Speaking with the Devil: Exploring Senseless Acts of Evil

by Carl Goldberg

Book Overview

What distinguishes the disturbed from the truly evil? Is malevolent behavior something more than criminal behavior? Eminent psychologist Carl Goldberg attempts to answer these questions as he examines... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140237399
• ISBN13: 9780140237399
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Illuminating

No book (that I've ever read, at least) delving into the nature of human evil does a better job of exploring the roots of malevolence than Goldberg's slender volume. His six traits of the malevolent person, beginning with shame and evolving into justification and magical thinking, are revealingly described and explained. The book is very readable. Little jargon is used. Through case studies Goldberg shows how the root of shame leads finally to malevolence in people. He shows real compassion for the people whom he has treated and describes in his book. This is no place for personal revelations, but it all rings true, and brought me many insights into my own life and the lives of others.

Psychopathy from a Psychotherapeutic View

Not a bad read, although not entirely coherent, Goldberg searches for meaning and answers concerning the socially deviant. Although very informative, honest, and idealistic, Goldberg fails to find methods of empirical value to support his ideas. On the other hand, from a psychotherapeutic point of view, I can see where he is coming from entirely. Goldberg has a great understanding, and achieves at conveying his knowledge of shame and what debilitating effects it can have on its victims. The book is basically a compilation of his own cases with a focus of Goldberg's individual analysis. Overall, an excellent read for anyone interested in psychopathy, crime & deviance, and psychotherapy.