The Art of the Deal: In-Depth Analysis of Text, Strategy, and Author's Mindset

I. Introduction

A. Overview of The Art of the Deal (1987)

Published in 1987, The Art of the Deal is an important work that is part memoir and part business advice, co-authored by Donald J. Trump and journalist Tony Schwartz. The book quickly became a bestseller and played a key role in shaping Trump into a household name.

The book claims its goal is to articulate Trump's professional and personal worldview, narrating in the first person his rise as a prominent American businessman and revealing the art of his deals. It purports to provide a "frank examination of the thoughts of a great entrepreneur." At the time of publication, Trump was only 43 years old but was already viewed by many as an ambitious and well-known figure.

From its publication background and market response, the success of this book lies not only in its business advice but also in its effectiveness as a public relations tool. It successfully shaped and disseminated a specific, larger-than-life public persona. The status of a bestseller and its role in making Trump a "household name" indicate that it possessed a powerful myth-building function from the outset. Commentators have emphasized the "extraordinary demeanor" depicted in the book, while biographers have noted its role in "ongoing self-inflation." Therefore, understanding the content of this book requires recognizing that one of its core functions is to construct and disseminate a specific, powerful public image.

B. Scope of the Report and Analytical Method

This report aims to conduct an in-depth, text-based analysis of the English original version of The Art of the Deal. The analytical method will rigorously examine the book's structure, content, principles articulated, negotiation strategies, case studies, language style, and self-presentation. The ultimate goal is to infer the author's mindset and motivations based on textual evidence.

C. Brief Background on the Author's Identity

It is important to acknowledge that Tony Schwartz's role as a ghostwriter/co-author has been widely discussed. Schwartz later publicly expressed regret and criticized Trump, claiming that Trump did not write any of the content in the book, to which Trump has given contradictory responses. While this background information is relevant, the main analysis of this report will strictly focus on the text that is presented and attributed to Trump in the published work, examining the constructed persona and philosophy within.

D. Overview of the Report Structure

This report will unfold according to the following structure: II. Narrative Structure and Style; III. Trump's Core Philosophy: Elements of a Deal; IV. The Art of Negotiation: Strategies and Techniques; V. Major Deal Case Studies; VI. The Author's Voice and Self-Presentation; VII. Mindset and Motivation: A Text-Based Psychological Interpretation; VIII. Conclusion

II. Narrative Structure and Style

A. Organization of the Book

The structure of "The Art of the Deal" can be roughly divided into three parts: first, a detailed description of a typical work week for Trump ("Dealing: A Week in the Life"), second, a list of business principles that Trump follows ("The Big Deal: Elements of the Deal"), and finally, an autobiographical reflection on his early life and most famous business ventures. Overall, the narrative also progresses in chronological order of the deals.

Starting with "A Week in the Life" has a significant effect. It immediately immerses the reader in Trump's world, showcasing an energetic, deal-centered, flexible, and somewhat unstructured way of working ("I handle things very loosely... I prefer to come to work each day and see what happens"). This opening sets the tone for the entire book and quickly establishes the character image the author wants to present: an active, successful, and central figure in affairs.

B. Narrative Voice and Tone

The dominant first-person narrative voice in the book is confident, decisive, and carries a noticeable self-aggrandizing tone ("full of confidence and boldness"). The language is direct and sometimes informal ("talkative"). The narrative emphasizes action, achievement, and "winning." Almost everything is framed in the binary opposition of success or failure, winners or losers. The book heavily relies on anecdotes and specific deal stories to illustrate points.

C. Stylistic Elements

The book frequently uses the names of "celebrities" and focuses on high-profile projects and interactions, creating an aura of importance and extensive connections. The autobiographical nature of the book is clearly "deal-centered," with details of personal life (such as family) greatly downplayed compared to the details of deals. This conversational, sometimes even blunt style aims to convey a sense of authenticity and directness.

