Embezzlers Are Nice People (2017) (stimmel-law.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the author's experience with embezzlers, describing them as smart and charismatic individuals who often embezzle because they enjoy the thrill and want to get caught. The author shares a personal anecdote about a client who embezzled money and later proposed a new business venture, showcasing the embezzler's lack of remorse and hypocrisy. The author concludes that embezzlers are not motivated by need, but by a desire for luxury and excitement. The article highlights the complexities of embezzlement and the personalities of those who commit it.

Main themes

• Embezzlement
• Sociopathy
• Addiction
• Therapy vs Punishment
• Human Behavior
• Business Ethics

What commenters say

• Some embezzlers are driven by a desire for luxury and excitement, rather than financial need, and may even enjoy the thrill of getting away with it.
• Therapy is unlikely to be effective for sociopaths, as they often lack a sincere desire to change and may manipulate therapists.
• Addiction can be driven by a range of factors, including a desire to escape negative emotions or circumstances, rather than just seeking a positive effect.
• The distinction between addiction and non-addictive behavior lies in whether the behavior is motivated by a desire to avoid negative effects or to achieve positive effects.
• Embezzlement can be a complex issue, with some individuals starting to embezzle as a way to right a perceived wrong, but then spiraling into further dishonest behavior.
• The effectiveness of court-mandated rehab programs is questionable, and may not address the underlying issues driving addictive behavior.
• Sociopaths may be able to fake sincerity and manipulate others, making it difficult to determine whether they are genuinely seeking change.
• The approach to addressing embezzlement and addiction should focus on understanding the underlying motivations and drivers, rather than simply punishing or rehabilitating the individual.