ChatGPT and Presidential Politics

In a previous post we discussed how each individual has a “life script” which determines their general course through life, and how companies also have a “life script”, which determines how the company behaves at a holistic level.

In addition to the personal and company scripts, we can also identify life scripts that operate at a national level, i.e. we can identify the national script, or in other words, the script of the nation. This means that each nation operates according to a collective set of narratives, beliefs, and social practices that define its course over time. These scripts shape the nation’s internal dynamics and determine how it interacts with other countries.

Understanding the National Script

A national script encompasses the foundational myths, historical narratives, cultural values, and standardised social behaviors that together form a country’s identity. For instance, the American Dream, which promotes freedom, individualism, and the pursuit of success, is part of the United States’ national script. Similarly, Japan’s emphasis on harmony, respect, and collective well-being plays a central role in its own national narrative.

Understanding the national script provides insights into its policies, its future direction and the way it conducts itself on the world stage.

Challenges with National Scripts

While national scripts can be a source of strength, they also present significant challenges:

• Inflexibility: A rigid adherence to outdated scripts can hinder adaptation and progress. For instance, a country that clings to a narrative with a very strong sense of national self-identity may struggle to engage in a globalised world.
  
• Internal Disputes: As nations become more diverse, the original national script may not resonate with all groups, leading to tensions and social fragmentation.
  
• Misuse: Leaders may knowingly exploit the national script for political gain, misleading the public about their true intentions.

Being aware of the national script and the way it is playing out in the modern environment is essential to understanding the foundational health and durability of a country, just as understanding a person’s personal script is essential to understanding the practicability of their intended life direction.

Presidential Politics

In order to be a successful, a president must align their own personal life script with the dynamism expressed in the country’s life script, according to the current milieu and circumstances. In this way, the life of the president becomes synonymous with the national pulse of living, so that both are able to progress concurrently in the same direction.

Therefore, if we want to understand why someone would or would not be a good president, we need to understand the degree of alignment between the presidential candidate’s personal life script, and the nation’s life script, as expressed currently.

Based on this thinking, let’s ask ChatGPT why Donald Trump and Jo Biden may or may not be suitable for the presidency of the USA.

Shared chat link.

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ChatGPT’s Assessment of Donald Trump

You

Explain the confluence between Donald Trump’s script and the script of the USA as a whole.

Script Analyst

To explore the confluence between Donald Trump’s personal life script and the national script of the USA, we need to consider both from the perspective of Transactional Analysis (TA). TA, developed by Eric Berne, offers a way to study and understand individual behavior and group dynamics through the analysis of scripted life plans and interactions.

Donald Trump’s Personal Script

Donald Trump’s life script, as observed through his actions, speeches, and decisions, seems to align with a narrative of assertiveness, ambition, and a strong desire to be recognized as successful and influential. This script is characterized by a strong “I’m OK – You’re OK” position when it comes to those who support or affirm his actions and ideologies. However, this can switch to an “I’m OK – You’re not OK” stance in adversarial interactions, demonstrating a win-at-all-costs mentality. His script appears to involve themes of overcoming obstacles, defeating opponents, and establishing dominance, which are reinforced by his frequent portrayal of himself as a self-made success, despite external challenges.

The Script of the USA

The national script of the USA, though diverse and complex, often features themes of individualism, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a script that values democracy, the rule of law, and capitalism. The American Dream, a core component of this script, posits that anyone, regardless of background, can succeed through hard work and determination. This script also has elements of manifest destiny and exceptionalism, which have historically encouraged a proactive, sometimes interventionist, stance in global affairs.

Confluence and Conflicts

Confluence:

1. Achievement and Success: Trump’s script resonates with the American value of success and achievement. His narrative of business success and overcoming barriers aligns with the American Dream.
2. Dominance and Influence: His approach to leadership—assertive, decisive, and often unilateral—mirrors America’s historical script of global dominance and leadership.
3. Resilience and Self-Reliance: Trump’s portrayal of his business career as a testament to personal resilience and self-reliance echoes a broader American admiration for these traits.

Conflicts:

1. Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity: While the broader American script includes themes of equality and inclusivity, Trump’s often divisive rhetoric and policies may seem at odds with these values.
2. Globalism vs. Nationalism: Whereas the traditional American script includes elements of international leadership and cooperation, Trump’s “America First” doctrine emphasizes nationalism, which can conflict with the roles expected by the international community.
3. Rule of Law: The USA’s script heavily leans on the rule of law and democratic norms, but some of Trump’s actions, particularly those that challenge electoral and judicial processes, have raised concerns about adherence to this script.

Conclusion

The confluence between Donald Trump’s personal script and the USA’s national script is complex, marked by both alignment and discord. His narrative intersects with America’s historical themes of success, influence, and resilience but diverges in the interpretation of values like inclusivity and global cooperation. This analysis helps in understanding how individual leaders can both shape and be shaped by broader national narratives, and the tensions that arise when personal scripts and collective scripts interact.

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ChatGPT’s Assessment of Jo Biden

You

Now explain the confluence between Jo Biden’s script and national script of the USA.

Script Analyst

To analyze the confluence between Joe Biden’s personal life script and the national script of the USA, we again turn to Transactional Analysis (TA) for a structured perspective. In TA, life scripts represent a series of unconscious relational patterns and beliefs that are predicted on early experiences and decisions, guiding future behavior and interactions.

