H. L. Mencken
motivation

H. L. Mencken's practical, realistic approach to life (described in the previous chapter), combined with his perfectionism (described below), makes for a very skilled and talented person. Mencken can excel at any task that requires skill, dedication and attention to detail. Sometimes, however, he has difficulty balancing work and pleasure, and he should avoid the tendency to vacillate between extremes of austere, hard work and laziness.

At heart H. L. Mencken is modest and humble and rarely strives to be in the limelight or in a position of power. H. L. Mencken has a sharp analytical mind, a keen eye for detail, and prefers to observe, dissect, and study life from a distance. Conscientious and conservative, Mencken can be relied upon to be cautious, efficient, and thorough in his work and he takes pride in a job well done. What he may lack in self-confidence H. L. Mencken often makes up for in skills - fostering expertise, technical knowledge and competence in a specialized area. He is adept at using his hands to create or fix things, and meticulous attention to detail and careful craftsmanship are his forte. Some would say he is a little too meticulous, for Mencken can be extremely critical and petty if everything is not done exactly as he thinks it should be, and he worries about things that other people consider trivial and unimportant. H. L. Mencken likes to organize, categorize and arrange everything into a logical system and is often distinctly uncomfortable when something does not fit into a neat category. Disorganization vexes Mencken. He probably wishes that he were not such a perfectionist, for besides being a stickler for details, Mencken can also be mercilessly self-critical. Whether in his environment or within himself, Mencken tends to focus on the flaws, with a desire to improve, refine, and perfect. He is strictly factual, truthful, and scrupulously honest in his self-assessment and often does not give himself enough praise or credit.

He is also highly discriminating and may be especially particular about his diet, hygiene, and health habits. Henry has high aesthetic standards and refined sensitivities, and is bothered by environmental elements (such as disorder, cigarette smoke, etc.) that others overlook. His tastes are simple and understated, yet refined. He is truly offended by coarseness, bluntness and vulgarity. Mencken can sometimes be difficult to live with because of his fastidiousness, sensitivity and idiosyncrasies about food and cleanliness.

Though H. L. Mencken seems rather cool and self-contained, he is very helpful by nature and enjoys serving others. He is content to play a supporting role rather than the lead. He is quietly devoted to the ones he cares for.

He is cautious, realistic and practical in his approach to life and disinclined to gamble. H. L. Mencken analyzes before he acts. He is sometimes too serious. If Mencken allowed himself to play and make mistakes, it would be highly beneficial to his health!

H. L. Mencken has a very dramatic, creative, expressive nature and he loves to perform. Henry enjoys being the center of attention and he seeks to shine, to excel, and to be outstanding in some unique way. He is very involved in his own creativity and self-expression, and takes great pleasure in developing and using his special talents, whether these are artistic, athletic, or intellectual. H. L. Mencken has a strong sense of pride.

H. L. Mencken tends to see things from his perspective only and to be rather subjective. He also enjoys talking and expressing his views but does not always listen as well. H. L. Mencken has a clear mind, a love of learning and new experiences, and he needs constant mental stimulation and activity.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Ascendant in Taurus and Sun in Virgo

Sun in Virgo

Sun in 5th house

Sun Conjunct Mercury