One of the key defining features of psychopathy is a lack of empathy as exemplified in an inability or unwillingness to understand how other people are feeling. People low in empathy lock themselves out of any insight into the emotions and perspectives of others. In part, it’s this lack of empathy that can help explain how psychopaths can be so manipulative and hurtful. If they can’t understand how their actions affect others, then why should they care?