Joe Biden’s Personal Script

Joe Biden’s life script can be characterized by resilience in the face of personal tragedy and a longstanding commitment to public service. His narrative often includes themes of empathy, perseverance, and dedication to collective well-being, reflecting a strong “I’m OK – You’re OK” dynamic that emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect. His approach is largely conciliatory and aimed at fostering unity and healing. This is particularly evident in his frequent calls for bipartisanship and his focus on restoring what he describes as the “soul of America.”

The Script of the USA

The national script of the USA, as previously mentioned, is steeped in ideals like freedom, individualism, democracy, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a narrative that champions the American Dream, suggesting that individual effort can lead to success and upward mobility. It also values resilience, innovation, and leadership on the global stage.

Confluence and Conflicts

Confluence:

1. Empathy and Unity: Biden’s emphasis on empathy and healing aligns with America’s aspirational values of inclusivity and unity. His script resonates with the American ideal of forming a “more perfect union,” especially in times of division.
2. Resilience and Recovery: His personal and political narratives of overcoming hardships resonate with the American script of resilience, reflecting the national ethos of bouncing back stronger from crises.
3. Democratic Ideals and Rule of Law: Biden’s commitment to democracy, transparency, and the rule of law underscores core American constitutional values, reinforcing the script of a nation governed by laws rather than by individuals.

Conflicts:

1. Progressivism vs. Tradition: While the American script includes progressive ideals, it also has deep-rooted conservative elements that may see Biden’s more progressive policies (e.g., on climate change, social justice) as a departure from traditional values.
2. Globalism: Biden’s script includes a strong component of international cooperation and alliance-building, which, while traditionally American, contrasts with recent trends towards nationalism and isolationism that have also been part of the national discourse.
3. Inter-generational and Cultural Divides: Biden’s approach and style might sometimes be at odds with younger, more radical elements within the broader American script that demand rapid and substantial changes, especially on issues like racial justice and economic inequality.

Conclusion

Joe Biden’s personal script of empathy, resilience, and dedication to democracy closely aligns with many aspects of the broader national script of the USA. His narrative complements traditional American values of unity, resilience, and adherence to democratic principles. However, as with any leader, there are areas of tension and divergence, particularly regarding the pace and scope of change, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of the national script itself. This analysis highlights the dynamic interplay between a leader’s personal history and beliefs and the broader cultural and political narratives at play.

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Swing Voters

On average, we can identify three types of voters in any election: voters who will always vote for one candidate, voters who will always vote for the other candidate, and swing voters, who may change their minds one way or the other.

Often, the majority of a politician’s efforts to win people over are directed at these swing voters. This is because the voters who will always vote for the politician are a given win, and there is virtually no point aiming rhetoric at the voters who will never vote for the politician, because nothing will change their minds. Therefore in order to get ahead, the politician must try to win votes from the swing voters who can indeed be persuaded to vote one way or the other.

Let’s ask ChatGPT which demographics would comprise the swing voters in a match-off of Jo Biden against Donald Trump for the presidency of the USA.

Shared chat link.

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You

So now assess which elements of the electorate who will always vote for Trump, the elements of the electorate who will always vote for Biden, and the elements of the electorate who may swing based on these assessments.

Script Analyst

To assess the different segments of the electorate in relation to Donald Trump’s and Joe Biden’s personal scripts and their confluence with the national script of the USA, it is useful to categorize the voters into three main groups: those who consistently support Trump, those who consistently support Biden, and swing voters who may vary in their support based on the candidates’ alignment with the national script and their personal life scripts.

Elements of the Electorate Always Voting for Trump

1. Emphasis on Personal Success and Dominance: Voters who value strong, assertive leadership and personal success as paramount are likely to resonate deeply with Trump’s narrative. His portrayal of himself as a self-made businessman who overcomes adversity appeals to those who admire resilience and self-reliance.
2. Nationalism and America First Policy: Those who prioritize national interests, including strict immigration policies and economic nationalism, find a strong echo in Trump’s “America First” approach. His stance aligns with voters who feel that global cooperation might compromise U.S. sovereignty and economic growth.
3. Resistance to Globalism and Preference for Unilateral Decision-Making: Voters skeptical of international alliances and interventions likely support Trump’s skepticism of globalism and his preference for unilateral, decisive actions over multinational agreements.

Elements of the Electorate Always Voting for Biden

1. Values of Empathy and Unity: Biden’s emphasis on empathy, inclusivity, and healing aligns with voters who value a compassionate, unifying presidential demeanor. His approach attracts those who see America’s strength in its diversity and its capacity for collective action.
2. Commitment to Democratic Ideals and Rule of Law: Voters who place a high premium on democratic governance, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law are drawn to Biden’s commitment to these principles. His respect for these processes contrasts with Trump’s often confrontational and norm-challenging behavior.
3. Progressive Policies on Social Issues: Supporters of comprehensive reforms on climate change, social justice, and healthcare reform align with Biden’s progressive agenda, seeing it as essential to advancing the broader American script towards equality and sustainability.

