Violent criminals seem unfeeling because they actually are. Many go to their execution with complete indifference, sometimes with relief. They cannot sympathize with others but neither can they sympathize with themselves. The person who was the receptacle of violence during his early life cannot give to others what he did not first receive. What lies underneath their rage and anger, Gilligan claims, is their early frustrated need to be loved.
Ritualistic murder is an attempt to eliminate the triggered shame by the use of magical thinking.
By examining the modus of the murder one can find clues to make sense of senseless killings. The author delves into the lives and behaviors of well known as well as lesser known murderers, including Son of Sam, Starkweather, and others. Even collective violence has symbolism, be believes, as Nazi Germany's violent regime is discussed. Violent incidents recounted in the Bible and in world literature are examined. Dr. Milligan also analyzes the symbolism of shame and violence in myth and world literature.