Thank You for Your response, Denzark. An interesting view. On some points I agree with You. Sadism being something inside of someone, is in line with how I see it. Also that it can be nurtured for a sadist to become more skilled.

I think Your mention of consent isn't to the forefront enough. If a Doctor simply starts cutting open patients because he wants to... that is craziness. But because the patient needs it(and yes... the masochist actually needs the pain) and the terms and conditions have been discussed and the patient understands and signs the consent... then the Dr is a genius. Mutual consent is the glue that holds it together.

As a masochist, I don't play with pain with a person who isn't a sadist. Giving me pain just because a Dom wants to give me pleasure, is a good enough reason not to engage in the scene. Those sadists I would consider doing a scene with are knowledgeable, ready and aware at all times.

Are Sadists mostly self-taught. If so... where did they get their information from? Does it also come from masochist subbies?

But being a sadist isnt Only about giving pain. That's only the one side of it. There is a mindset that reveals itself during talks and negotiations that curls a masochists toes in anticipation... who taught the sadist that mindset?