Swing Voters

1. Economic Policies and Management: Swing voters may oscillate based on their perception of each candidate’s ability to manage the economy effectively. Trump’s tax cuts and deregulation may appeal to those prioritizing economic growth and personal finance, while Biden’s focus on broader economic equality and support systems might attract those affected by economic disparities.
2. Handling of Crises: The management of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recessions, or international conflicts can significantly influence swing voters. Those who perceive Biden’s approach as too cautious or slow might lean towards Trump’s more direct, albeit riskier, strategies.
3. Cultural and Generational Issues: Younger voters or those impacted by cultural shifts may swing based on how each candidate addresses issues like racial equality, women’s rights, and climate change. Biden’s progressive stances might attract them in some elections, but a desire for more radical changes could also lead to disillusionment with both candidates.

Conclusion

Understanding these electoral dynamics requires recognizing how each candidate’s personal script interacts with the national script and resonates with different voter segments. Trump’s narrative of success and dominance appeals to voters who value strong leadership and national sovereignty, while Biden’s focus on empathy and unity attracts those who prioritize inclusivity and democratic integrity. Swing voters’ preferences are influenced by specific issues and the candidates’ responses to ongoing challenges, reflecting the complex interplay of personal and national scripts in American political life.

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Advertising Dollars

The expenditure on advertising in USA presidential campaigns runs into hundreds of millions of dollars, which cost is carried by the actual candidate. Effective use of advertising dollars can mean the difference between a successful campaign and one that fails to connect with crucial voters. Since each candidate has a finite amount of money at their disposal, it is essential for them to know where to direct their advertising efforts.

Typically, the candidates will especially target swing voters, who may be swayed by persuasive messaging.

Based on the above swing voter analysis, let’s ask ChatGPT how Donald Trump should best spend the advertising funds he has at his disposal, for the upcoming USA presidential campaign.

Shared chat link.

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You

Given this analysis of swing voters, in what way should Trump best use his advertising dollars?

Script Analyst

Given the analysis of swing voters and the distinct aspects of Donald Trump’s personal script that resonate with segments of the electorate, his campaign would likely benefit from strategically allocating advertising dollars to emphasize certain themes that align closely with the concerns and values of these undecided or swing voters. Here are some strategic focuses for his advertising campaign:

1. Highlight Economic Leadership and Success

Trump’s narrative as a successful businessman who champions economic growth through tax cuts and deregulation should be emphasized. Advertisements could focus on his past economic policies that led to job creation and higher GDP growth before the pandemic. This appeals to swing voters who prioritize strong economic management and might be concerned about their financial futures.

2. Stress Resilience in Crisis Management

While handling crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump’s campaign should highlight moments where his decisions were seen as beneficial—focusing on vaccine development acceleration (Operation Warp Speed) and economic measures to mitigate downturns (like stimulus checks). By portraying these as direct, effective actions, he could appeal to those voters who felt Biden’s approach might be too cautious or bureaucratic.

3. Promote National Security and Border Control

For swing voters concerned about national security and immigration, Trump should reinforce his commitment to strong borders and immigration reform. Advertisements could showcase his efforts to build border barriers and enforce immigration laws as protecting American jobs and reducing crime, tapping into the concerns about U.S. sovereignty and security.

4. Capitalize on Cultural and Generational Themes

Trump could also address cultural and generational issues indirectly by promoting policies that resonate with conservative values, such as support for law enforcement, opposition to radical social movements, and advocacy for free speech against what he portrays as censorship by big tech. These issues can attract swing voters who may feel alienated by the progressive left but are not fully aligned with all traditional conservative positions.

5. Use Targeted Digital and Social Media Campaigns

Understanding that swing voters are not a monolithic group, targeted advertising using digital platforms can allow for personalized messaging that resonates with specific concerns of subgroups within swing voters, such as independents, moderates, or those disillusioned with political extremes. These ads can highlight Trump’s strengths in a tailored manner, depending on demographic and regional analytics.

6. Address Electoral and Judicial Integrity

Given concerns about the rule of law and electoral integrity, especially after controversial elections, Trump’s campaign could benefit from promoting a narrative of safeguarding elections and enhancing transparency, aiming to restore trust among voters concerned with these issues.

Conclusion

For Trump, using his advertising dollars to focus on a narrative of strong economic management, decisive crisis response, and commitment to national security and conservative cultural values could effectively address the concerns of swing voters. These strategic focuses not only play to his strengths but also directly challenge areas where some voters might feel Biden’s approach is lacking, thereby potentially swaying undecided voters in his favor.

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Practical Advice

Probably the most telling comment from ChatGPT concerning where Donald Trump should direct his advertising dollars is in point 5 above:

• Use Targeted Digital and Social Media Campaigns: Understanding that swing voters are not a monolithic group, targeted advertising using digital platforms can allow for personalized messaging that resonates with specific concerns of subgroups within swing voters, such as independents, moderates, or those disillusioned with political extremes. These ads can highlight Trump’s strengths in a tailored manner, depending on demographic and regional analytics.

In other words, the swing voters identified by ChatGPT, do not comprise a monolithic group of people that can be effectively targeted using mass advertising to the general public. Instead, ChatGPT is recommending that the bulk of the advertising campaign revenue should be spent on targeted advertising, that addresses the individuals who may swing one way or the other, for very personal reasons.

