a kid, the dark, ghosts, I hallucinate on meds at the drop of a hat, I’ve seen or imagined all sorts and become largely immune, but this particular scene is somehow outside my frame of reference.
When I then overlay that thinking, the normalisation and the frame of reference, onto a psychopathic experience, I can see that it also likely plays a part in the lack of a startle reflex linked to a fear response, or rather, lack thereof.
I think perhaps there are various strands to the lack of startle lack of fear phenomenon in psychopaths. I don’t think it’s solely down to brain structure, hyper focus, and general expectation / preparedness, but rather the brain structure predisposes them to a blunted startle reflex and a muted fear response. Then experience and environmental factors likely further dial down the startle reflex. Possibly.
There are other aspects to consider with a lack of fear response that are likely more impactful. Addiction for example. A psychopath experiences a chemical response to alcohol, drugs etc just as we do. They don’t experience the emotional aspect of addiction though. So for example a psychopath who smokes. He could give up smoking very easily. He just stops. The chemical addiction takes two to three days to leave the body for the most part. Five -seven days there would be no trace of nicotine, no chemical addiction left at all. It’s the emotional addiction that makes giving up so hard. The crutch idea, the panic of not being able to have one, smoke to wake up and get going, smoke to relax ( that really does show emotional addiction, a drug isn’t a stimulant and relaxant simultaneously). The psychopath has no fear, no anxiety therefore no emotional addiction element. If he wants to give something up, he just stops doing it. Lack of fear is far broader than what we associate with fear generally. ( the scare aspect) I assume they don’t really experience cravings as we do either for similar reasons.
The downside is they wouldn’t really get a rush in the same way we would. No anxiety means roller coasters are boring, cross country skiing or track days get very samey very quickly. It is a far more muted experience overall I think which explains why stimulation is key. Very few things will get them going or elicit a superlative description. I don’t think it’s good or bad, it’s just, different.
Xx
Hi TS,
I was afraid as a kid but I definitely think its gotten a lot worse as an adult. I remember as a kid I loved to get lost in the woods. It never concerned me. It I got too lost, I would just sit there and something always led me out. Now, the thought of going into the woods terrifies me. I don’t like being out after dark either.
Its interesting that you mention cigarettes. I love cigarettes, lol! But I was able to give them up relatively easily. I think its my ability to detach. One of the things that really molded me was my father leaving when I was 14 and not knowing where he was or even if he was alive. I was forced to detach. Back to the cigarettes though, I can have a cigarette every now and again and don’t become hooked again. I enjoy it and then move on. But because of my ability to detach, I don’t attach to the cigarettes. But I also don’t truly attach to people either. Most of the time, at least. I am attached to my children.
You make an interesting point about stimulation. A roller coaster gives us a thrill because of the fear. If there’s no fear, then there’s no thrill and then its harder to be stimulated.
Its also interesting that the same scene still gets to you. For some reason you’re still not desensitized to it.
Hello Leigh: I wouldn’t think it’s “ fear” but there is definite concern among psychopaths of going to jail. A lot of them do. My ex was concerned our divorce might reveal his crimes and get him arrested. His lawyer called me up and asked me: you have seen his taxes… he doesn’t make the money as a contractor to afford a 8,000 square foot beach front mansion that he paid in cash and his Rolls Royce’s. I knew he was fishing for what knew about his illegal activity. I knew. I knew names. But I told the truth. I said I am more worried about the third parties and what they will do to me than him. I will never reveal anything to anyone ever. And I did not.
Psychopaths are concerned about jail. Do they fear it?
Do they worry about it?
I would use the term “ concerned.”
I have met psychopaths in my career.
I would say they get angry. They fight it. It’s not like “ oh well I will go to prison for the rest of my life, another day of walking the park.” Or who cares, I am facing the death penalty for all the people I tortured and killed in my drug dealing role.” They definitely care. There’s definite concern.
HG: do you agree?
I agree Contagious. Its concern, not fear. Kohberger is a perfect example of that.
