An analysis of Trump as viewed through the lens of major psychologists creates findings that immediately seem absolutely correct and appropriate. Here his personality traits are examined within the framework of Maslow's hierarchy of human development. His confidence is a result of a high IQ and a healthy self-esteem within a strong ethical framework anchored in empathy and concern for a better world.
Here are some examples of the Traits of a Self Actualized Person, from Maslow’s own research:
They resist enculturation.
Self-actualizers tend to be nonconformists,since they are inner-directed people. If a cultural norm is contrary to their personal values, they simply will not adhere to it.
They are almost always loners, or leaders. They are never joiners. Yup. That sounds like the “Donald” to me!
They are creative.
Maslow found this trait in all of the self-actualizers.
“This is a universal characteristic of all the people studied or observed. There is no exception. This creativeness appears in some of our subjects not in the usual forms of writing books, composing music, or producing artistic objects … It is as if this special type of creativeness being an expression of healthy personality is projected out upon the world, or touches whatever activity the person is engaged in. In this sense there can be creative shoemakers or carpenters or clerks. This creativity comes from the fact that self-actualizers are more open to experience and more spontaneous in their feelings.”
Yes, Donald is always coming up with new creative ways of seeing things differently and solving problems.
They are autonomous and therefore tend to be independent of their environment.
“Because self-actualizers are B-motivated rather than D-motivated, they are more dependent on their own inner world than on the outer world. Deficiency motivated people must have other people available since most of their main need gratifications (love safety. respect, prestige, belongingness) can come only from other human beings. But growth motivated [B-motivated] people may actually be hampered by others. The determinants of satisfaction, and of the good life, are for them inner & individual, and not social. They have become strong enough to be independent of the good opinion of other people, or even of their affection. The honors, the status, the rewards, the popularity, the prestige and the love others can bestow must have become less important than self-development and inner growth.”
Donald frequently says that he doesn’t plan what he is going to say. It is obvious that his strategy is to simply be authentic.
They have a strong ethical sense.
Although their notions of right and wrong are often unconventional, self-actualizers, nonetheless almost always know the ethical implications of their own actions.
Right and wrong (good and evil) are part of every decision Donald makes.
They tend to accept democratic values.
Self-actualizers do not respond to individuals on the basis of race, status or religion. They can be and are friendly with anyone of suitable character regardless of class, education, political belief, race or color. As a matter of fact, it often seems as if they are not even aware of these differences,which are for the average person so obvious and important.
Donald is as likely to treat his chauffeur or secretary as equitably as CEOs or politicians.
They tend to identify with all of mankind.
The concerns that self-actualizers have for other people do not extend only to their friends and family, but to all people in all cultures throughout the world. This feeling of brotherhood extends also to individuals who are aggressive, inconsiderate, or otherwise foolish. Self-actualizers have a genuine desire to help the human race.
Donald consistently shows a universality of concern for all people.
They exhibit spontaneity, simplicity and naturalness.
Self-actualizers tend to be true to their feelings; what they really feel they tend to say and/or experience. They do not hide behind a mask, and do not act in accordance with social roles. They are true to themselves, speaking candidly and authentically.
One of the traits that makes Donald so popular with voters is that he is “real.”
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There are many other observations to be made about Mr. Trump being a “self actualizing” person. However, let it suffice to observe that Donald Trump is a brilliant man with a healthy personality. It should be pointed out that “self-actualizing” people are not what most human resources departments are looking for. Most executives want those who will follow the manual and fit into the corporate culture. That does not describe Donald Trump.
Maybe the voters of America share some of the same biases as executives. Perhaps what we need is a rebel genius with self actualized traits to be our President. Lord knows we have tried enough of the other kind of leader. |
