Many psychologists and many underachievers have often hypothesized that CEOs, Sports Stars, Famous Generals and CEOs are all very similar to criminals. In fact they all often display very psychopathic tendencies that actual criminals do. Of course much of these traits are shared by all humans but a higher percentage and more often by this group above, which includes criminals too. It is for this reason that that the subject came up in an online think tank when a member stated;

Although it is worth pointing out that it has been shown that many very successful persons and CEOs display psychopathic tendencies (not violent, just single-minded, ruthless in a non-violent way, and having the mindset of 'the ends justify the means', displaying an almost complete lack of empathy), which may be what you were alluding to with the genetic adaptation.

Indeed this is a well-known fact as you point out and the difference in the behavior of a Politician and a Criminal is surprisingly little. Also the difference between a war hero, athlete and criminal is surprisingly little, as well. Of course when corning CEOs on this issue and asking them what they think of this, they have told me; well you do not know what I had to go thru to get here and similar comments from politicians and even superstar athletes. Which I having been all those I agree with their perspectives and understand those comments, yet still find fault with the logic.

Yet, being called a criminal because you run a company which provides goods and services to the masses and donating time, energies and monies back to the common good only to be called a criminal is what has prompted me to retire early. If society does not want what the CEOs are capable of delivering well then, the citizens may find them selves all alone with no one doing anything. Ayn Rand Affect. Causing less abundance, higher prices and lower quality of life, as they vote for more free stuff [healthcare, social services] until the system collapses?

Nevertheless if we look at the CEO and their viewpoints and the debris of public chastising they go thru or battle scars endured one has to ask if those who throw such stones constantly at them, need to look in the mirror, as perhaps the real issues lie with them. In their own self induced negative bio-feedback, busy blaming the world for everything that is perceived to be wrong in their lives.

Does it simply make them feel better to call all politicians criminals? Or all CEO narcissists? You see there really is something to be said about putting others down to make yourself feel good and so they do, as they complain about the doers and simply label them as the problem.

In looking at all perspectives of this situation it seems there are strong people and weak people living in mediocrity, which I believe that the M word could indeed be the only true evil. Additionally as I look the academia psycho-babble of all this, I say that the best saying of all is do not judge a man until you walk a mile in his shoes. And since I ran a 4-minute mile in College as track star and I know no one else can because I know the level of dedication, hard work and training it entails; I simply ask the peanut gallery to shut up thats all. And thus I will defend anyone attacked on any side including the peanut throwers in all their sound and fury if they find themselves with a broken glass wall in their house. Perhaps a worthy consideration of thought and some coffee shop philosophy for you. Think on this in 2006.