Martin Shkreli, the self-promoting ‘Pharma Bro’ was sentenced to seven years in prison on Friday, after being found guilty of defrauding investors in two failed hedge funds. A tearful Shkreli apologized to his investors and admitted his many mistakes, and in an earlier letter to the judge he expressed reasons for his actions with promises to change. But is there any truth in these claims or just desperation? Samples of his handwriting provide a fascinating insight into the psyche and behaviour of this now convicted felon, and by his own words he may already have the answer – ‘I wanted to be more than I was.’ 

‘I don’t do autographs,’ Steve Jobs replied, when asked to sign the Newsweek magazine that sold last year for over $50 K. This rare and insightful sample of his signature and writing captures the moment when he unveiled the NeXT computer in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1988. The brilliant and uncompromising Jobs gave very few signings, but here we can see so much about the man through the lens of graphology.

Today we all want our children to be tech savvy but while this is important, is it wise to forgo handwriting in favour of screens and keyboards? Science has revealed how writing by hand influences brain development, particularly in children whose minds are being shaped to learn and retain information, and prepare them for life. 

As digital communication increases, it’s easy to see why many of us rarely write. Quick, easily read messages can be typed in an instant, giving our writing skills the day off, or even longer. 

Our ability to pick up on body language is instinctive, and the signals we send are 14 times more powerful than what we say.1 Handwriting is like body language on paper, and Carl Jung described it as a valid expression of the human psyche. It's a snapshot in time, a unique picture of who someone is in that moment, as if they are standing there ready to shake your hand...

What if you could read someone’s mind, just for a second? Do they share your vision, or are they on another page entirely? Graphology, or handwriting analysis, reveals what drives people. It tells you what they’re capable of and the kind of person they are. How someone communicates, the status they seek, whether they can listen, or stay cool under pressure can all be seen in handwriting. You’ll know who you’re really dealing with, and whether their right for your team.  

Do you like using up the page and find ruled lines annoying? Or is your writing small and contained with a focus on finer details? The size of someone’s writing can be the first thing that we notice when reading a note - it tells us about their confidence and how much room they need to be themselves. Size measured from the top of the tall letters to the bottom of the lower forms such as y and g is called ‘absolute’ and how the writer would like to see themselves, and this is a great starting point for understanding the personality. 

You’ve probably got a keyboard in your pocket – on your phone. It’s almost expected these days that we stay in touch by typing. So, when was the last time you picked up a pen – and what do you think of your handwriting?

These days it’s just so easy to text, tweet or let a photo to the talking, but did you know that your handwriting reveals your personality, deepest fears and dreams for the future? A simple pen and paper is all you need to express the inner workings of your mind, and an experienced graphologist can tell your personal life story from a page of your handwriting. 

Life doesn’t come with directions or a map, but did you know that the answers you seek could be as close as your fingertips? Handwriting reveals the essence of character, and graphology, the study of handwriting, is a wonderful tool for bringing to light your inner purpose. Conscious and unconscious desires, strengths and potential, as well as hidden fears are all evident when we write. The amazing thing about graphology is that it can guide us along our true path, unique for each one of us.

As Donald Trump dominates all forms of media, attention has been drawn to his signature – thick black angles with tall spikes, in determined repetition. His regular writing however is quite different, and has changed markedly over the years. Graphology is a snapshot in time and reveals the personality as it is at the time of writing. In the current sample we have an honest picture of his self-image, what drives him, and the ‘whys’ of his behaviour in 2017. A sample written 30 years earlier shows a man at the crossroads, but also gives clues of what was to come. Considered together we have a complete picture of his will power, emotions, and of his quest for greatness – for which the price is high indeed.

This letter written in May 2016 by Sir David Attenborough shows a man of amazing vitality for 90 years of age. He is famous for bringing the natural world into the homes of millions, and for inspiring the conservation of endangered species the world over. But what drives this man whose voice we know so well, and how can this simple letter reveal the character behind the words on the page? What we can see is that his writing could almost be compared to the field that he studies – one of invisible boundaries and patterns, and unconscious instincts that seek expression – let’s take a closer look at what all of this means.

Warnie’s copped a fair deal of press over the years as one of the country’s most elite sportsmen. The cricketer/celebrity/all round Aussie bloke has been applauded for his skills on the field and his genuine character, and there’s been plenty of off-field controversy in the media. This note penned in his autobiography however, is as much telling as the story itself, revealing his motivation, aspirations and social attitude to name a few. Here’s an honest appraisal of the man behind the hype, from his handwriting and signature. 

Fierce determination, irritation and high ideals can be seen in the writing of Nick Kyrgios. His trademark competitiveness, dynamism and lightening quick reflexes pack stadiums and he’s currently ranked number one in Australia and 13 in the world of men’s tennis. His speed of thought, keen intuition and perseverance give him the edge over his opponents, along with his precision and efficiency of movement – but the gut reactions and intensity that make his game so electrifying, also play their part when he’s challenged by authority.