This structure itself is persuasive. It is not merely a way of organizing content but a rhetorical strategy. The vibrant opening of "A Week in the Life" immediately shapes the image Trump wishes to project. The subsequent listing of "principles" provides a framework for interpreting the following deal narratives, guiding readers to view these deals as proof of the principles' effectiveness. The chronologically arranged deal chapters construct a continuously escalating success story. This carefully designed sequence reinforces the author's argument and self-image by first presenting an ideal image, then providing a theoretical framework, and finally using seemingly successful cases to validate it.

Moreover, the extreme focus on deals indicates that in the narrative world of this book, "deals" are the primary metaphor for life and the ultimate standard for measuring value. Trump explicitly states, "Deals are my art form." Personal relationships, broader social concerns, and even personal life events take a backseat, serving the art and act of dealing itself. This narrative constructs a worldview in which "deals" are the core organizing principle and the ultimate source of meaning and recognition for the author's role

III. Trump's Core Philosophy: Elements of Deal-Making

"The Art of the Deal" outlines a series of core principles that Trump claims have guided his business career. These principles collectively form a results-oriented business philosophy that emphasizes boldness, flexibility, and control.

A. Principle One: Think Big

This is the central tenet of Trump's philosophy: "Since you have to think anyway, you might as well think big." He emphasizes setting ambitious goals. This mindset requires "full commitment," which he describes as a "controlled nervousness" seen in many very successful entrepreneurs. This contrasts with the "small thinking" that arises from the fear of success or winning. The implication is that thinking big can lead to disproportionately greater success with a relatively small amount of extra effort.

B. Principle Two: Protect the Downside (Conservative Strategy)

Trump advises preparing for the worst-case scenario: "Protect the downside, and the upside will take care of itself." Taking conservative actions to mitigate the risk of loss or failure. This principle seems to create tension with the "Think Big" mantra and Trump's self-portrayal as a risk-taker, suggesting a calculated tension in his approach. This is explicitly referred to as "negative thinking."

C. Principle Three: Maximize Your Options / Flexibility

Having backup plans (Plan B, Plan C, Plan D) is crucial. Trump states, "I always protect myself by staying flexible." Avoid becoming overly attached to a single deal or method. Having multiple options can increase leverage. For example, when considering the acquisition of Holiday Inn, having the option to sell shares for profit or force a buyback as a backup plan.

D. Principle Four: Know Your Market / Trust Your Gut

The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the target audience, industry, and relevant personnel. However, the decision-making process heavily relies on the "intuition" developed through questioning and observation. He advises, "Trust your gut, no matter how good it looks on paper." The book downplays the role of formal market research ("Don't spend money on expensive surveys. Get your hands dirty and do the hard work yourself"). This relates to the view that trading ability is innate/instinctual ("genetically determined"), suggesting that success requires intelligence, good intuition, luck, and courage.

E. Principle Five: Use Your Leverage

Leverage is crucial: "Leverage is your greatest asset." Leverage refers to having something that the other party wants, needs, or cannot do without. This requires identifying and exploiting the other party's needs or perceived weaknesses For example: "My leverage comes from confirming an impression they already tend to believe" 3. The key strategy is: never appear eager to close a deal 23.

F. Principle Six: Enhance Your Location / Buy Good and Make It Better

The strategy is to acquire potentially valuable assets ("bad assets") at a low cost 23, and enhance their value through strategic improvements and marketing 25. The Cincinnati apartment project is an example 1. While location is key, the deal itself is paramount ("the key is the best deal, not the location") 37. The focus is on buying the cheapest properties on the best streets 27.

G. Principle Seven: Get the Word Out / Promote Yourself

Promotion is crucial: "If no one knows, your product is useless no matter how good it is" 25. Promote with enthusiasm and vigor 25. Make good use of the media: understand that the media is always "thirsty for good stories," especially sensational ones 29. Being different, unconventional, bold, or controversial will attract media coverage 27. Even negative news can be leveraged 25. For example, criticism of Trump Tower actually boosted sales 38. The book presents "Truthful Hyperbole" as a "harmless form of exaggeration—also a very effective promotional method" 1. This strategy aims to cater to people's fantasies ("people want to believe") 16.

