“Becoming Myself: A Psychiatrist’s Memoir” by Irvin D. Yalom: Author eavesdrops on his characters

Like a novelist with “multiple personality trait,”—my name for the mentally well, creative version of multiple personality disorder (a.k.a. “dissociative identity disorder,” common among fiction writers, as discussed in this blog—Dr. Yalom experiences person-like entities inside him that seem to have minds of their own (the definition of alternate personalities):

“I have often heard writers say a story writes itself, but I hadn’t understood it until then. After two months, I had an entirely new and deeper appreciation of an old anecdote that Marilyn [his wife] had told me years before about the English novelist William Thackeray. One evening, as Thackeray came out of his study, his wife asked how the writing had gone. He responded, ‘Oh, a terrible day! Pendennis [one of his characters] made a fool of himself and I simply could not stop him.’

“Soon I became used to listening to my characters speaking to one another. I eavesdropped all the time—even after finishing the day’s writing, when I was strolling arm in arm with Marilyn on one of the endless buttery beaches. Before long I had another writerly experience, one of the peak experiences of my life. At some point while deep into a story, I observed my fickle mind flirting with another story, one taking shape beyond my immediate perception. I took this to be a signal—an uncanny one, to myself from myself—that the story I was writing was coming to an end and a new one was readying for birth…” (1, p. 227).

1. Irvin D. Yalom. Becoming Myself: A Psychiatrist’s Memoir. New York, Basic Books, 2017/19. 

President Donald Trump’s Signature (post 2): Graphological Analysis of his Angular Signature

Post 1 (Feb. 20, 2025) noted that President Trump’s current signature is markedly different from his signature in the 1990’s; however, since both signatures are from his adult years, their differences may mean that he currently contains both of the personalities that they represent, but that his angular one is more prominent in his role as president.

I have just consulted a textbook on the psychological interpretation of signatures (1). One type of signature it interprets—“Cursive with Angular Pattern”—is like President Trump’s current signature, which it interprets as follows:

“A signature characterized by angular formations, particularly sharp-angled strokes connecting letters, unveils significant traits about the writer’s personality and approach to life. Angularity in a signature reflects a writer who is principled, opinionated, and exhibits a militant stance toward their beliefs and decisions. This sharpness in form suggests a mental sharpness in thought and discrimination, showcasing an individual who is analytical, investigative, and strategic. Such a writer approaches life with a keen eye, evaluating situations and people with a critical mindset, rarely giving in to blind faith or unexamined beliefs.

“However, this pronounced angularity also hints at a lack of softness or flexibility, indicating that the writer may struggle with warmth in interpersonal relationships. They might come across as insensitive or rigid, finding it challenging to express gentleness or adaptability. Their actions are driven more by principle than by feeling, which, while showcasing integrity, can also lead to a perception of coldness or detachment.

“On an emotional level, the angular signature suggests a tendency to intellectualize or deny feelings rather than embracing them. This can manifest in interactions as criticalness or an unyielding nature, potentially leading to frustration or tension in relationships. The signature reveals an individual who, due to experiences of unmet emotional needs or long periods of neglect, may develop a hardened exterior, protecting a core that has been deprived of care and affection.

“In essence, an angular signature exposes a writer who is formidable in their intellectual and strategic capabilities, competitive and hardworking, yet possibly challenged in the realm of emotional expression and flexibility. It underscores a life approached with determination and a readiness to face challenges, but also a need for understanding and patience from those who wish to connect with the deeper, more vulnerable aspects of their personality” (1, pp. 286-287).

1. Varun L. Rupani. Graphology Signatures: A Comprehensive Book on Signature Analysis. India, Singapore, Malaysia, notion press.com, 2024. 

President Donald Trump’s Signature in the 1990’s

Comment: Do these two different signatures represent two different personalities?

“The Hospital” by Leslie Wolfe: Hero-Villain’s Split Personality

“I look at him with pity. Somewhere inside that man is a fractured soul, a tormented personality, perhaps from some past trauma I never knew about. I almost ask, when I realize I don’t really want to know” (1, p. 305).

Comment: Author has a need to include multiple personality, but is afraid to examine the issue.

1. Leslie Wolfe. The Hospital. London, Bookouture, 2024. 

“The Secrets of Us” by Lucinda Berry: Novel’s Doctors and Detectives Fail to Endorse Author’s conclusions

“I know Krystal thinks I went crazy, and maybe I did, but I’m pretty sure a part of me will always be haunted by Alice’s ghost (1, p. 246).                  

Comment: “Parts” may be undiagnosed alternate personalities: Search “parts” in this blog.

1. Lucinda Berry. Seattle, Thomas & Mercer, 2021.

“Donald Trump Contains Multitudes” by Barton Swaim in Today's Wall Street Journal: Truth in Jest?