Dear Colleague,
Dr, Bandy Lee has done extraordinary work as a generator of politic change. We at the Library of Social Science, however, focus on the psychology of politics; politics as a form of psychopathology.
The passages directly below my signature--from her interview--explore the question of the relationship between "lying" and delusions in the case of Donald Trump. Lee examines this question with great precision and sophistication, leaving the conclusion open for further analysis and discussion.
And the following question, as well, has not been resolved: What is the relationship between Trump's psychotic delusions--and his success as a political leader?
Do any of you have insights that may bear upon this question? Please send me an email.
Best regards,
Mary Helen
EXCERPTS FROM IGOR DERYSH'S INTERVIEW WITH PSYCHIATRIST BANDY X. LEE
"As to whether Donald Trump actually believes he has won, while this is difficult to tell, we can have a good estimation from his followers' responses. Delusions are cherished beliefs that allow one to create mostly for oneself a desired reality, where one is a "winner," for example, while dispelling intolerable truths, such as that one could be a "loser."
"While strategic lies can only get one so far, actual delusions are far more emotionally powerful and more easily passed on because the primary person communicating them is truly convinced of them.
"Because those with delusions usually know their beliefs are untrue, but simply have pushed this knowledge into their unconscious, you can also see from their resistance to facts and evidence, doubling down, and even becoming violent when challenged. We see this in his followers, who are often impermeable to information that contradicts their fixed beliefs and can grow belligerent if challenged."
|
