The question posed in the title differs somewhat from the behavior described. I've known people like that, and they are terrible people, and when I say "people" I'm using that generously - they're much closer to automatons. This one guy, if you talked to him about anything other than the acquisition of wealth or the acquisition of womens' lady bits - would give you a blank stare, take a second to reboot and then begin talking about one of the two aforementioned topics. They differ somewhat than the prototypical "cut-throat" business people. You know, those people who justify their behavior with faulty circular logic: you have to be ruthless in business, because business is ruthless. _Rarr, I'll eat your company_!
Like orangecat(http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1184986) mentioned, they exhibit classic sociopathic behavior. To be fair, we all use people - you use friends for friendship, significant others for significant-othering. However, it is the complete lack of empathy from these sociopaths that makes their behavior abhorrent. Though we all use others, the implicit social contract that is normally entered keeps the exchange amiable.
I agree, and my opinion is that offering up Saul's behavior as a model worth following achieves some genuine progress towards making the world a crappier place.
By analogy, school bullies are very effective at teaching their fellow students the importance of resolve, self-defense, interpersonal dynamics, strength in character, etc. I don't see anyone congratulating bullies for their service to the community anytime soon, however.
Comments
The question posed in the title differs somewhat from the behavior described. I've known people like that, and they are terrible people, and when I say "people" I'm using that generously - they're much closer to automatons. This one guy, if you talked to him about anything other than the acquisition of wealth or the acquisition of womens' lady bits - would give you a blank stare, take a second to reboot and then begin talking about one of the two aforementioned topics. They differ somewhat than the prototypical "cut-throat" business people. You know, those people who justify their behavior with faulty circular logic: you have to be ruthless in business, because business is ruthless. _Rarr, I'll eat your company_!
Like orangecat(http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1184986) mentioned, they exhibit classic sociopathic behavior. To be fair, we all use people - you use friends for friendship, significant others for significant-othering. However, it is the complete lack of empathy from these sociopaths that makes their behavior abhorrent. Though we all use others, the implicit social contract that is normally entered keeps the exchange amiable.
I agree, and my opinion is that offering up Saul's behavior as a model worth following achieves some genuine progress towards making the world a crappier place.
By analogy, school bullies are very effective at teaching their fellow students the importance of resolve, self-defense, interpersonal dynamics, strength in character, etc. I don't see anyone congratulating bullies for their service to the community anytime soon, however.