Isn't there an important distinction between a sociopath and psychopath?

(or perhaps you are asserting that the generous use of xxxxx-path cheapens the gravity of the situation for those suffering from mental illnesses)

This is a popular misconception, they are interchangeable, being two words for the same concept of different origins. Some authors make minor distinctions, but they are not widely recognised.

Yes, whether or not you make the distinction, neither applies. I take it people on Hacker News don't dig Ellison. For all I know he is a sociopath. The above is not evidence for that.

They are both Antisocial Personality Disorders but a sociopath and psychopath are different in their planning ability.

A psychopath reacts, a sociopath manipulates.

That's the most succinct explanation I've heard on the subject. Thanks!

Whaa?