Hi Leigh,
Yes, I referred to cigarettes because I read that nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs available, probably due to the emotional aspect. It’s interesting that you have gone in the opposite direction, more fearful as you got older. It’s probably quite logical, more risk aware so more fearful.
Exactly, I can’t seem to desensitise at all. It’s not even remotely realistic either in terms of a scare. My daughter finds this highly entertaining.
“Are you ready? It’s coming!”
“I know.”
“She’s going to walk to the car, knock on the window, then it happens.”
“I know.”
( massive jump as per usual)
“ What’s the matter with you?! You were ready!”
We went to London a couple of weeks ago, just me and my daughter for a girls weekend. We watched Weapons in one of the big Leicester Square cinemas. Horror film and quite late. That was funny. Massive theatre and screen, hardly any one in there. That put my daughter on edge straight away. So we sat in the middle of a row. Around twenty more people came in. Everyone there was concentrated in a few rows behind each other in the middle of the row. The whole theatre to choose a seat and everyone was huddled into a few rows.
That interested me.
I didn’t find the movie scary. My daughter did but that was down to the environment I think, the exposed feeling of the row of empty seats open at the side of her. We went back to the hotel and I’m drifting off to sleep. Then suddenly all the lights come on and she’s saying. “ For goodness sake, every time I close my eyes I see that guy running out of the front door. Are you asleep? How can you not think about that?” Haha! (Don’t mind me, I’m just here, trying to sleep.)
Obviously, I teased her to within an inch of her life the following day.
It’s interesting what gets to people as far as fear is concerned. I have no room to talk. I might not scare easily but dare to whisper the word “exam” and you won’t see me for dust!
Xx
Hi TS,
I had to watch the trailer to see all the fuss. I jumped! But then I couldn’t stop laughing! I see what you mean about it being out of your frame of reference though. It was jarring.
Hi Leigh,
I laughed that you found the trailer and watched it to see what I was talking about. ‘Truthseeker ‘til I die!’
Jarring, that’s a good description, yes, it’s jarring and it sticks!
Xx
LOL, TS!
I’m definitely a truthseeker. After seeing the trailer, I went searching for the clip for that exact scene. It still made me jump but it also made me laugh. I think because its just so bizarre.
Hi Alexis:
I think Epstein was a greater as I recall. Maybe they don’t last in prison:)
Bernie Madoff I suspect.
Ted Bundy was diagnosed a psychopath by Dr Hare but most psychology writings point to narcissism. I wonder if he was a greater given the numbers he killed, his level of education and his escape from jail.
But it would make sense that treaters don’t line our prisons as they are few population wise too. Plus they tend to manipulate others to do their dirty work. Puppet Masters I think.
Contagious,
I saw a photo recently of Bill Clinton gazing at her as he greeted Gislain Maxwell. Epstein is standing next to her gazing at Clinton. It does not show her face, just these two men both with these intent eyes and both with big happy smiles. The whole photo gave me the creeps but it also made me wonder what was going through their minds, what they knew about each other, and her, and so on. It was a mesmerizing photo, but not in a good way.
The whole thing is gross!
Hi contagious, yes I’m pretty sure HG confirmed Epstein was a greater. So that would mean he was an NP I believe? Certainly everything I’ve read indicates that. I don’t know enough about him re his death, so I’m intrigued on your thoughts re Bernie.
Epstein didn’t last long at all. That would make an interesting series, greaters in prison, though i suspect there wouldn’t be huge amounts of info. Short stints.
Ted bundy, that would make a fascinating series too. I’m not sure what I think about him, for sure psychopathic, as to his school/cadre well I think we can safely say somatic. There are many elements which cause me to lean towards greater but others such as the fact he represented himself in court causes me to believe he was rather deluded. So perhaps upper mid on tbe cusp?
AV, I saw that photo, it was intriguing. I’m very interested too. I recall someone saying, though I forget who, when Blair was elected and pally with Murdock, that it was like observing two porcupines getting into bed with each other. I’m especially interested in what greaters think about Trump. A lose cannon with so much power . Do they ‘hope’ they can control him or believe they can? The fact he’s in the position he’s in really makes me wonder. Is someone pulling his strings or could he simply not be controlled enough to not make it that far?