H. Principle Eight: Fight Back

When treated unfairly or exploited, actively fight back 2. "Fight them to the end" 28. Stand firm in your beliefs, even if it means alienating some people 23. This is seen as necessary toughness: "You must be very tough, ten times tougher than the toughest person you know" 27.

I. Principle Nine: Deliver the Goods / Quality Matters

Ultimately, high-quality products are a prerequisite for sustained success 25. Promotion needs to be backed by substance 25. Complete projects with the highest quality 27. Your commitment is your value 27.

J. Principle Ten: Contain Costs

Keep costs low; only spend where it adds value 2. Cut costs 28. Be efficient: stay within budget and finish work ahead of schedule 27. This is said to have been learned from his father, Fred Trump 25.

K. Principle Eleven: Have Fun / Enjoy the Ride

Power is not just money; enjoying the process itself is key. 2. "I trade for the sake of trading itself. Trading is my art form." 3. Money is just a way of "keeping score." 3. The real thrill lies in "playing the game." 3.

The following table summarizes the core principles presented in "The Art of the Deal":

Table 1: Trump's Deal Elements

There exists a recurring tension among these principles, highlighting the contradiction between emphasizing control, planning, and knowledge (such as protecting downside risk, understanding the market, controlling costs) 2 and emphasizing talent, flexibility, and bold action (such as visionary thinking, trusting intuition, maximizing options, fighting back) 2. This suggests that the philosophy attempts to combine meticulous preparation (or its appearance) with decisive, often aggressive, and seemingly intuitive execution. The emphasis on "intuition" 3 may serve to mystify the decision-making process, attributing success to innate talent rather than replicable strategies. This inherent tension reveals a complex (or perhaps strategically presented) methodology where control and intuition intertwine in the author's self-narrative.

At the same time, these principles overwhelmingly embody pragmatism, focusing on achieving expected outcomes ("winning" or "dealing"). Aside from emphasizing quality 25 and keeping promises 27 (though the latter contradicts the later statements of the ghostwriter 13), there is little discussion of a broader moral framework. Principles such as "fighting back" 23 and "using leverage" 23 prioritize effectiveness in negotiation environments Therefore, the philosophy presented in the book is essentially pragmatic, placing the achievement of a deal ("winning") above adherence to a broader, consistently articulated moral framework.

IV. The Art of Negotiation: Strategies and Techniques

Based on the core philosophy outlined in the book, "The Art of the Deal" details a series of specific negotiation strategies and techniques aimed at maximizing one's own interests.

A. Preparation and Assessment

Preparation before negotiation is seen as key. First is "know your opponent": deeply understand the other party's strengths, weaknesses, resources, motivations, and possible bottom lines. This aligns with Trump's role as an "Observer," seeking breakthroughs by assessing the opponent. At the same time, it is essential to clearly understand one's own market positioning and available leverage points.

B. Setting the Negotiation Framework

The opening strategy is "Anchoring High": making an extremely high initial demand ("set the target very high"), which is often extreme, and then continuously applying pressure. This approach is similar to the psychological technique of "Door in the Face," although the book does not explicitly use this term; its purpose is to influence the other party's expectations through an initial high demand, creating room for subsequent concessions. Additionally, controlling the narrative and public perception is crucial: using propaganda and media to create momentum and shape favorable views. The manner of presentation itself is important, including the use of "real exaggeration."

C. Applying Pressure

The use of leverage is central: actively exploiting the other party's needs or weaknesses and creating the impression that one has greater power. Threats and confrontations are also common tactics: being prepared for a strong counterattack and adept at using threats as bargaining chips. Confrontational and unpredictable behavior can disrupt the opponent's footing. The book even suggests belittling competitors or negotiation targets: "Sometimes, part of making a deal is to belittle your competitors." Informing sellers that their assets are not worth much and emphasizing problems to lower offers is advised. Demonstrating a readiness to "walk away from the negotiating table" is also crucial: never appear eager; the willingness to walk away gives you control and leverage.

