Re: “which came first? PPs or success”
I guess it depends on whether the “PP condition” is something one is born with, predisposed to or “catches” I guess!
I think if the tendency to behave this way achieves success and is rewarded – then like any behaviour it can become reinforced – i.e. if it works then keep doing it.

Re: “to what extent is a diagnosis of psychopathic tendency an indication of one’s own frustrations? Aren’t we just saying we’re morally superior because we’re envious of others’ success?”

No! I thought part of the strength of KV’s point is that the condition should be considered like “appendicitis or athlete’s foot”.
i.e. there’s NO judgment involved – rather it’s a “fact based medical diagnosis” – so fortunately we can forget about moral judgments.

Re “Aren’t we just saying we’re morally superior because we’re envious of others’ success?”
No. We’re saying “It’s possible to diagnose a medical condition that helps explain why certain people behave so horribly”.

Of course – it’s a very simplistic theory – that’s part of it’s attraction to me I guess – but I think it makes sense. I’ve worked with and for people who appear to have PP characteristics and they are often high achievers. Our problem appears to be that (nature? Darwin? society?) seems to REWARD them with “success”.
So maybe it’s futile to worry about it? Maybe it’s like saying “Isn’t it a shame that those nice Red Deer in the park will insist on fighting with those sharp antlers… however can we stop them being so nasty to each other?”

Re: “Muppets on the telly” – sure, you and I are in agreement They all deserve each other! So long as i don’t have to watch.
Piers Morgan actually makes (very near the top of) a personal filter list of people whose participation in something deems it particularly unwatchable.
Beyond this – after what he did and was sacked for at the Mirror OUGHT to make him unemployable in the media… yet apparently TV producers don’t agree. Rather like Mandleson OUGHT not to be allowed anywhere near government… yet apparently it’s OK for him to run half of it despite being unelected!
I listened to DiD today as I had it on while tidying up the kitchen… and stayed with it. It’s obviously not a serious interview program, yet KW gave PM enough rope to hang himself!

Re: “And if we’re that bothered by the poor quality of those governing then all we need to do is take a stand”
Agreed.
Although apparently this is yet another area where I disagree with the majority of my peers – as in the recent elections only 38% of us bothered to take an interest and vote.

I’m becoming ever more used to belonging to small niche fringes – is it part of getting old?

Sigh…