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The Fear Factor: How One Emotion Connects Altruists, Psychopaths, and Everyone In-Between Hardcover – Illustrated, October 10, 2017

by Abigail Marsh (Author)

4.5 143 ratings

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In this "compelling scientific detective story," a leading neuroscientist looks for the nature of human kindness in the brains of heroes and psychopaths (Wall Street Journal).

At fourteen, Amber could boast of killing her guinea pig, threatening to burn down her home, and seducing men in exchange for gifts. She used the tools she had available to get what she wanted, and, she didn't care about the damage she inflicted. A few miles away, Lenny Skutnik was so concerned about the life of a drowning woman that he jumped into the ice-cold river to save her. How could Amber care so little about others' lives, while Lenny cared so much?
Abigail Marsh studied the brains of both psychopathic children and extreme altruists and found that the answer lies in our ability to recognize others' fear. And as The Fear Factor argues, by studying people who demonstrate heroic and evil behaviors, we can learn more about how human morality is coded in the brain.
A path-breaking read, The Fear Factor is essential for anyone seeking to understand the heights and depths of human nature.

Print length

320 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Basic Books
Publication date

October 10, 2017
Dimensions

6.38 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
ISBN-10

1541697197
ISBN-13

978-1541697195
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Listed as "One of the Best New Emotions Ebooks" by Book Authority

WINNER of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology's book prize for 'The Promotion of Social and Personality Science'

"This compelling scientific detective story spirals outward into realms that affect everyone. Best of all, [Marsh's] writing style is vivid and personable."―Wall Street Journal

"The Fear Factor is a fascinating tour of altruism research, all the better for being sprinkled with anecdotes about Marsh's life, career and unforgettable research subjects. As well as the extremes of human nature, Marsh says plenty that is of relevance to those of us in the middle of the bell curve, including how we can strive to be more altruistic in our everyday lives."―New Scientist

"Those who seek to comprehend the origin of fear, altruism, and elements of human nature will find this book a key factor in their increased understanding."―Science

"The Fear Factor is a fine example of a book that looks deeper, showing how an ancient part of the brain--central to our emotional lives--plays a pivotal role in who we are and what we do. It's a sharp analysis sprinkled with relatable examples, and an excellent brain book."―Forbes

"Fear Factor provides an illuminating dive into the science behind both altruism and psychopathy, promising an entertaining read for scientists and laypeople alike."―Paste

"All readers experiencing our national culture of fear, rage, and (perhaps in some cases) a rush to judgment will benefit from this examination of the importance of fear, empathy, humility, and the mysterious physiological conditions that can trigger (organically or not) the extraordinary altruist in all of us. The psychopathy stories are dark and disturbing, the altruism stories are extraordinary, and somewhere in all these shades we can find ourselves."―PopMatters

"[Marsh's] book is deft enough to be chilling at times, infectiously optimistic at others."―The Daily Telegraph

"Recommend this fascinating text to readers of pop psychology and true crime fans who wish to better understand the minds of potential criminals."―Booklist

"Let Abigail Marsh guide you on a riveting ride through your own brain. With lively writing and an impressive command of science, she shows how sensitivity to fear can be both a weapon of evil and a force for good."―Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals, Give and Take and Option B (with Sheryl Sandberg)

"A brilliant, beautiful, and important book about the things that make some of us angels, some of us devils, and all of us human. You won't be able to put it down."―Daniel Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author of Stumbling on Happiness

"Are humans basically good, or does original sin touch all of us? Should people be blamed--or praised--for behavior that is largely related to physiological differences? Is conversion even possible? How far beyond our intimate circles should our love extend? Does perfect love really cast out fear? The Fear Factor could keep a church book group arguing for hours."―Christian Century

"The Fear Factor reads like a thriller. Abigail Marsh takes us through the groundbreaking research that has thrown light on two of the most fundamental traits of human beings: extreme selfishness and extreme altruism. Page after page, she shows convincingly that the capacity to perceive and identify fear and, consequently, to feel empathy as one would for a child in danger, is the key factor that makes us behave as a psychopath or as someone who joyfully gives a kidney to a stranger. One of the most mind-opening books I have read in years."―Matthieu Ricard, Author of Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World

About the Author

Abigail Marsh is an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Georgetown. She directs its prize-winning Laboratory on Social and Affective Neuroscience. She lives in Washington, DC.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books; Illustrated edition (October 10, 2017)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1541697197
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1541697195
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.19 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #994,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,196 in Emotional Mental Health
- #2,350 in Cognitive Psychology (Books)
- #2,350 in Popular Psychology Pathologies

Customer Reviews:
4.5 143 ratings

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Abigail Marsh

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I am a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Georgetown University. I received my Ph.D. from Harvard University and conducted my post-doctoral research at the National Institute of Mental Health. I am currently the President of the Social and Affective Neuroscience Society.

My research is aimed at answering the questions: How do we understand what others think and feel? What drives us to help other people? What prevents us from harming them? I use functional and structural brain imaging, as well as behavioral, cognitive, genetic, and pharmacological techniques to answer these questions, and have over 80 publications in journals that include Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Human Behavior, Psychological Science, and JAMA Psychiatry. I have also authored articles for The Washington Post, NPR, Psychology Today, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

My research has received awards that include the Cozzarelli Prize for scientific excellence and originality from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, The S&R Kuno Award for Applied Science for the Social Good, and the Richard J. Wyatt Fellowship award for translational research from the NIMH. I serve on the advisory boards of the National Kidney Donation Organization and 1Day Sooner, and am the co-founder of Psychopathy Is.