D. Managing the Negotiation Process

In terms of negotiation targets, emphasize dealing directly with the highest decision-makers rather than lower-level employees. The rationale is that employees only care about their salaries and will not advocate for your deal. Be wary of "bureaucratic figures" who lack emotion and only follow rules. Patience and persistence are equally important: "Never rush," but also "never delay a deal." Keep pushing forward and do not easily accept "no." Sometimes success comes from building a lasting relationship with the opponent until the timing is right. Flexibility (maximizing options) means being prepared with multiple plans. Throughout the process, maintain top-down control, stay focused, and avoid excessive structural constraints on imagination

E. Conclusion and Execution

Ultimately, "delivering on promises" is crucial for maintaining long-term reputation 25. The measure of success is the final achievement: "What ultimately matters is not how much you take on, but what you ultimately accomplish" 23.

The following table summarizes the key negotiation strategies advocated in "The Art of the Deal":

Table 2: Key Negotiation Strategies in "The Art of the Deal"

Overall, these strategies collectively form a coercive or competitive negotiation model 31, rather than a collaborative or problem-solving model. The focus is on maximizing one's own interests through pressure, manipulation of perceptions, and exploitation of weaknesses, often at the expense of the other party's interests. The book clearly lacks attention to shared interests or relationship maintenance 31, further confirming this interpretation. These strategies are highly consistent with distributive negotiation (competing for the largest share of a fixed pie), while strategies related to collaborative negotiation (such as active listening to seek common interests, co-creating solutions, and building relationships) are noticeably absent or downplayed.

Moreover, negotiation is not only viewed as strategic communication but is also presented as a performance 33. Strategies such as using bravado 25, pretending to be uninterested 33, leveraging media 2, and "real exaggeration" 1 all involve managing external image and controlling narrative to influence the other party. This performative aspect is not merely a personal style but an organic component of the negotiation methodology presented in the book, aimed at gaining an advantage through shaping perceptions

V. Major Transaction Case Analysis

"The Art of the Deal" illustrates and validates its core principles and negotiation strategies through a series of compelling real estate and business project cases. These cases not only showcase Trump's business operations but also reinforce the successful persona he seeks to project.

A. Grand Hyatt Hotel (Commodore Hotel Redevelopment Project)

• Background: The economic plight of New York City in the 1970s, Trump saw opportunity in adversity.
• Transaction: Redeveloping the dilapidated Commodore Hotel near Grand Central Station into the successful Grand Hyatt Hotel.
• Principles/Strategies Demonstrated:
• Vision: Seeing potential in a failing asset. Employing bold modern glass curtain wall architectural design to stand out.
• Leveraging: Using New York City's poor economic conditions as a bargaining chip to secure financing and crucial 40-year tax abatements. Packaging the deal as a means to help revitalize the city.
• Negotiating at the Highest Levels: (Implied) Bypassing bureaucratic processes to gain approvals (consistent with principles).
• Collaboration (Implicit Strategy): Recognizing his lack of experience in the hotel industry, partnering with Hyatt Hotels Corporation for management, leveraging their network and expertise.
• Delivering on Promises: Achieving millions of dollars in annual profits immediately after the hotel opened.

