I found this article very interesting and thought others might too. Does this help to explain why some pwNPD/BPD can be so smart?
Empathy represses analytic thought, and vice versa
Brain physiology limits simultaneous use of both networks
Case Western Reserve UniversityNew research shows a simple reason why even the most intelligent, complex brains can be taken by a swindler's story – one that upon a second look offers clues it was false.
When the brain fires up the network of neurons that allows us to empathize, it suppresses the network used for analysis, a pivotal study led by a Case Western Reserve University researcher shows.
How could a CEO be so blind to the public relations fiasco his cost-cutting decision has made?
When the analytic network is engaged, our ability to appreciate the human cost of our action is repressed.
At rest, our brains cycle between the social and analytical networks. But when presented with a task, healthy adults engage the appropriate neural pathway, the researchers found.
More... http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-10/cwru-era103012.php
