Apparently there are very real genetic factors behind the personalities of people prone to doing both extreme acts of good will and extreme acts of evil. Not surprisingly, science backs up the old adage that there is a fine line between good and evil.
http://www.science20.com/rogue_neuron/addicted_being_good_psychopathology_heroism-60137
http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2011/03/31/walking-the-line-between-good-and-evil-the-common-thread-of-heroes-and-villains/
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Verrry interesting. The author has developed an interesting theory. The cited scientific base is pretty thin, but these were not intended to be peer-reviewed pieces and it's a relatively new theoretical extension. It would be interesting to see the balance of empirical evidence for and against, as it currently sits, as well as the frequency of the X-Altruists and sociopaths compared.
Thanks for bringing this forward, Greyhawk!
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