For example this could involve:

• Economic Policies and Management: Targeting swing voters interested in economic growth, by emphasizing Trump’s success with tax cuts and deregulation via a professional platform like LinkedIn.
  
• Cultural and Generational Issues: Engaging younger voters by highlighting Trump’s initiatives for economic opportunities and free speech protections, using youth-oriented platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.
  
• Job Creation: Emphasising job creation in manufacturing-heavy states like Michigan, by using targeted ads on job boards for people looking for manufacturing related jobs.

In summary, by understanding the interplay between the presidential candidate’s individual life script and the holistic national script, we can create a framework for understanding voter dynamics in U.S. politics. Using this framework effectively can provide practical advice, for example in engaging swing voters, and allow a presidential candidate to precisely target the demographics that can bring them success.  

Organisational Fit

When finding new employees, companies have to answer the following three questions:

1. Does the candidate have the required qualifications?
2. Does the candidate have the required skills and experience?
3. Is the candidate a good fit for the team or company?

The first two criteria can be easily clarified by checking the candidate’s qualifications and experience against the qualifications and experience required for the role. Finding employees who are a good fit is harder, however. Here there are no concrete facts to go by, and the employer may have very limited information on which to make this crucial assessment.

Let’s see if ChatGPT can help us make this decision.

Life Scripts

Every person has a “life script”, this means that (at least subconsciously) they have a life plan for where they will live, what sort of relationships they will have, what sort of career they will have and also whether or not they will be happy and fulfilled or if they will be a bystander to life.

Life scripts are formed in early childhood by impressions and instructions received at this young age. People who have “successful” life scripts rarely think about their script, as they see no need to do so. People who have harmartic (tragic) scripts may have to delve deep into their scripts to try and determine which script instructions and assumptions are causing them to self-destruct.

The primary elements of a life-script include:

• Models: Who the person is expected to be like: “Your grandfather was a great footballer, you can be that good as well.”
• Permissions: Things the person is allowed to do: “Always ask what you want for, that way you’ll be sure to get exactly what you want.”
• Injunctions: Things the person is not allowed to do: “Don’t ever be cruel to animals.”
• Decisions: Decisions made in childhood: “I’m going to be the best footballer ever.”
• OK’ness: What constitutes OK’ness: “I am awesome because I’m a good footballer.”
• Not OK’ness:  What constitutes not OK’ness: “Oh my god, did you see how cruel that person was to their dog?”

Altogether, these elemental attitudes and decisions determine the primary course and perimeters of a person’s life, unless that person makes a conscious decision to evaluate and redecide their life.

Script Analysis and ChatGPT 4

For a person to understand themselves and achieve self-knowledge, it is useful for the person to analyse their life script and identify what is driving them forward in a particular direction, or alternatively, identify what is preventing them from changing and taking a more successful route through life. This exercise is called script analysis.

ChatGPT 4 makes a surprisingly good script analyst, as demonstrated in the below example. (This example was generated using a custom GPT – Script Analyst.)

Shared Chat link.

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In addition to the life scripts of individuals, we can identify a personality and Life Script for any socio-cultural organisation. For example, some societies may be “out there” and have an outgoing personality, some societies may pride themselves on their intellectualism, and some societies may pride themselves on their correctitude and furtherance of moral standards.

Therefore, in addition to asking ChatGPT 4 to do a script analysis of an individual, we can also ask ChatGPT 4 to do a script analysis of an entire company:

Shared Chat link.

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You

Considering Apple Inc in totality as a corporate personality, explain the company script in human terms. In your script analysis, explain how Apple’s psuedo-human personality acts towards achieving its own script goal.

Script Analyst

Analyzing Apple Inc. as a corporate entity with a “pseudo-human personality” involves personifying its business strategies, brand identity, and corporate behaviors within the framework of Transactional Analysis (TA). In TA, a life script refers to an unconscious life plan that influences behavior patterns. Transposing this concept onto Apple Inc. involves interpreting the company’s actions, public relations, and product strategies as if they were the manifestations of a coherent individual personality with specific life goals.

The Script of Apple Inc.

Script Belief: Apple’s corporate script can be said to revolve around the belief in innovation, aesthetics, simplicity, and premium quality. This belief system drives its strategic decisions and interactions with the market and its consumers.

Script Goal: The goal of Apple’s script is to maintain its status as a leader in innovation and to remain at the forefront of technology, with a strong emphasis on user experience and design. This goal is pursued with the intention of creating a world where technology complements and enhances human capability in a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Script Driver: The drivers for Apple include “Be Perfect,” “Be Innovative,” and “Be the First,” which can be seen in its commitment to high-quality product releases and its pioneering of new technology markets (e.g., personal computing, smartphones, and more recently wearables and home technology).

Script Injunctions: Apple operates with a strong injunction to “Please others” through user-centric design and customer service but also to “Try hard” in areas of product development and market expansion.