B. Trump Tower

• Background: A prime location on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The transaction involved a complex combination of real estate, land leases, and air rights.
• Transaction: Constructing an iconic luxury mixed-use skyscraper.
• Principles/Strategies Demonstrated:
• Persistence/Vision: Despite initial rejections from the owners, he continued to pursue the deal. The transaction structure was complex, requiring multiple rounds of negotiations (financing, land, air rights, zoning).
• Leveraging/Negotiation: Finding entry points for each aspect—offering bankers multiple options, persuading landowners of the benefits of cooperation, convincing Tiffany's to sell air rights, acquiring adjacent land through contract terms, and leveraging Bonwit Teller's presence to secure zoning approvals.
• Promotion/Marketing: Investing in luxury amenities (such as an 80-foot waterfall). Marketing to affluent tenants who value luxury and exclusivity. Employing a "reverse psychology" strategy and high pricing. Utilizing media controversy to boost sales.
• Delivering on Promises: Constructing a high-profit iconic building that enhanced Trump's credibility

C. Wollman Rink Renovation Project

• Background: The New York City government has struggled for years (mentioning 6-10 years) on the renovation project of the ice rink in Central Park, wasting millions of dollars 24.
• Deal: Trump proactively offered to take over and promised to complete the project quickly and at low cost 23.
• Principles/Strategies Reflected:
• Seizing Opportunities/Countering (Bureaucracy): Intervening where the government has failed 34. Comparing the efficiency of private enterprises with the incompetence of the government 40.
• Promotion: This is a highly publicized project that showcases Trump's efficiency 24.
• Cost Control/Efficiency: Reportedly completed in months, under budget 24.
• Engaging with Opponents: Portraying then-Mayor Ed Koch as a "bully" and "coward" 23, framing the interaction as adversarial.

D. Other Illustrative Projects (Brief Description)

• Swifton Village: The first major deal 1. Purchasing distressed assets, making aesthetic improvements (shutters, doors, painting), raising rents, and then selling for profit 25. Reflects the principle of "buying quality assets and improving them."
• Atlantic City Casinos (Trump Plaza, Trump Castle): Entering a new market 25. Initially adopting a cautious strategy (Trump Plaza) 25. Profiting from Hilton's missteps (Trump Castle) 25. Using aggressive strategies (such as attempting acquisitions to distract opponents) 38. Utilizing visual effects for promotion during construction (such as a large number of dump trucks) 23.
• USFL Investment: A deviation from the norm—driven by a love for football and the desire to challenge the NFL's monopoly 25. Viewed as a gamble 25, potentially contrary to the principle of "protecting against downside risk."
• West Side Rail Yards: Repurchasing land, profiting from others' mistakes, reflecting the value of experience 25. Packaging the deal as helping the seller (Penn Central Railroad) 38.

These case studies have been carefully selected and narrated to continuously validate the author's principles and project an image of inevitable success through exceptional skills and intuition. Failures or less successful ventures (such as the eventual failure of the USFL investment) may be omitted or repackaged (for example, the USFL is presented as a bold challenge rather than a financial loss). The story of Wollman Rink 24 is particularly crafted as a powerful parable illustrating the contrast between the vitality of the private sector and the incompetence of the public sector. Thus, these case studies primarily serve as rhetorical devices to reinforce the author's self-portrayal and the effectiveness of his methods, acting as carefully curated evidence of his "art." Many transactions are framed as battles—against competitors, reluctant sellers, government bureaucracies, or difficult tenants. This confrontational framework aligns with the principle of "fighting back" and a competitive negotiation style, portraying the business world as a zero-sum game arena where the tough prevail. The depiction of Mayor Koch in the Wollman Rink case is a typical example. This narrative structure reinforces the idea that business success requires constant struggle and confrontation.

VI. The Author's Voice and Self-Presentation

"The Art of the Deal" not only articulates business principles and strategies, but its language, tone, and self-presentation also constitute key elements in understanding the author's intentions and the image constructed.

A. Language and Tone

The book frequently employs superlative adjectives ("the biggest," "the greatest," "the best"), creating a sense of unparalleled achievement. The tone is confident, decisive, and often carries a self-congratulatory flavor. When describing characters and situations, the language is direct, sometimes even harsh, such as referring to Ed Koch as a "bully" and a "coward."

B. Self-Presentation

The author presents himself as a master dealmaker, an artist using deals as a medium. The book repeatedly emphasizes the role of innate talent, intuition, and "genes" in success. He portrays himself as tough, decisive, and relentless, an outsider challenging conventional thinking and established rules. Despite claiming to "take it easy," he also emphasizes hard work and long hours. The book also claims loyalty to close partners.

