Personality traits in the Morettian graphological system.

After defining the field of investigation of graphology, we are ready to enter the Morettian system, which is based on more than 70 graphological signs – defined as indices of individual psychophysical characteristics – and on the rules established to enable us to organize such characteristics and outline the structure of personality as a whole. The present book is focused on this first step, i.e. introducing the different graphological signs that form the most original contribution from Moretti’s work; the following step- to combine the signs in order to outline the unique structure of individual personality – will be described in other books.

Though Moretti’s exposition is intriguing as he describes his psychological intuitions, owing to his deep vision of man and also to his rich interpretive subtleties, reading directly his books does not facilitate the understanding of the rigorous theoretical system he developed, for at least two reasons. First, the description of the different signs required a whole lifetime of reflection; thus, each definition was revised and expanded in different works. Second, his most systematic work-Treatise on graphology-describes the signs in order of importance and this does not elucidate his vision nor his method’s application into practice.

This volume introduces the Morettian system according to a different criterion: signs are classified into easily understandable basic interpretive categories that entitle each chapter. Moreover, the conceptual context, the tendency and its norm value and also the meaning of deviation from the norm are reported for each category. For instance, in regard to Letter Size (i. e., height of minor lower case letters), we can easily understand the interpretive criterion through analogy; we can also read the value that occurs the most frequently (the so-called norm interval is 2 to 3 mm) and its deviation from the norm, above and below it. Interestingly, the empirical distribution of data is, in practice, the classic Gaussian bell-shaped curve.

Though the goal of providing standard measurement for each behavioral unit described by a graphological sign is still out of reach, this manual for differential diagnosis based on Morettian system intends to highlight how this method can already satisfy the basic psychometric requirements: sensitivity, reliability and validity, necessary to graphology to be rightfully admitted into the category of psychological tests. As a matter of fact, in regard to each personality trait reported in the related graphological sign’s definition, the Morettian interpretive system is highly discriminating between individuals (sensitive), allows precise and stable–over-time measurement (reliable) and can actually measure what it is expected to (valid).

As the present manual will elucidate, the Morettian sign system is a unique tool in the psychological and graphological landscape; it can diagnose and also be predictive, owing to the huge number of personality traits that are considered. Its overall theoretical framework is quite simple, based on readily understandable assumptions which point out the relation between psychic and graphic feature; it can be applied under both clinical and everyday life  conditions, because it is an intriguing tool to gain access to the basic inner structures of the individual psyche and its essential components: sentiment and intelligence. In this sense, it is not a therapeutic but a diagnostic tool. However, the opportunity to gain direct access to the personality inner core can be a therapeutic action whenever “seeing” a structure from the outside leads to an understanding of its dynamics, in an almost deterministic perspective; therefore, it lays the foundations of both self-reconciliation and reconciliation with others.

As previously said, this book intends to introduce the Morettian sign system starting from its interpretive foundations; the Morettian sign anthology Graphological signs as a psychological synthesis (4) complements it, by offering – for each sign – the whole range of interpretive facets, allowing the reader to understand in depth the sign definitions according to Moretti’s work. We can appreciate his original phrasing – both from a lexical and conceptual perspective- which is well-known to all readers of Moretti’s books; his prose contributed to earn him the name of “genius of graphology”. His genius becomes still more evident in the synthesis of the personality trait features he identified.

Moretti’s description was highly detailed and convincing when identifying graphological signs; however, he left just basic rules for personality trait combination which are not sufficient for practical application.

First, working on the sign combination is facilitated by their categorization in substantial, modifying and accidental. According to Moretti’s Treatise of Graphology “substantial signs possess basic value, related to the general foundations of personality. Modifying signs possess intrinsic accidental value, but have power and features capable to modify and in some cases to have the substantial signs take a different route and, somehow, attract them to the tendencies suggested by the modifying signs. Accidental signs are those which are not related to the substantial self, but only to the general outline and side issues, that very often can give a special distinguishing feature to the substantial and modifying signs.” (5)

Second, we should remember that “All signs are per se independent in their course of action” (6); however, their drive depends on the intensity of their specific tendency. Such intensity is measured through a decimal scale, according to the criteria clearly suggested by Moretti in his Treatise. Moreover, the measurement of a tendency has a norm value that differs among different tendencies. For instances, the ability to keep the writing stable on the line (related to the sign Stable on the Line) is considered average when not lower than 7/10; angularity is considered socially acceptable when about 3 or 4/10; on the other hand, equity of sentiment is average when exactly 5/10 of the sign Spacing between Letters. The fact norm values differ- in most signs -from arithmetical mean (5/10) confirms this method is complex and rigorous.