Manifestations of the Script

1. Innovation as a Life Position: Apple consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible with technology. Its frequent reinventions of product categories—such as the iPhone transforming telecommunication, or the iPad creating a new niche between smartphones and laptops—demonstrate a script that compels it to innovate and lead.
2. Control over Ecosystem: Apple’s control over both its hardware and software ecosystems (e.g., iOS, macOS) exemplifies a “Parental” script attitude of nurturing through control. This control ensures a seamless and integrated user experience, reflecting its “Be Perfect” driver.
3. Market Behavior and Brand Loyalty: Apple’s marketing strategies foster a strong emotional connection with its customers, akin to a “Nurturing Parent” role in TA. The company creates a sense of belonging and loyalty among its users, encouraging them to adopt the full range of its products and services.
4. Response to Competition: In its competitive stance, Apple often adopts an “Adult” rational approach—focusing on its own innovations rather than directly attacking competitors. However, its vigorous defense of its intellectual properties and its strategic positioning in legal and business negotiations also show a “Controlling Parent” aspect, defending its script against external threats.
5. Adaptation to External Feedback: Apple’s response to criticism and failure (e.g., addressing product flaws or altering policies due to consumer backlash) reflects an adaptive script that incorporates learning and growth without straying far from its core script values.

By analyzing Apple Inc. as if it were a person, we can see that its corporate personality is driven by a deep-seated belief in innovation and quality, shaped by a script that seeks to transform the world through technology. Its script goals are achieved by consistently adhering to its belief in excellence and by influencing consumer behavior and industry standards. Apple’s script, with its complex interplay of drivers and injunctions, directs it to behave in ways that consistently reinforce its position as a leader in the technology sector, impacting both its users’ lives and the global market.

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A Good Fit

If we want to know if an potential employee will be a good fit for a company, we can check to see if the candidate’s life script is aligned with the company’s life script. If it is, then in all probability the candidate will be able to adapt to life in the company with minimum stress. If not, the candidate may not fit into the company, seeing as they won’t “see” why the company places a stress on particular areas, and subsequently they won’t understand why they are expected to put in extra effort to make sure these areas are addressed appropriately.

Let’s ask ChatGPT for the ideal life script of a potential employee for Apple.

Shared Chat link.

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You

Given the above script analysis of Apple Inc., what type of TA life script would be best suited for a potential employee of Apple?

Script Analyst

For an individual seeking to thrive within Apple Inc., aligning with the company’s corporate script is crucial. Given Apple’s emphasis on innovation, quality, control, and customer experience, the most suitable Transactional Analysis (TA) life script for a potential employee would involve several key components:

Complementary Script Traits for an Apple Employee

1. Striving for Excellence (Be Perfect): Apple prides itself on high-quality and aesthetically pleasing products. An employee with a script that drives them to excel, pay meticulous attention to detail, and uphold high standards would resonate well with Apple’s corporate ethos.
2. Innovative and Proactive (Be Innovative): Given Apple’s foundational principle of pioneering new technologies and redefining existing ones, a script that includes a strong inclination toward innovation and creativity is essential. Employees who are not just receptive to change but are proactive in driving it would find a rewarding environment at Apple.
3. Resilience in the Face of Challenges (Try Hard): Apple’s script includes pushing boundaries and continuously improving. An employee script that embraces challenges and sees them as opportunities to learn and grow would be well-suited to the company’s culture.
4. Customer-Centric Attitude (Please Others): Since Apple invests heavily in creating an unparalleled user experience, potential employees should have a script that emphasizes empathy, user satisfaction, and the desire to connect with and please the customer. This aligns with Apple’s nurturing approach towards its users.
5. Team-Oriented and Collaborative (Be Strong): Apple’s work environment necessitates collaboration across various teams and disciplines to innovate and execute projects seamlessly. An employee script that supports being a strong team player who can handle responsibilities and support colleagues will integrate well.
6. Adaptability (Be Open): Apple’s landscape is dynamic, with frequent shifts in technology and consumer preferences. An employee with a script that includes flexibility and the ability to adapt to new methods, tools, and environments would thrive at Apple.

Ideal Script Pattern

• Early Script Decisions: An ideal employee would have formed early script decisions that value innovation, quality, and resilience. Such decisions could stem from an upbringing or early career experiences that emphasized continuous improvement, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Driver Messages: The primary drivers would be “Be Perfect”, “Try Hard”, “Be Innovative”, and “Please Others”. These drivers would motivate the employee to align closely with Apple’s goals and working style.
• Counter Scripts: It’s beneficial for potential Apple employees to manage any counter scripts that could hinder performance, such as fear of failure or reluctance to change. Emphasizing personal development areas that counteract such scripts can help in adapting fully to Apple’s demanding environment.

By adopting a life script that complements Apple’s corporate script, a potential employee can effectively contribute to the company’s objectives and fit into its culture. This alignment not only enhances the individual’s career satisfaction and growth but also ensures their contributions are impactful within the company.

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Summary

ChatGPT has successfully identified the drivers, characteristics and elements of life script that would be ideal to have in a new Apple employee. To check if an employee excels in these areas, Apple could provide interview questions or a psychometric test that focus on these specific areas. Doing this would allow Apple to assess the level of cultural fit of job candidates, thus making the hiring process more predictable in regards to the question, “Is the candidate a good fit for the team or company?”

Donald Trump versus ChatGPT

Whenever a person makes a statement, we can always ask, “What did that person appear to say, and what did that person actually say?” Even when a person seems to be being very explicit and straightforward, it is not always obvious that what they “actually said” means the same as the words that came out of their mouth. This pseudo-reality is particularly important in political speeches, where every word carries weight and implications far beyond its surface meaning.

