Why don't you care?

"Apathy" derives from the Greek ἀπάθεια (apatheia) meaning "absence of passion," "apathy" or "insensibility" in Greek. Apathy signifies a (desirable) state of indifference towards events and things which lie outside one's control.

"Psychiatry may not care about apathy, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't." John McManamy

The Urban Dictionary defines apathey as "a complete lack of emotion or motivation, whether directed towards a person, activity, or object. While it can often be confused with Stoicism, apathy is much worse than merely not showing feelings, as the person who is apathetic HAS no feelings.

Sadly, the most likely cause of the world's problems is that no one seems to care about anything anymore. Apathy is truly entropy.

Robert van Reekum MD et al. from the University of Toronto in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry (2005) claimed that "depression and apathy were a package deal" in some populations which may help illustrate what people mean when they say that

"The opposite of love is not hate, it is apathy."

Assistance

Detachment

Detachment, also expressed as non-attachment, is a state in which a person overcomes personal attachment to things, people or concepts of the world and thus attains a heightened perspective. Many traditions identify the lack of detachment with the continuous worries and restlessness produced by desire and personal ambitions.

Pakiston versus Haiti

The floods in Pakistan have produced a fast-growing humanitarian crisis. But international aid has been a trickle compared with the January earthquake in Haiti. About 2 million to 3 million people were affected in Haiti, while in Pakistan, the numbers are 20 million affected, and less than a million dollars raised for assistance versus $420 million for Haiti. Consider the following:

• There was unprecedented media coverage of Haiti versus Pakistan.
• Flooding doesn’t make as interesting of footage as an earthquake.
• Many don’t know whether Pakistanis are our enemies or are friends. 
• Many potential donors also don’t trust that their charitable donations will be put to good use in Pakistan.

Why don't we care?

Our Mother

Profile of a Sociopath

Sociopathy is chiefly characterized by disorders with the person's conscience. Sociopaths only care about fulfilling their own needs and desires - selfishness and egocentricity to the extreme. The term "sociopath" is frequently used

Common traits are: lack of conscience; the alienated by their inability to love or be loved; aggressives by a consistent sadistic streak; and dyssocials by an ability to abide by gang rules, as long as those rules are the wrong rules.

• Glibness and Superficial Charm
  
  
• Manipulative and Conning
  They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
  
  
• Grandiose Sense of Self
  Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
  
  
• Pathological Lying
  Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
  
  
• Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
  A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
  
  
• Shallow Emotions
  When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
  
  
• Incapacity for Love
  
  
• Need for Stimulation
  Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
  
  
• Callousness/Lack of Empathy
  Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
  
  
• Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
  Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
  
  
• Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
  Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
  
  
• Irresponsibility/Unreliability
  Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
  
  
• Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
  Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
  
  
• Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
  Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
  
  
• Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
  Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

Treatment for sociopaths is not very effective, partly because they have a personality disorder which affects nearly all aspects of their lives and their relationships. Sociopaths can also be dangerous, especially when they feel they have been wronged in some way. Anyone who has a lack of conscience and remorse is more dangerous than the average person.

If you are involved in a relationship with a sociopath, seek professional counseling. Namasté.

September 1, 2010

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