Mort Sahl
approach to life and appearances

The following is a description of Mort's basic stance toward life, the way others see him, the way Mort Sahl comes across, the face he shows to the world. In the page about motivation you will read about the inner Mort Sahl - his real motivation, which describes the kind of person he is at heart and where his true priorities lie. Study this page and the next one and compare them - there may be significant differences between the two, in which case "the inner Mort Sahl" may not shine through and others may be in for so a few surprises once they get to know Mort a little better. This page describes the disguise Sahl wears, his role in life, while the page about motivation talks about the real person beneath the disguise.

Mort Sahl appears gentle and soft, and he acts rather reserved with others until he knows them well and feels it is safe to be open with them. Mort has a strong need for emotional security and a sense of belonging, and is deeply attached to the past: his heritage, roots, family, cherished friends, familiar places, etc. Making radical changes or moves away from what is familiar and safe can be very painful and difficult for him. Sahl tends to cling to people, memories and possessions of personal or sentimental significance. Having a home, a safe haven, is very important to Sahl.

Sahl approaches life emotionally and subjectively and he is sensitive to the emotional atmosphere, the subtle undercurrents of feeling in and around him. Instinctive and non-rational, Mort Sahl is often unable to give a clear, simple explanation for his actions. Something either feels right, or it does not.

His emotions and personal loyalties tend to color Mort's thoughts and opinions. He views life from a very personal perspective and often cannot mentally detach himself from his own personal bias and prejudices. He is apt to be concerned primarily with how something affects him and those dear and close to him, rather than with the principle or the broader social implications. For instance, he may be very patriotic and feel that whatever "my country" does is right without really knowing much about the other nation's policies or point of view. Simply put: if it is good for Mort and his near and dear ones, then it is good. If it is not good for him and his near and dear ones, it is no good.

He is tenaciously loyal, protective, and supportive of those he cares about, and has a very strong nurturing, paternal nature. Mort Sahl empathizes with others and intuitively senses the feelings and needs of other people. Compassionate and sympathetic, he is easily moved by others' pain, and Mort Sahl is often the one that others seek out when they need comfort, reassurance, or help.

His moods fluctuate and change frequently and he is sometimes open and sometimes withdrawn emotionally. Mort Sahl communicates nonverbally and appreciates a person who can pick up subtle cues and hints, rather than having to make everything explicit.

Mort never forgets either kindness or unkindness shown to him.

Mort Sahl comes across to others as intelligent, alert, articulate, knowledgeable and communicative. He is quite curious and interested in the people and events around him and cannot resist commenting about them.

Sahl also needs to be busy and active and he moves quickly. Mort Sahl also appears to be restless. Keeping his mind or hands occupied helps with that.

Sahl may well have been discouraged from freely expressing himself. Moreover, he may be seriously inhibited by an overemphasis on being acceptable, conforming to certain standards and expectations, and generally not getting out of line.

It may be hard for Mort Sahl to hold his ground and he may be taken advantage of easily. Sahl displays little strength or force to others and may be quick to resign, despite having many longings, hopes, and wishes for the future.

Sahl is charming and very affectionate, and he expresses his feelings vivaciously. Love comes naturally to Mort Sahl; he seems to be tuned into love from head to toe. Mort loves to go out and have a good time and little gestures of adoration are important to him.

Mort Sahl has a strong desire to build an image that captivates everyone around him, and with his attractive and fascinating personality, he has the ability to influence many people. Mort is likely to have some unusual love affairs.

Mort Sahl believes in good fellowship or comradeship and cultivates an active social life. His relationships tend to be very harmonious and his participation in group efforts is carried out with vigorous and energetic cooperation.

Mort Sahl has a strong need to influence others and to dominate his home or environment. He is likely to join associations with large groups of people and some of Sahl's relationships will be very important to him and possibly affect his future.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Cancer Rising

Mercury Sextile Asc.

Saturn Quincunx Asc.

Asc. Conjunct Sun/Neptune

Asc. Conjunct Venus/Mars

Asc. Conjunct Venus/Pluto

Asc. Conjunct Mars/N. Node

Asc. Conjunct Pluto/N. Node