Typically, we rely on experts and pundits to dissect and interpret these nuanced communications. However, even the most professional assessment is inevitably tinged with the personal biases and interpretations of the individual making it; an alternative is to ask ChatGPT for its unbiased analysis.

This post shows ChatGPT taking a psychoanalytical deep dive into Donald Trump’s inaugural speech, using Transactional Analysis as the analytical medium. (For an introduction to the principles of Transactional Analysis see A short introduction to Transactional Analysis and Meaningful opinions and Transactional Analysis).

Trump’s Inaugural Speech

Donald Trump’s inaugural speech was a masterpiece of oratory in which he made a clear declaration of his administration’s guiding principles. This forthright speech encapsulated the ethos of ‘America First’, which combines a profound emphasis on the nation’s internal social and economic vitality, and a transactional approach to international relations. In his speech, Trump appears to communicate directly and explicitly, a rarity in the weird and wonderful world of politics.

Trump’s entire inaugural speech can be rephrased as, “Americans are being taken for a ride, and I’m going to set things right again.” By making this simple and powerful “statement of fact”, he carved out an image of no-nonsense talking and pragmatic accomplishment.

Crafting Indispensability

The question remains, however, did Trump present a perfectly rational point-of-view, standing on its own merits, or did he present a point-of-view that was only compelling when contextualised within his own persona and leadership style?

This is an extremely important question, because if Trump presented his point-of-view as factual, whereas in reality that point-of-view could only make sense when taking Trump into account, then by getting the audience to accept his speech as pure fact, he effectively “hard-wired himself into the system”; the system could henceforth no longer exist without him.

Let’s see what ChatGPT makes of this question.

Psychoanalytical Assessment of Trump’s Inaugural Speech by ChatGPT

The full text of Donald Trump’s inaugural speech is available here: The Inaugural Address – The White House (archives.gov). ChatGPT’s psychoanalysis of this speech (from a Transactional Analysis perspective) is available here.

The following YouTube video shows an animation of ChatGPT’s TA psychoanalysis:

Facts and Opinion

Typically in Transactional Analysis, the Adult (rational) ego state is the purveyor of facts, the Parent (authority figure) ego state is the purveyor of opinion.

Bearing this in mind, we can identify two types of communication in Trump’s inaugural speech:

• Adult to Adult: In some sentences, Trump is in the Adult ego state, and addresses the audience’s Adult ego state (i.e. Trump addresses the audience from a rational perspective).
• Parent to Child: In other sentences, Trump is in the Parent ego state (representing an authority figure), and addresses the audience’s Child ego state (i.e. the propensity of the audience to “need” a parental, authority figure.)

If we look at a table of which audience ego states Trump was in during the course of his inaugural speech, we see a very skillful glissando from the Adult (factual) ego state, to the Parent (authority figure) ego state.

