My only reason for speculating is I find psychology and this thread fascinating.
Agreed, one of the best threads here in awhile. The mental state of Zodiac is an important aspect to look into, and I’m sure some will say it has already been discussed many times over the years, but we are here now having the conversation and we have past findings to build upon.
Zodiac’s mental issues have been discussed and analyzed for years. It’s anyone’s guess really. We are fascinated talking about it, and that is ok! Arguing about it is a bit silly. There is no doubt the man fooled a lot of people. My best guess is that he was quite normal in every day life. If he was like Charlie Manson, he would have been caught a long time ago.
“…they may be dealing with one or more ersatz Zodiacs–other psychotics eager to get into the act, or perhaps even other murderers eager to lay their crimes at the real Zodiac’s doorstep.“ L.A. Times, 1969
I’m sure some will say it has already been discussed many times over the years
Zodiac’s mental issues have been discussed and analyzed for years.
See! I told ya’!
Just kidding Tahoe. 
My best guess is that he was quite normal in every day life. If he was like Charlie Manson, he would have been caught a long time ago.
Agreed, my opinion exactly.
I, however, according to simplicity, don’t have a theory of mind, and he knows this for a fact. I’m sure all of my posts have demonstrated this fact. I apologise, therefore, for burdening you all with the ramblings of a loon
Don’t let what one person says bother you, we’re dealing in opinions here and you have a right to yours just as everyone else. You’ve provided valuable insight in the discussion.
https://www.autism.com/understanding_theoryofmind
http://www.autism-help.org/points-theory-of-mind.htm
http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/index.php … d=144&Ite..
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu. … to-autism/
https://www.differentbrains.org/theory- … -spectrum/
I said impaired theory of mind, but don’t let 1 person bother you.
And this has nothing to do with you, the discussion is about Zodiac.
Yes, dyslexia is probably my first undiagnosed language.
The reason i am adamant about the null Autistic aspects is because he wrote in a specific manner to play on the minds of people. Its hard to elaborate on that but he knew exactly how to press the right buttons. A Autistic individual even a mildly effected one couldn’t do it like that, that’s not to say Autistics aren’t capable of being interesting psychopathic serial killers.
Suspected serial killer Robert Durst has autism and sent out bizarre letters like Zodiac (lived in California in the late 60s so may have been influenced).
Yes Jacob, but that’s a different case. And his letters from what i observe seem to be Autistic.
Yes, dyslexia is probably my first undiagnosed language.
Another thing I know from reading his letters, is that Zodiac loved yams.
Another thing I know from reading his letters, is that Zodiac loved yams.
Age discoloration of paper?
Yes, dyslexia is probably my first undiagnosed language.
The autism angle is interesting, but personally I would tend to lean towards there being quite low likelihood of him being autistic, at least to an extent that it would fulfill some diagnostic criteria. My opinion about this is based on his letters and actions. Like Simplicity mentioned above, he demonstrates a rather good ability to "play" people, to scare and terrorise them. To achieve that, his theory of mind skills should be at least average.
However, I think it’s entirely possible that he had some autistic traits. Many people have those. The Confession letter (if indeed writren by him) at least strongly hints of some kind of inability to connect with other people (especially women) and the frustration and anger stemming from that.
Something that really fascinates me though is the rich fantasy life he seems to have. This whole super villain alter ego he seemed to have going on with a moniker, emblem, the costume, having slaves in the afterlife (maybe a joke, maybe not). If anything, I think it reeks of a deep sense of inadequacy and not having his needs met in his actual life. I don’t think his sense of reality during this Zodiac thing was ever impaired, it usually doesn’t happen with this kind thing as opposed to psychosis, but he clearly was very deep in this fantasy and it was extremely important for him to take it to the level he did.
Another thing I know from reading his letters, is that Zodiac loved yams.
I agree, also obvious is an enlarged left testicle and piles, hence the awkward gait. He definitely wore Gilbert and Sullivan underpants, just like me
Another thing I know from reading his letters, is that Zodiac loved yams.
I agree, also obvious is an enlarged left testicle and piles, hence the awkward gait. He definitely wore Gilbert and Sullivan underpants, just like me
I don’t know what’s going on any more.
Yes, dyslexia is probably my first undiagnosed language.
replaceablehead, I totally agree. I am British, and I was very struck by the Britishness of some of Zodiac’s talk. You have sited some great examples. It’s not just the vocab but also the type of humor. He is very American too, of course.
My POI’s mother hailed from South Africa, and had a British, not Dutch, nee.