Another interpretive principle is fundative for the Morettian sign system: it is the distinction it operates between signs of sentiment and of intelligence. Though there is no mutual exclusion rule, as “All signs come somehow to modify both sentimental and intellectual facet, because all is a whole in man”, (7) graphological signs usually deal mostly with either sentiment (including all the individual affective/emotional dispositions) or intellect. Moretti’s Treatise of Graphology begins with “Signs of Sentiment” and “Signs of Intellect”; such a distinction is essential, as –according to Moretti’s view- personality traits of sentiment lead the Ego. Whatever a person can think about him/herself, the leading force for human personality is always the facet that goes beyond rationality. In this regard, Moretti’s perspective is in tune with his times, as XX century began with the “scientific” discovery of human irrationality, embodied in that immense unconscious world from Freudian thought containing all negative drives: human mind can only try-often failing- to repress them. Such a deeply pessimistic perspective about man became less harsh over time, in a sense that nowadays the negative irrational part of the psyche – as it was first defined – is better considered a world in touch with “rational” forces more powerful than the conscious mind. According to this branch of research – both psychological and neurological – sentiment is equivalent to a complex instinctual drive, only partially mediated by the conscious mind, which can take full control in case of emergency; this course of action, called by Goleman “amygdala hijack”, bypasses the more ‘aseptic’ processes pertaining to the cognitive functions. Using such a key to interpretation Moretti, though the cultural isolation he experienced, expressed a really modern vision of man and his contradiction between mind’s thinking and heart’s (or instinct’s) desire; and about the fact the latter mostly wins.

After establishing the basic interpretive principles, connected to a precise quantification of the signs and to their hierarchical organization through the suggested criteria, so that signs of sentiment come out dominant on signs of intelligence and substantial signs on both modifying and accidental, finally we can get hold of the first rules to go on with combination. Moretti provides a very effective resume to describe his method’s practical application: “To carry out a graphological analysis, you have to proceed like this: first, you have to detect the signs  occurring in handwriting, grading them according to their intensity. Then, you have to consider those, among substantial signs, which describe affective/active dispositions. And the sign of affective/active dispositions getting the highest grade, is the dominant sign and the rest are supporters or opponents or indifferent.” (8) This last remark embodies the dynamic principle of Moretti’s method: signs interact by supporting each other whenever they have the same momentum and by contrasting each other when they embody opposite psychic features; or are indifferent whenever they occupy autonomous spaces. For instance, excessive spacing between words and very small letter size, which for different reason suggest intense mental activity, when both present sum up their effects, leading personality to excessive cerebralism. On the contrary, the same spacing between words does not risk it when letter size is medium-great, because the latter invites extroversion of sentiment. Again, right bent extensions increase a disposition to cession when the writing is curved and fluid; differently, in angular or “arthritic” writing it provides some social skills.

This is the most fascinating part of Moretti’s method, as it enables us to grasp the complexity of the movement at the basis of personality structure. Moreover, by practicing we can notice that the dominant movement of the psyche, graphically represented by the sentiment sign that t the highest grade, can summon other signs to sustain and complete itself, in order to give the personality enough strength to express its primary tendency in real life. Thanks to this supporting interaction, personality analysis becomes easier, as it is proven that an outstanding disposition of the psyche cannot pass unnoticed, being supported by several signs convergent to the same direction and offering their specific contribution in terms of energetic potential.

According to Moretti’s psychological perspective, “Man …. possesses one heart only, one intellect only, one will only, one body only, one movement only, one responsibility only, one dominant passion or overall-ruling psyche only. Consequently, each movement both of mind and body cannot remain impersonal.” (9) However, the concept of the uniqueness of personality should not be overly simplified, because – as previously remarked- it results from the sum of many convergent dispositions; also, because the importance of forces contrasting the dominant tendency ought to be highlighted, as contrasting elements actually provide a higher intensity, both in expression and substance. No personality can focus on just one dominant feature, or on one temper, as the creative vital process, even a psychical one, is rooted on the tension between opposites seeking one perspective which surpasses both. Such duality characterizing all personality structures can be carried out in very different ways.

Both psychological workers and profane observers of human reality cannot avoid noticing that personality appears more consistent and whole in some individuals than in others. Furthermore, searching an organizing inner structure of personality cannot blind us to possible expressions which seem fragmentary and independent of the dominant theme, whatever it can be. Phenomena like split personality or intense inner conflict are just especially visible examples of the contradiction exhibited by the whole human being, already hypothesized. Just confronting this issue, Morettian graphology realizes its highest potential, as, due to the dynamic vision of personality traits it refers to, it enables us to clearly identify how the Ego can lead its multiple inner forces. First, thanks to Morettian graphology we can understand if we are either facing a complex structure endowed with many traits, or an Ego showing few basic elements; if their drive is intense or moderate; if traits mainly share the same direction in their movement or highly contrasting elements are present in the inner drives. Moreover, Moretti’s method enables us to understand if a system is well-structured, i.e. capable of integrating numerous and variegated inner drives, or, on the contrary, exhibits signs of dissociation. Furthermore, being tightly related to the analysis of movement, it can detect a possible decrease in vitality or a progressive disintegration of the Ego, related to a depressive state or the all-over presence of patterns of action fixed and unyielding, to the extent they affect relationships in family, work and study. As it is based on the interpretation of a very high number of personality traits, it is a very sensitive psychodiagnostic tool capable of detecting the slightest forms of psychic suffering at their onset.

In practice, this method provides a differential applicability. Individuating specific personality traits, related to corresponding graphological signs, is quite an easy path that enables us to detect important and significant behavioral tendencies. Differently, in order to understand the complex game of supporting, contrasting and indifferent signs to gain access to the inner dynamic core, both highly differentiated and whole in its vital movement,  we need a special training because of the highly complex object of study: human personality.

(traslated by Carla Bertolli)