Green: Trump’s Adult addressing the audience’s Adult ego state

Orange: Trump addressing the audience’s Adult + Child ego states

Red: Trump addressing the audience’s Child ego state

Sentence	Ego State Spoken From	Ego State Addressed
Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world, thank you.	Adult	Adult
We the citizens of America are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people.	Adult	Adult
Together we will determine the course of America, and the world, for many, many years to come.	Adult	Adult
We will face challenges.	Adult	Adult
We will confront hardships, but we will get the job done.	Adult	Adult
Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition.	Adult	Adult
They have been magnificent. Thank you.	Adult	Adult
Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning, because today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another, but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C., and giving it back to you, the people.	Adult	Adult
What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people.	Adult	Adult
At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction, that a nation exists to serve its citizens.	Adult	Adult
Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves.	Adult	Adult
These are just and reasonable demands of righteous people and a righteous public.	Adult	Adult
The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.	Adult	Adult
We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power.	Adult	Adult
Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families.	Adult	Adult
Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength.	Adult	Adult
We will build new roads and highways and bridges and airports and tunnels, and railways, all across our wonderful nation.	Adult	Adult
We will follow two simple rules: buy American and hire American.	Adult	Adult
We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world, but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.	Adult	Adult
We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example.	Adult	Adult
We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones, and unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth.	Adult	Adult
We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements, but always pursue solidarity.	Adult	Adult
In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving.	Adult	Adult
The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action.	Adult	Adult
We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the industries and technologies of tomorrow.	Adult	Adult
For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government, while the people have borne the cost.	Adult / Critical Parent	Adult / Child
Washington flourished, but the people did not share in its wealth.	Adult / Critical Parent	Adult / Child
Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed.	Critical Parent	Child
The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country.	Critical Parent	Child
Their victories have not been your victories.	Critical Parent	Child
Their triumphs have not been your triumphs, and while they celebrated in our nation’s capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land.	Critical Parent	Child
That all changes, starting right here and right now, because this moment is your moment — it belongs to you.	Nurturing Parent / Adult	Child
It belongs to everyone gathered here today, and everyone watching, all across America.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
This is your day.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
This is your celebration, and this, the United States of America, is your country.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
January 20th, 2017 will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.	Nurturing Parent	Child
Everyone is listening to you now.	Nurturing Parent	Child
You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement, the likes of which the world has never seen before.	Nurturing Parent	Child
But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists.	Adult / Critical Parent	Adult / Child
Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities, rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation.	Critical Parent	Child
An education system flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge.	Critical Parent	Child
And the crime, and the gangs, and the drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential.	Critical Parent	Child
This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
We are one nation and their pain is our pain.	Nurturing Parent	Child
Their dreams are our dreams and their success will be our success.	Nurturing Parent	Child
We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny.	Nurturing Parent	Child
For many decades, we’ve enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry.	Critical Parent	Child
Subsidized the armies of other countries, while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military.	Critical Parent	Child
We’ve defended other nation’s borders while refusing to defend our own.	Critical Parent	Child
And spent trillions and trillions of dollars overseas, while America’s infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay.	Critical Parent	Child
We’ve made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has dissipated over the horizon.	Critical Parent	Child
One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions and millions of American workers that were left behind.	Critical Parent	Child
The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed all across the world.	Critical Parent	Child
But that is the past, and now we are looking only to the future.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land, from this day forward, it’s going to be only America first. America first.	Adult	Adult / Child
We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs.	Critical Parent	Child
I will fight for you with every breath in my body, and I will never, ever let you down.	Nurturing Parent	Child
America will start winning again, winning like never before.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth, and we will bring back our dreams.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
We will get our people off of welfare and back to work, rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor.	Adult	Adult / Child
We will shine for everyone to follow.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.	Nurturing Parent	Child
The Bible tells us, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.	Nurturing Parent	Child
When America is united, America is totally unstoppable.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
There should be no fear. We are protected, and we will always be protected.	Nurturing Parent	Child
We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement. And most importantly, we will be protected by God.	Nurturing Parent	Child
Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action, constantly complaining but never doing anything about it.	Critical Parent	Child
Do not allow anyone to tell you that it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America.	Nurturing Parent	Child
We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions.	Nurturing Parent	Child
It’s time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget, that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots.	Nurturing Parent	Child
We all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same, great American flag.	Nurturing Parent	Child
And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty creator.	Nurturing Parent	Child
So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, from ocean to ocean, hear these words.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
You will never be ignored again.	Nurturing Parent	Child
Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams will define our American destiny.	Nurturing Parent	Child
And your courage and goodness and love, will forever guide us along the way.	Nurturing Parent	Child
Together, we will make America strong again.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
We will make America wealthy again.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child
We will make America proud again.	Nurturing Parent	Child
We will make America safe again.	Adult / Nurturing Parent	Child

Interpreting the Shift in Communication

ChatGPT’s TA analysis reveals a sophisticated use of ego states. The early parts of the speech, rooted in Adult-Adult interaction, establish a foundation of trust and credibility. Trump presents himself as a rational, level-headed leader who acknowledges the realities facing the nation. This is a strategic move that lays the groundwork for the more emotive and persuasive elements that follow.

As the speech moves into the Parent-Child dynamic, Trump taps into deeper, more emotional currents. His rhetoric becomes more about instilling a sense of protection, guidance, and even admonishment. This is evident in statements where he criticizes the current state of affairs and promises change. In doing so, Trump positions himself as a guardian figure, promising to rectify the perceived wrongs and lead the nation towards a better future.

The psychological impact of this shift cannot be understated. In the Parent-Child dynamic, the audience is not just being informed; they are being influenced at a more subconscious level. They are led to feel cared for, understood, and part of a larger movement, whose leader is Donald Trump. By alternating between presenting facts and appealing to emotion, Trump blends rational arguments with emotive rhetoric, making himself guardian of the nation and the sole possible solution to the problems that have been presented.

In other words, Trump positions himself as an indispensable part of the systemic solution to the problems he outlines. By blending factual Adult communication with the protective and directive Parent stance, Trump ensures that his audience perceives not just the message, but Trump himself, as a necessary component of any solution. In doing so, he creates a scenario where the system, as proposed in his speech, seems unable to function without his leadership and direction.

Parent Contamination of the Adult

In Transactional Analysis, the concept of “Parent contamination of the Adult” refers to a situation where the Adult ego state – typically rational, factual, and objective – is influenced or ‘contaminated’ by the Parent ego state, which is more authoritative, protective, and opinionated. In this situation, the Adult “believes” that the Parent constitutes a rational component of reality, instead of just providing a guiding and authoritarian perspective.

In the context of Trump’s inaugural speech, this contamination of the Adult with the Parent is evident in how he blends factual communication (Adult state) with a directive, protective approach (Parent state). By doing this, Trump positions himself, the guiding parental figure, as an essential part of the solution to the issues he addresses. This technique ensures that the audience perceives not just the facts and plans he presents, but also Trump’s authority itself, as an indispensable factor for implementing the required solutions.

Conclusion

The analysis of Donald Trump’s inaugural speech through the lens of Transactional Analysis by ChatGPT provides a profound insight into the power of political narratives. The strategic interplay between the Adult and Parent ego states in Trump’s speech is not merely a communication technique; it is a tool for crafting a narrative in which he becomes an indispensable element of the national agenda.

This analysis has significant implications for understanding political discourse. It highlights how leaders can use language and communication styles to position themselves as central to the resolution of issues, thereby cementing their authority and influence. It also underscores the need for a critical analysis of political speeches to discern the underlying strategies that shape public perception and opinion.

