Rick's statement as he comforts his son after the confrontation at the hustings, but he says it with the "con man's" smile. I have known several such people and they really believe what they say. Do they suffer from self-delusion or are they just a little crazy? Let's hear your thoughts.
shareIt's probably a bit both. I'm sure many con men find a way to lie to themselves effectively enough that they end up believing it or they lie to themselves that what they're doing isn't so bad. Rick's father probably fits the former more than the latter. It appeared to me that he had convinced himself he was doing what he did for his son or his friends or to survive.
I'm also sure there are many con men who are just sociopaths and feel nothing for the people they scam and ruin. I bet you'd find many of those people are politicians, and corporate or wall street executives.
This is a very harsh assessment of politicians. I have known a few in the British Parliamentary system and am sure they were honorable men. But it is an urban myth that most politicians are crooks. because it is on account of the fact that they have the "gift of the gab" and can talk their way out of difficult situations.
I knew one dye in the wool confidence man who lured his unsuspecting victims by pure charm of manners and speech. But when confronted with the facts, could lie to his accuser while looking them in the eye. However, such a life must put a strain on the system, and he slowly lapsed into alcoholism. He died poor and wretched and his only companion was his Bull Terrier.