I would think anyone would ask, is it not obvious that another person is a Sociopath? Unfortunately, if you do not know what to look for it is not obvious at all. Sociopaths can be very charming and successful in various areas of business and life in general. It all depends on the level of ambition of the Sociopath, of course.
Think about one type of Sociopath that gravitates to business. Since they have no conscience to hold them in reign, they can be extremely cut-throat in all their dealings and in climbing the coporate ladder. It would not matter to them who they trample in their climb to the top. It would not bother them one bit to generate a false rumor about one of their associates in order to caste them in a bad light and make themselves look better. It would not matter that getting their co-worker fired would also put his or her family in financial jeopardy. Thier co-worker is simply an obstical in their way that needs to be dealt with, and is dealt with in a totally unemotional manner. Because Sociopaths totally lack empathy for others they can do and say the most horrific things without a second thought.
Another type of Sociopath can be the minamalistic type. One that wants to do as little as possible to get by. They gravitate to jobs where they have to do very little work and, if possible, where they have some control over others from which they derive an enormous amount of satisfaction from "stirring the pot" and then sitting back to watch what happens. They really enjoy this "control game" and manipulation of others. Many are in the military and do quite well there. Imagine, if you will, a Sociopath in the military and in a position of authority. In making decisions about others lives and careers in the process of furthering their own goals they would not hesitate even the slightest bit. Others gravitate towards careers like Corrections Officers where they have to perform very little labor or intellectual work and have control over people that are basically helpless to repond to their Sociopathic games. They literally have a captive audience to abuse.
As in many areas of life, the key here is education so we know how to identify them. Once you know what to look for, you will have one of those moments referred to as an epiphany. You will realize people you have had contact with in the past are Sociopaths and their odd behavior you were not able to explain before will suddenly make sense to you. Since I know so many people simply can not find the time to read, I hope Martha Stout will begin the talkshow circuit to get the word out.