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4.5 out of 5

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A. Cuozzo

Fascinating read on what makes us tick

Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2018

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Abigail's research and her findings on psychopaths and altruists are especially fascinating to me because I am one of the living kidney donor participants of her studies. I suppose I am a bit biased because of this connection and have been anxiously anticipating the results of her work for some time – anything I can learn is going to be exciting to me and fulfill my curiosity. What I didn't expect was the content covering her research on psychopaths – amazing! I'm a bit ignorant of science, and for the most part, it has not been of interest to me, but this book has changed that. She has provided the perfect balance of human behavior (which has always fascinated me) and data and shared it in a way that is easy to comprehend. As one of the subjects, I found myself psychoanalyzing my behavior and my life in a way I hadn't before. I would nod my head and smile as I brushed through the quotes and comments of the donors that Abigail sprinkled throughout the book. She is spot on with her research and I can't say that any of her findings were unexpected. I can't speak for the psychopaths, for obvious reasons, but I would imagine they too are equally accurate.

I don’t feel you have to have a personal connection as I did to appreciate this book on the level that I have. Anyone curious or interested in what makes us tick is going to enjoy this book. I was pleasantly surprised to get through the entire thing without having to stop every other page to look up an unknown word in the dictionary. She illustrates the scientific findings with simplicity and ease that keeps the reader going without scratching their head with confusion.

The book gave me a sense of comfort in human behavior, and lots of hope that perhaps over time we will someday see the same volume of living donors donating their kidneys as we do blood donors. Her research supports that our human race is kind, compassionate, and naturally cares for others, stranger or not. Personally, I am grateful for her work in a way I can never thank her for enough, as she is the living donor community’s biggest cheerleader.

7 people found this helpful

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Ian

very enlightning book

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024

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I thought this was a fascinating topic, ably presented by Abigail and found it very interesting.

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Jim F.

Very interesting, well written, eye-opening and insightful book on the roots and drivers of altruistic behavior.

Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2017

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One of the most commendable aspects of this book is the very accessible presentation of scientific material. However, perhaps in an effort to assure such accessibility, there are occasional passages of examples and/or elaboration that become repetitive, making some sections a bit of a "slog." Nonetheless, a very worthwhile and stimulating achievement.

4 people found this helpful

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Candi Sary

A captivating look at the best and worst of humanity

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018

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I heard about 'The Fear Factor' a few times on NPR and it sounded intriguing. I read mostly fiction. I pick up non-fiction now and then and I'll read a few chapters at a time between novels. But 'The Fear Factor' I finished in less than a week. It was as compelling as a novel! Diving into the psychology of psychopaths and altruists pulled me in while Marsh’s relatable writing kept me interested. Her personality comes through the writing and makes the book as enjoyable as it is powerful. The chapters on psychopaths were fascinating-- I kept stopping and going to find my husband or call my adult daughter to reread passages because I had to share the information. I learned so much and I can’t help but view people differently now. The other day I encountered an unusually mean man and instead of simply making assumptions about his life experiences, I found myself wondering about the size of his amygdala. And the chapter The Milk of Human Kindness opened my brain to brand new ideas about why humans (and animals) are compelled to nurture that I can’t stop thinking about. I also loved the optimism Marsh offers: "It is easy to be misled by attention-grabbing atrocities, but try not to be. The actual numbers are clear: goodness is overwhelmingly common, and kindness is the norm, not the exception.” This captivating look at the best and worst of humanity is one of my favorite reads this year.

20 people found this helpful

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HKW

Ever wonder the difference between good and evil? This is a must read!

Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2017

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Dr. Marsh's work on altruism and psychopathy and the scientific link between them is a must-read for everyone. Her prose is beautifully written and easy to read for the lay person, yet delves into the scientific and anatomic/psysiologic background to enhance the knowledge of those in her field of research. The studies and background she lays out are fascinating, and the personal stories she tells are entertaining. It is rare to find a book that educates yet entertains and can speak both to the professional and the masses. On a personal level, I struggle in my own life to understand why some people are kind and empathetic, yet others seem to have an evil core or selfish motivations. Dr. Marsh has gone a long way to helping me understand the behavior of others and myself.

28 people found this helpful

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Keith McCormick

Great book relating to psychology

Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2018

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This book is fantastic fort people who are interested in psychology. It explains enough for people who have studied psychology but still is presented so it is approachable for everyone. Not deep into the subject matter like a journal article. Lots of personal stories and the journey across the author's academic career, relating to her study of psychopathy and super altruistic individuals. She makes the case that they are linked by fear and are part of the same spectrum. Great read.

5 people found this helpful

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Linda J. Fletcher

Brings psychology and neurosicience together

Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2019

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This is a really great book. I can see it being a little challenging for people with no background in psychology or brain science, but it beautifully illustrates how behavioral neuroscience is done without being too technical. On top of that, it is a true pleasure to read, and it tells a great story about human nature.

Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2018

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First third was great, last two thirds were repetitive and ennui inducing, this was both sad and unexpected, ruining an otherwise positive and insightful read.

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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer

This is an excellent read! The mixture of personal insight and reader-friendly ...

Reviewed in Canada on October 10, 2017

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This is an excellent read! The mixture of personal insight and reader-friendly discussion of the issues surrounding empathy makes this book appealing to a large variety of readers from researchers to the general public.

Kindle Customer

great book

Reviewed in Germany on September 2, 2019

Verified Purchase

great read

chatch

An interesting book about the human psyche.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2018

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Fascinating insight into psychopathy with just enough personal experiences and anecdotes to keep the non-medical background reader absorbed. An interesting and thoughtful read.

2 people found this helpful

Kindle Customer

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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2017

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One of the most amazing psychology books I've ever read! Fascinating, awe inspiring, an amazing read. Can't recommend this book more highly!! Brilliant

6 people found this helpful

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