There’s a quote from American athlete Joe Torre that goes: “Unless you have bad times, you can’t appreciate the good times.” In this quote, Torre brings to light a fascinating truth, a dualism we can’t escape… There’s not hot without cold, no smiles without frowns, no laughs without cries, sweet without sour; the pairings go on. Similarly, and unfortunately, Torre’s quote seems to apply to people – without evil people, we can’t appreciate the good people.
Pretty grim reality, if you ask us. But there’s some science to back it up. According to psychological experiments conducted on thousands of people, 95 percent release oxytocin, a powerful hormone linked to empathy and generosity. On the other end of the spectrum, 5 percent of the people in those studies failed to release oxytocin. Among this seemingly small yet alarming group of people, researchers have noticed they share many traits of psychopaths or black-hearted, evil people.[1]
Sound like anyone you might know? Below, we go into the most common but overlooked signs of an evil person and what you should look out for.
Watch Out! 10 Warning Signs You Are Dealing with an Evil Person
1. They Live in Their Own Reality
Before you begin trying to figure out what’s at the root of an evil person, you have to realize that they’re living in a fabricated reality inside their head. This means it can be extremely hard and sometimes impossible to reach the root of. This is extremely dangerous because someone who ‘controls’ their reality also creates the laws within them, making universal laws of good, bad, right and wrong subjective.
2. They Artfully Manipulate
The evillest people have – unfortunately – turned manipulation into an artform. Just look at the first example: any victim of manipulation has, at least to some extent, bought into the evil person’s “reality.” If you ever get stuck having to deal with this, the best thing you can do for your own sake (and theirs) is to distance yourself as much as possible. The more time you spend with people like that, the more likely you are to fall victim to their manipulative reality and lies.
3. They Demand Your Attention and Don’t Respect Your Time
It’s not surprising that, in a reality created by a black-hearted person, the world revolves around them. Any kind of relationship requires a lot of care and attention, but this is a relationship in which you don’t want any involvement. An evil person will demand unrealistic amounts of attention to the point where you can’t even live your own life. Time is precious and anyone who refuses to acknowledge let alone respect yours, isn’t worthwhile.
4. They Think the World ‘Owes’ Them Something
Evil people are extremely self-entitled and walk around with a permanent chip on their shoulder. Although, they often mask this insecurity with the other signs in this list. Unfortunately, in reality, each and every person is on individual and collective journeys, trying to navigate life’s struggles. Life is a precious gift and the greatest thing we could ever receive. But black-hearted people will refute this until hell freezes over.
5. They Are Guiltless
Let’s look at it from the opposite end of the spectrum… Any honest, good-hearted, and caring person would feel a deep guilt if they knew their actions were causing someone emotional, physical, or spiritual harm. However, an evil person doesn’t think twice. In fact, they can be so self-centered that they dismiss the fact that other people even have feelings (valid ones, at least).
6. They Lie, Withhold Information, and Cannot Be Trusted
This goes without saying… People whose worlds revolve around themselves are self-centered and will do whatever is in their power to get what they want. Whether it takes lying or twisting the truth, this kind of person cannot be trusted – nor are they worthy of it. But, because they are such masterful manipulators, it can be incredible difficult to discern when an evil person is being genuine. (Hint: it’s probably never.)
7. They Live a Double Life
As American basketball player and head coach John Wooden once said, “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” Based on this logic, the black-hearted people we’ve been talking about are anything but true. In one life, they care only for themselves. In the life you see, they still only care for themselves but will try coercing you into thinking they care about you.
8. They Revel in Others’ Failures
Someone who is black-hearted or evil actually experiences “exquisite joy and smug satisfaction from contemplating and reveling in the misfortunes of others.”[2] Sure, we’ve all laughed at comedic series of unfortunate events as aired in shows like America’s Funniest Home Videos. Rest assured, though, there is a clear distinction between home humor and desiring someone to get hurt for pleasure.
9. They Are Blameless and Rarely Apologize
Evil people often lack awareness of how their actions and words directly or indirectly affect other people. As a result, they never believe they are in the wrong. Naturally, this completely erases the possibility of ever receiving an apology. If you’re on the receiving end of this, you know how hurtful their mistakes (intentional or otherwise) can be.
10. They Are Irresponsible
Believing a black-hearted person is responsible and that you can rely on one is the greatest mistake you could make. Anyone who has dealt or even lived with an evil person knows the trail of destruction they’re capable of leaving behind. This happens over and over because they’re unconcerned with how their choice to let people down will cause harm. But, of course, they can never be wrong so taking responsibility for their actions is out of the picture. On second thought, they might even be capable of responsibility, but only if it serves their purposes.
Be Aware and Stay Safe
Now that you know the most common and tough-to-spot signs of a black-hearted and evil person, you should tread carefully around anyone who might have popped into your head while reading this article. If evil people see an opportunity to befriend you, they will try and take advantage of your kindness. You could benefit a lot from reading this one, too: How to Spot a Psychopath.
