Charles Manson is often described as a psychopath, and his case is one of the most infamous examples of psychopathy in history. He was a cult leader who manipulated and controlled his followers, known as the "Manson Family," to commit a series of brutal murders in the late 1960s.
While the terms "psychopath" and "sociopath" are not formal clinical diagnoses, Manson's behavior and actions exhibited many traits commonly associated with psychopathy. These traits include a lack of empathy, shallow emotions, manipulativeness, charm, and a tendency to use and exploit others for personal gain.
Manson's actions and the way he controlled his followers demonstrate a deep-seated and persistent pattern of behavior consistent with psychopathy. He was also found to have a history of antisocial behavior and criminal activities from a young age.
It's important to note that Charles Manson's case is extreme and unique, and not all individuals with antisocial traits will engage in violent or criminal behavior. Diagnosing someone with a personality disorder, such as psychopathy, requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, and this evaluation should take into account a person's entire life history and behaviors.