C. Depiction of Others

Characters are often simply categorized as winners/losers, strong/weak. There is often a dismissive or critical attitude towards opponents, competitors, or bureaucrats. Praise is reserved for those seen as efficient, loyal, or useful to his goals. The book mentions lessons learned from his father, Fred Trump.

D. "Truthful Hyperbole"

This concept is explicitly defined in the book as "a harmless form of exaggeration—also a very effective promotional tool." It is explained as catering to people's fantasies and desires. From the perspective presented in the book, this is positioned as harmless boasting, a strategic tool for manipulating perception rather than deception.

The cumulative effect of language, tone, and self-presentation constructs an almost impeccable character image. Frustrations are minimized, successes are magnified, and challenges are framed as opportunities to showcase superiority. The narrative consistently reinforces an image of control, mastery, and inevitable victory. The frequent use of superlatives, emphasis on victory, highlighting of talent and intuition, presenting cases as triumphs, and rationalizing exaggeration with "truthful hyperbole" all work together to shape a narrative character with extraordinary abilities and an invincible aura "Real Exaggeration" may not just be a promotional strategy; it may reflect a worldview where objective facts are less important than the expected perceptions or the "stories" being told. If reality can be shaped through bold claims and exaggerations, then exaggeration is not just a sales tool but a means of constructing reality itself within the narrative scope of a book. Catering to people's fantasies and what they are willing to believe suggests a focus on subjective perception rather than objective facts. If exaggeration is "harmless" and "effective," it implies that the effects or perceptions it generates are more important than literal accuracy. Therefore, this concept suggests a potential worldview where reality is malleable and can be shaped through confident narratives and performances.

VII. Mindset and Motivation: A Text-Based Psychological Interpretation

By analyzing the narratives, principles, and cases in "The Art of the Deal," one can interpret the mindset, motivations, and possible psychological traits presented by the author based on textual evidence. It is important to emphasize that this is not a clinical diagnosis but an academic analysis based on textual patterns.

A. Core Motivations (Textual Statements)

• The Thrill of the Deal: The author explicitly states, "I don't do deals for the money... I do deals for the deal itself. The deal is my art form... that's where my pleasure lies." Money is secondary, a way of "keeping score." The real excitement lies in "playing the game."
• Desire to Win/Competitiveness: The overriding drive is to win negotiations and projects, to be the best. This is seen as a necessity for survival ("You have to be very tough").
• Achievement and Legacy: A desire to build significant, iconic landmarks ("the skyline... with Trump's name on it"). Value is measured by achievement.
• Attention/Recognition: (Inferred) From the emphasis on promotion and media, the author enjoys media attention, even negative attention. A desire to be seen as "the best," "the biggest."

B. Cognitive Style (Textual Presentation)

• Intuition-Driven: A heavy reliance on "intuition" rather than data or traditional analysis. Belief in innate trading ability.
• Action-Oriented: Preference for immediate action, "let's see what happens," rather than rigid structures. Focus on the present.
• Flexible and Opportunistic: Ability to adapt, maximize choices, and find opportunities in adversity. "The worst times create the best trading opportunities."
• Focus (Controlled Neuroticism): Exhibits strong, single-minded focus when handling deals.
• Binary Thinking: Tends to categorize people, projects, and outcomes as winners/losers, good/bad, strong/weak.

C. Interpersonal Dynamics (Textual Depiction)

• Transactional: Interpersonal relationships are primarily measured by their utility in achieving goals. Values loyalty, but seemingly conditional on the other party's usefulness
• Competitive/Confrontational: Viewing negotiation as a battle; assessing opponents' weaknesses and overcoming them 31. Willing to belittle or attack opponents 23.
• Hierarchical Perspective: Preferring to deal with the "top tier" 23. Having a clear understanding of status and power dynamics.
• Seeking Domination: Strategies such as high anchor positioning, using bravado, and controlling the narrative suggest a drive to seek dominance in interactions 33.

