*Empathy can be used to gain power over others, an ability that shows up even in apes. Two chimps named Austin and Sherman were once kept together at the University of Georgia’s Language Research Center. Austin, the subordinate male, figured out that Sherman was afraid of the dark. Austin used this insight to manipulate him: “[Austin] would go outside and make unusual noises to frighten Sherman, then rush in, looking back outside as if someone was out there. Sherman would become fearful and allow himself to be comforted by Austin.” Austin, in other words, was a bit of a con man. Con men too are notoriously empathetic, using their ability to see into you to mold themselves to your fondest expectation or to suss out your secret fear—and then use it to clean out your bank account.