[HPforGrownups] Re: Tom, evil, choices

[viqui2 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 134547

As a mental health professional, it seems likely that Tom is a psychopath  
(as opposed to being psychotic - a completely different condition).  
Characteristics of a psychopath include a deficiency of conscience/lack of  empathy for 
others. There is a therory that personality disorders tend to be  enforced by 
events/interventions at key stages of development. A very young  child is 
essentially egocentric - their needs are paramount (e.g.  nourishment, attention) 
and the child will use all their available  strategies to fulfil their needs. 
As the child develops it learns,  through human contact, more advanced ways of 
fulfilling need and regard for the  needs and feelings of others. The child is 
able to prioritise need in the light  of that of others. Through example it 
learns good and bad, and develops   onscience in the reflection of the needs 
and feelings of others  (empathy).
 
A psychopath has often not had the opportunity for such development. In  
Tom's case, lacking close human contact and being unable to bond with a mother  
figure (thus unable to develop a trusting relationship with unconditional love)  
has kept him at the egocentric stage of development without forming empathy 
for  others or conscience. He therefore believes that others exist purely to 
fulfil  his needs however this may be brought about. Being shown love later in 
life  therefore could be irrelevant to Tom - he has not experienced love  
therefore doesn't understand it. Those that show him love are likely to be  
exploited - in Tom's world these people could be seen as 'mugs' who can be used  as 
stepping stones in his ultimate goal.
 
If this is the case, Tom's personality and life experience prevent him from  
understanding that there is a choice. His outlook on life would be black and  
white, with no 'good or evil', just means to an end. He has learned that  
intimidation and fear get him his own way, therefore that is what he does.
 
Sorry if this doesn't make much sence, I've only just woken up! Also sorry  
for lack of referencing - I haven't got my stuff with me!
 
Viqui 


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