H. H. Holmes

[cyberzero]

I was recently forced to read the book Devil in the White City, by Erik Larsen, for an AP US History assignment, and it was focused around two people: Daniel Burnham, an architect, and H. H. Holmes, the world's first official serial killer. Now, throughout the book, which is non-fiction and based off of various historical accounts, you can see into the things that he did, such as lock people up in gas chambers and mutilate corpses, but he did this for several years without arousing any suspicion whatsoever. He was obviously a genius and quite brilliant, but something was up with what he wanted.

Now I've been thinking, what makes a serial killer think the way that they do? Nothing that the book mentioned about Holmes' childhood was indicative of his childhood being the reason for his misdeeds. Comments into the possible psyche of a serial killer would be appreciated.

 

[Annhialator Zero]

I think indifference towards human life is a major aspect. Not like "I don't care" but honestly not understanding why it's important.

 

[supermarth64]

Uh, this is conincidental, because I have to read the same book for MY APUSH assignment.

Although didn't the author or investigator (forget which one) said that Holmes did it for the fun/excitement?

 

[lati0s]

most serial killers suffer from psychopathy, meaning the lack empathy and the ability to control violent urges.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopathy

 

[CaptKirby]

Uh, this is conincidental, because I have to read the same book for MY APUSH assignment.

Although didn't the author or investigator (forget which one) said that Holmes did it for the fun/excitement?

You do not understand the words you use. Both of you having the same assignment under the same exact class is the furthest something could possibly be from coincidental.