A high-functioning psychopath has revealed why they 'tortured animals' and 'exploited people'.
In an 'ask me anything' post on Reddit, the user explained that they had an 'extensive history of criminal activity' and added that they were 'a school bully growing up'.
The user invited people to ask them about their condition, and how this impacts their life.
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"I’m someone living with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and what some might call a 'high-functioning' psychopath," they wrote.
"A few tidbits of information, I grew up poverty and had a difficult childhood, but there are no notable traumatic experiences.
"I performed poorly in school, but turned things around in high school and have credentials from some elite institutions.
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"I was a school bully growing up and was extremely antagonistic and sadistic. I’d assault a few people with a weapon.
"I tortured cats, dogs, and other neighborhood animals for a period in elementary school.
"I have an extensive history of criminal activity, mostly theft and fraud, stretching back to my childhood. To note, I do not have a criminal record.
"I have participated in extramarital affairs, sugar arrangements with college students, and have exploited and taken advantage of some older lonely women.
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"I am married with children, highly educated, and a presiding judge.
"I am somewhere in the center on the political spectrum. I’m agnostic but have spent years in an evangelical Christian church."
People were pretty taken aback by the admissions, and many took the the comments to ask questions.
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One specifically asked why the person had tortured animals, to which they explained: "[I] think a part of it was just boredom and I found watching the animals in distress amused me.
"There were some limits to the abuse, because I was acutely aware that crossing certain lines would lead to severe consequences."
They also added that they didn't feel guilty about it then or now, and that they would probably have killed some of the animals if they could have gotten away with it.
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The user was also asked if they had ever experienced guilt or remorse for any of the things they had done, to which they explained they had not.
When asked about the people they exploited, they said: "I have a predatory and opportunistic nature.
"I don't view people as weak or pathetic. I have toyed with some of my victims, not because I thought they were weak, but simply because I was amused by their reaction."
Many were interested to know how the condition had impacted their relationship with their wife and kids, to which they explained: "I'm sure it has.
"I've always been someone that is emotionally detached. I've cut off contact from a lot of family members, even those that have energetically tried to remain in my life.
"That being said, I have much closer relationship with my wife and children. I might not be particularly emotional, but I still provide for them [and] look out for their well-being."
Lucy Devine