Rhetorical Analysis of “the Wisdom of Psychopaths”

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Rafael Correa Instructor: A. Moharreri Rhetorical Analysis of “The wisdom of Psychopaths” Ultimately I agree with what the author has to say, he was able to clearly convey and simplify his point across to his intended audience. Briefly I will describe what the excerpt is about, then the audience this excerpt is intended for and its’ purpose. Why it worked and some examples from the excerpt to back it up. “The Wisdom of Psychopaths” is an interesting piece written by Kevin Dutton. It is a piece in which he attempts to change our common stereotype of psychopaths. In an easy to read and simple manner he shows how the traits of psychopaths are commonly shared with those of the most successful businessmen, doctors and so on. “What if I was to paint you a different picture…the arsonist who burns your house down might also, in a parallel universe…the hero most likely to brave the flaming timbers of a crumbling, blazing building to seek out, and drag out, your loved ones?”(PG. 78) He Then goes on to describe what qualities may/or may not make a person a psychopath and how these effects play a key role in those important people, with a great analogy. “Think of psychopathic traits as the dials on a studio mixing deck. If you turn all of them to max…a soundtrack that’s no use to anyone. But if the soundtrack is graded, and some are up higher then others- such as fearlessness, focus, lack of empathy and mental toughness, for example- you may well have a surgeon who’s a cut above the rest.” (PG 78) He gives other useful information and examples to further solidify his standpoint. Towards the end of this piece Kevin wraps it up by taking an interview done on Jon Moulton by Financial Times, and a quote directly that show some psychopath traits needed to become successful. “determination, curiosity and insensitivity as his three most valuable character traits…But
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