The Difference Between Kleptomania and Financial Depravity

Kleptomaniacs, i.e., those who suffer from kleptomania, are often confused with the financially depraved. However, the two conditions are drastically different from each other.

What Is Kleptomania?

Kleptomania is a disorder of mental health that gives rise to an overwhelming urge to steal. This urge can arise anywhere and is not related to the sufferer’s self-control, morality, or values in any way.

Most kleptomaniacs know that stealing is wrong and can lead to harmful consequences. However, they cannot control the urge to steal. The disorder doesn’t affect a sufferer’s morals and values in any other way, though it may be caused by their overall brain chemistry being different from people who don’t suffer from this mental health issue.

Kleptomania can affect anyone at any age. The condition causes a desperate, uncontrollable urge to steal, which, when executed, brings relief. But that’s not all — the self-awareness of kleptomaniacs also gives rise to feelings of guilt, shame, and regret. They almost always hide their condition from others.

It is also important to note that kleptomaniacs are not motivated to steal something for its rarity or value. The objects they steal are often of no use to them and result in being donated or given away to others. It is very rare for a kleptomaniac to hoard what they steal. Some kleptomaniacs also try to return the stolen object or secretly pay for it later on.

What Is Financial Depravity?

Depravity means the act of transgressing. Thus, financial depravity refers to financial crimes committed or attempted due to moral and ethical perversion. It doesn’t include looting, robbing, or stealing out of necessity, but it means the corrupt practices and vices that lead to the systematic hoarding of wealth.

Financial depravity isn’t a mental health issue but a disease of the soul. It thrives on narcissism and pride and includes abuse of power and position.

The Difference Between Kleptomania and Financial Depravity

As mentioned earlier, kleptomania and financial depravity are different from each other. The definitions of both terms provide clarity of these differences, which can be summarized as:

· Kleptomania is uncontrollable, while financial depravity is intentional

· Kleptomania is a mental health disorder, while financial depravity indicates a lack of morality

· Kleptomaniacs rarely keep stolen goods for themselves, while those suffering from financial depravity show off and take pride in their stolen wealth

· Kleptomaniacs feel guilt and shame for their uncontrollable acts of stealing, while those indulging in financial depravity don’t feel shameful for their acts

· Kleptomania can be cured through medication and therapy, while financial depravity can only be treated through societal revolution

Conclusion

Kleptomaniacs are often caught for stealing objects and punished, but those committing financial depravity get away with their actions and are often praised for it. It shows the lack of justice in our society and indicates why so many of us suffer.

In his book, “What Bad We Do,” author Ray Comeau explores how one can save themselves from the prevalent evil in today’s society. He guides his readers through the principles of making good decisions at every step of their lives so they can build a good life for themselves and others. Click here to learn more about the book.