Hi Alexis,
There’s no way Trump is being controlled. If there are any greaters who think they can control him, they’re magical thinking has taken hold, lol!
Alexissmith,
I am very curious about what the greatest are thinking regarding Trump also! Agree with him or not, it makes me laugh actually, he really seems to be a loose cannon and I don’t think anyone’s controlling him! I think it must have them somewhat befuddled!
I suspect you’re right AV. I feel they view him as laughable and yet with utter contempt. The only reason I question it is because of Musk, I understand why he would want to be associated with him but equally I’m really interested in what Musl would have been thinking compared to the reality of what what has happened this far and their future. Though I’m not interested enough to follow it all properly. I just want the answers hahah
Hahaha, Alexis! Your comment made me laugh! I just want the answers too!
I have also wondered about the whole thing with Musk. It’s a dynamic that I have found fascinating because I can’t quite figure it out.
@leigh I think you’re right and I also kind of hope you are too. It would be fascinating to know.
@Avictor I’m so happy I made you laugh and that you’ve wondered the same things. It is fascinating and hopefully (bad word, I literally feel like this is almost worse than a swear word haha) HG may just enlighten us.
Alexis,
I was just discussing this with a friend. Trump needs his ego stroked. I think if you do that, you’ll be able to further your agenda with him. However, he’s also haphazard. He has been known to flip flop. I guess we just wait and see at this point.
I would love to know what greaters may think of him though. What does Obama think of Trump? What about Putin? I’d be interested in hearing Mr. Tudor’s thoughts on that.
Mr. Tudor,
Thank you for posting the “Psychopath: No Startle Reflex” video. If you had a startle reflex, you wouldn’t be as effective in your pursuit of the necessary triad. That makes total sense. Thank you for that piece of information. It clears things up a bit. I look forward to reading more about it in your book as well.
I hope its ok that I put a link to the video as well.
https://youtu.be/OdPvNb3bH_w?si=qWsOO_AdxN484o2N
Love your question Leigh! Truth seeker book!?
Over the years since learning about startle reflex, I’ve done lots of little tests on narcs to try and empirically of course haha test their startle reflex – slam my brakes hard on the car, drop lots of noisy heavy things behind them. I’ve also noticed some definite non narcs (in my view) also don’t have a startle reflex.
Alexis,
I find the lack of startle reflex fascinating. I jump at everything, lol! But I’m a scaredy cat.
Awwww haha that’s so cute Leigh. I never know how I’m going to react? I can be both. What does that mean lol
Nothing to do with startle reflex but I wondered Leigh, have you watched GreenWing? A UK sitcom largely about surgeons in a hospital and a lot of HR. I watched it years ago and found it hilarious, but I’ve recently been watching it again and can clearly see so many different types of narcs/psychopaths and a couple of empaths. And the script is incredibly skilful. They literally say out loud what they’re thinking inside. I didn’t pick up on this the first time watching it. I just enjoyed the humour.
And though not a comedy, it reminded me of when HG did his big little lies series – that was definitely another of my absolute favourites xx
Hi Alexis,
I’m in here the states and had never heard of The Green Wing.
I just did a quick Google search and it looks like it could be quite funny. I’ll have to check it out.
I often have to take off my HR hat when I watch these kinds of show. Some of the things they do would never fly in the real world, lol!
I think I’d imagined you didn’t have a startle reflex from some of your previous comments, HG. I would like one day like that! ☺️ I can be startled by nearly anything lol.
This was just amazing. I had no idea what to expect. Random tidbits and other videos only hinted at how this story might conclude. Extremely satisfying. Being given this insider perspective is a value beyond measure. Thank you, sir.
You are welcome.
Dear HG,
Looking forward to reading more stories about you! Thank you for sharing them with us! Xx
Mr. Tudor,
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of how your mind works.
From my view, your mind & intellect is the most effective tool in your toolkit. Is it your tool of choice?
It depends on the scenario however it is always involved in some way.