ChatGPT’s role in this analysis exemplifies the potential of AI in deconstructing and understanding complex political rhetoric. By providing an unbiased, psychoanalytical perspective, AI tools like ChatGPT can help in discerning the subtleties of political communication, offering insights that might be overlooked in traditional analyses.

In this previous post which was written prior to the advent of GPTs, I showed how it is possible to simulate the human thought process using API calls to ChatGPT.

It is now possible to perform this simulation using a GPT, without any coding: ChatGPT – Artificial Persona (openai.com)

Feel free to give that GPT a spin, below is a sample output.

Note: For background on Transactional Analysis psychoanalytical theory see these posts:

• A short introduction to Transactional Analysis – (fleetingswallow.com)
• Meaningful opinions and Transactional Analysis – (fleetingswallow.com)

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Sample Output from the Artificial Persona GPT

You

Should I visit Machu Picchu on a budget of 3000 pounds?

Artificial Persona

To address your question about visiting Machu Picchu on a budget of 3000 pounds, I’ll follow the structured process of analyzing the question:

1. Infer Personality Type of the Questioner: Given your question, you seem to be a practical and budget-conscious individual, interested in travel and keen on planning.
2. Generate Responses from Different Ego States:
   • Parent Ego State: This perspective might focus on the practicality and safety of the trip. It would consider the adequacy of the budget for covering all necessary expenses, including travel, accommodation, food, and entry fees. It would also emphasize ensuring enough contingency funds.
   • Adult Ego State: From this viewpoint, the focus would be on objective analysis. This would involve breaking down the costs associated with traveling to Machu Picchu, including flights, local transportation, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and any additional activities. It would compare these costs against your budget of 3000 pounds to determine feasibility.
   • Child Ego State: This perspective might be driven by excitement and the allure of adventure. Machu Picchu is a dream destination for many, and the experience of exploring such an iconic and historical site might be seen as invaluable, outweighing budgetary concerns.
3. Present Each Ego State’s Perspective: As outlined above, each ego state offers a unique perspective on your question. The Parent Ego State emphasizes safety and practicality, the Adult Ego State focuses on factual analysis and budgeting, and the Child Ego State is driven by the emotional appeal and excitement of the trip.
4. Summarize All Responses: Factually, your decision should be based on a detailed breakdown of expected expenses against your budget. Experientially, the value of the trip can be significant, offering a unique and potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience.
5. Research Quantitative Aspects of the Question: I will now research the average costs associated with a trip to Machu Picchu from the UK, including flights, accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and other relevant expenses to provide a more detailed analysis.
6. Conclusion: After gathering the factual data, I will integrate it with the experiential insights to provide a comprehensive conclusion on whether a trip to Machu Picchu is feasible and advisable on a budget of 3000 pounds.

I will now proceed with the research for step 5.

Based on the research and the structured process of analysis, here’s a comprehensive evaluation of whether you should visit Machu Picchu on a budget of 3000 pounds:

1. Cost Breakdown:
   • Flights: Return flights from London to Cusco via Lima range between £350 and £700, averaging around £500​​.
   • Accommodation: In Cusco, a mid-range boutique hotel costs about $160 for two nights, and in Aguas Calientes, it’s around $70​​.
   • Transportation to Machu Picchu: Various options exist, ranging from $58 to $750, depending on the choice of trail or train service​​.
   • Machu Picchu Entrance and Guide: The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu costs around $42, and a tour guide is about $40​​.
   • Daily Expenses: Average daily expenses for budget travelers range from $25 to $30, while mid-range travel costs around $35 to $100 per day​​​​. The average cost of food is approximately $16 per day​​.
2. Total Estimated Cost:
   • Assuming mid-range choices for travel and accommodation, and factoring in meals and miscellaneous expenses, the total cost could be estimated at approximately $1500 to $2500 for a 5-10 day trip​​.
3. Budget Analysis:
   • Converting 3000 pounds to dollars gives a budget of approximately $3900 (using a rough conversion rate of 1.3 USD/GBP as of 2023).
   • This budget seems sufficient to cover the estimated costs of the trip, including flights, accommodation, entrance fees, transportation within Peru, and daily expenses. It also allows for a contingency fund for unexpected expenses or additional activities.
4. Conclusion:
   • From a financial perspective, visiting Machu Picchu on a budget of 3000 pounds is feasible. The budget should adequately cover the necessary expenses for a comfortable and memorable trip.
   • Considering the experiential value of visiting one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites, the trip offers significant cultural and historical enrichment.
   • It’s recommended to plan meticulously, book in advance (especially the Machu Picchu tickets), and possibly consider a budget buffer for any unforeseen costs or opportunities for additional experiences during your trip.

Therefore, if Machu Picchu is a destination you are passionate about and the cultural experience aligns with your interests, this trip seems both financially viable and potentially very rewarding on your budget.

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Conclusion

The GPT:

• Successfully split out the qualitative, human aspects of the question from the factual aspects of the question. 
• Solved the factual aspects of the question using real-time data.
• Recombined the factual data with the qualitative, human aspects of the question.
• Gave a final balanced answer based on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the original question.

This is a relatively good simulation of the actual human decision making process.