D. Intrinsic Values (Text Presentation)

• Success is primarily defined by wealth, scale of achievements, and winning deals.
• Emphasizing toughness, strength, and resilience.
• Valuing loyalty (mutual).
• Pragmatism and efficiency take precedence over adherence to conventions or potentially abstract moral principles.
• Believing that individual agency and willpower can overcome obstacles 40.

Recurring patterns in the text—such as the pursuit of grandeur (visionary outlook, use of superlatives) 3, seeking admiration (promotion, media focus) 25, possessing a sense of entitlement (rules are obstacles) 40, leveraging others to achieve goals (using leverage, belittling) 23, lack of empathy (transactional perspective, disdain for opponents) 23, and exhibiting arrogance 3—collectively point to characteristics associated with the narcissistic themes often discussed in leadership studies. It must be emphasized again that this is entirely based on the interpretation of internal patterns within the text, rather than external clinical judgments. The character portrayal constructed in the book, with its self-aggrandizement 1, obsession with victory 27, and transactional relationships 21, aligns closely with these theoretical characteristics.

Framing trading behavior as a form of "art" 3 may not merely be a metaphor. Art often implies subjective interpretation, unique talent, and a realm where conventional rules may not apply. This framework may serve to justify certain strategies (such as extreme leverage, belittling opponents, exaggeration) by positioning them as necessary components of the "artist's" creative process, rather than merely morally questionable business tactics. By elevating trading to the level of "art," the author may have conferred legitimacy on their highly competitive, and at times seemingly ruthless, business methods on psychological and rhetorical levels.

VIII. Conclusion

A. Summary of Research Findings

This report provides an in-depth analysis of "The Art of the Deal," revealing its multiple layers. First, the narrative structure of the book is meticulously designed to present information (life snippets, principles, case studies) in a specific order to persuade readers. Second, the book articulates a set of business philosophies and negotiation strategies centered around "visionary outlook," "using leverage," "fighting back," and "real exaggeration," which overwhelmingly lean towards competitiveness and coerciveness, emphasizing results over process or relationships. Furthermore, the selected case studies, such as the Grand Hyatt, Trump Tower, and Wollman Rink projects, are systematically used to validate the author's principles and capabilities, constructing a narrative of sustained success. Additionally, the author's voice is confident and self-aggrandizing, with direct language that shapes a specific self-image through an emphasis on talent, toughness, and victory. Finally, a text-based psychological interpretation indicates that the character portrayed in the book exhibits significant narcissistic traits, with core motivations revolving around the thrill of winning deals, a sense of achievement, and public recognition, viewing trading itself as an "art" that transcends conventional business ethics

B. Character Image in "The Art of the Deal"

Overall, "The Art of the Deal" successfully constructs a vivid character image: Donald Trump is a master dealmaker, a genius who navigates the complex business world with intuition and boldness, a tough competitor, a winner who is unafraid of confrontation and ultimately always prevails, and a figure who elevates business transactions to an art form. This image emphasizes power, intuition, control, and ultimate victory.

C. Significance and Legacy of the Text

As a publication, "The Art of the Deal" holds significant cultural meaning. It is not only a bestselling business book but also a text that defines a specific model of business success and values. It has greatly influenced the public's perception of its author and has become a cornerstone in the process of constructing his self-mythology. The strategies advocated in the book and the mindset presented, regardless of their authenticity or morality, have become an important reference point for understanding Trump's public image and business behavior.

D. Final Thoughts

This report is strictly based on the original English text of "The Art of the Deal" and related research materials for analysis. While acknowledging the controversies surrounding the book's creation process, this analysis focuses on the information conveyed by the published work, the constructed character image, and the worldview it embodies. By deconstructing its narrative, principles, strategies, and language style, this report aims to provide an in-depth understanding of this influential work and the mindset of its author.

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