The author discusses (quite in length) about psychopathy and psychopaths, and basically argues that it is a continuum or "scale" phenomenon. In other words, there are different varieties or degrees of psychopathy, and some milder variants can be actually quite beneficial in the modern world.
Moreover, the author discuses about the current state and recent history of Western societies and asks, whether sociopathic characteristics and hehaviors are increasingly in demand (or rewarded) especially in business.
The book is heavily based on interviews of psychologists and other relevant professionals -- a very good feature.
Was it good?
The book is very fascinating. Naturally enough, there are descriptions of "pathological" (or severe) psychopaths and psychopathy, but especially intriguing is the discussion about the benefits of psychopathic traits and behaviours in contemporary professional life. The author does not -- in my interpretation -- take any definite and conclusive position in this regard, but my impression is that he answers this question in the affirmative. This is something to think about, for sure.
The main take-away for me?
Quite clearly, the main take-away for me was the suggestion that "we" apparently are developing our (Western) societies increasingly into a direction where psychopathic behaviors are in demand, encouraged and rewarded.
In this sense there seems to be some kind of a dialectic going on (at least in Finland): children are thought in school quite the opposite attitudes and behaviors, but in the "adult world" mild psychopathic traits (e.g., diminished empathy, risk-avoidance and remorse, increased self-interest, and boldness) seem to be increasingly required.
Who should read the book?
I believe that the book is quite healthy reading for everyone, especially managers, leaders, politicians and other persons of power, because especially they can shape work communities and the society at large. (However, it may be that they themselves possess some of the "mild" traits described in the book, because they have ended up in such positions...)
The book on Amazon.com: The Wisdom of Psychopaths
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