CG Jung on Typology versus Caricature

In Psychological Types (1921) Jung writes of an earlier writer's description of "the extraverted man":

"Intellectual criticism cannot help proceeding analytically and bringing the observed type to full clarity by pinning down its motives and aims. But this ... results in a picture that amounts to a caricature of the psychology of the extravert, and anyone who believes he has found the right attitude to an extravert on the basis of such a description would be astonished to see how the actual personality turns the description into a mockery....He does not see the positive man, but only his shadow . And the shadow proves the judgment right at the expense of the conscious, positive man."

Later in his book, Jung provides a general description of eight personality types in a chapter that went on to become influential, leading to the Myers-Briggs system of personality theory, as well as the socionics system.

We will discuss two of the briefer of Jung's descriptions. Some basic theory pointers will be provided to help link Jung's ideas with the modern Enneagram. Our focus will not be on theory for this session, however, but rather on Jung's attitude toward the types he paints - and, by extension, toward typology as an endeavor.

Presumably (based on quote above) Jung wanted to present a more balanced typology than the author he was quoting - that is, he wanted to present human beings fairly - with strengths and imperfections (or, put differently, potential for positive and negative development) - presented in such a way as to do descriptive justice to humanity.

The portraits that result seem to present a kind of pyramid in which positive human development is not necessarily excluded - but with increasing attention and descriptive detail Jung's narrative points to negative spirals into which some people are purported to fall.

We will discuss Jung's attitude and how it relates to attitudes surrounding the use of the Enneagram in our times.

Advance Reading

I have posted two brief excerpts from Psychological Types as pdf files (approx. 5-6 printed pages in total). To access these excerpts press the "Files" button - next-to-last button on the menu-sidebar at the upper-left of this page.

Please read if you can. My apologies for the bad copies - will try to have better ones at the meeting.

Ichazo's Enneagrams of Virtues, Passions, Holy Ideas and Fixations

This month we will go back to the beginning of the modern history of the Enneagram with an overview discussion of some of the basic source material from which contemporary Enneagram literature derives. This material was discussed in group form by Oscar Ichazo and was published in various forms during the 1970's.

The principle four basic "Enneagrams" that lead to the modern Enneagram of personality (out of many more Enneagrams - or Enneagons - used by Ichazo groups) are those of the Virtues, Passions, Holy Ideas and Fixations.

These four qualities all relate to individuals' relation to qualities of Essence or essential nature - and to the potential blocks and barriers that arise in characteristic ways between individuals and Essence. The qualities of Essence are both supremely simple and yet also paradoxically subtle, perhaps too much so for ordinary language.

We will explore on an overview basis our collective understanding of the non-dual Essence qualities as described in the terms used by Ichazo and in developments via other authors (notably Almaas). We will also discuss whether the group wishes to explore any of these fundamental aspects of the Enneagram in greater depth.

Some more preliminary reading may be found at the following link: http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/history.asp

Type Wings

This month, we will discuss theories of "wings" -- variants of each type that can considerably vary the ways fundamental motivations show up in our lives, as well as how the ways our patterns may be recognizable from the outside.

The usual theory of wings in the Enneagram literature is due to Claudio Naranjo and stipulates that the nine conventional Enneagram types have wings on each side of the type -- for example, an individual Type 7 could have one of two possible neighboring wings (6 or 8), under this theory. Someone's type-wing could be relatively strong or weak, so that someone with no discernible wing at all could be said to be a "pure" example of a given core type. An abbreviated notation-style commonly used to describe (for example) an individual of Type 7 with a wing in Type 6 would be "7w6".

I (Nicholas) have been for the past year communicating to our group an alternative theory of Type-Wings, differing from the Naranjo theory. Most of the possible type-wings (with a few exceptions, which overlap with the Naranjo theory) are different under this newer theory. We will go over the new theory briefly and discuss how it may or may not relate to individuals in the group.

We will broaden our discussion to inquire more broadly into what Type-Wings may mean more precisely in the first place - and what the existence of strong variants within each type says about the Enneagram as a whole.

W will also discuss various upcoming potential topics for the autumn, potentially including more bridge-building with other systems and schools.

Note on Location
Due to scheduling conflicts, E-W Books will not be able to accommodate us for the dates we picked last time for our August and September meetings. After looking round the neighborhood, I stopped into the Union Sq branch of the Pain Quotidien cafe, which seemed quiet and suitable. They've agreed to host our meetup - there'll be no admission charge or minimum purchase (though I would encourage everyone to buy at least a cold drink or something). Their kitchen will close at 8.30 but we can stay til 9, after which we can go to the park if we want to go longer and the weather permits.

We will continue our exploration of the synergies between the Enneagram and other related systems. Last month, we heard from Nicholas about relations with Ichazo instinct-types, MBTI and Wilber's system. Kirk presented his views on relations with astrology.

This month, we will plan to probe somewhat more deeply into the "instinctual subtypes" provided by the Enneagram as combined with Ichazo's three types of "instincts". The goal will be a more interactive discussion in which those who are comfortably solid with their Enneagram Type will be invited to explore possible sub-types according to this addendum to the system. There will be a short presentation followed by more open discussion.

(If the preponderance of attendees are beginners not completely comfortable or secure about their regular Enneagram type, we may default to a discussion of strategies for discovery of overall Enneagram-type. In this case, discussion on instinctual subtypes will be postponed.)

If you have a copy of Riso and Hudson's Wisdom of the Enneagram (1999), please read over the descriptions of the instinctual subtypes for your type and bring the book along if possible.

As a reminder, East-West now charges a $5 admission fee for the use of their space, exclusive of food purchased in the cafe. No outside food or drink is permitted.

Dear Enneagram Meetup Members -

After a three month break (to explore an advanced Enneagram related topic), we are resuming our open group.

The next meeting will be the next first Wednesday, April 1, from 7 to 9 pm.

Our topic will be "Using the Enneagram in Community" - we will explore the role of feedback from knowledgeable fellow-seekers in first determining our Enneagram type and in exploring the implications of the expanded personal awareness that we may achieve through the system. We will have interactive discussion on members' own experiences getting feedback and in building community with others - versus simply reading and thinking about the Enneagram as solitary individuals.

A useful question to consider in advance - What would you like to receive from the development a more fully evolved Enneagram community (including this Meetup group)?

New members are particularly encouraged to attend this meeting.

Please note that E-W Books has recently started charing a $5 fee per person for their space. This is in addition to food purchased at the Cafe. E-W also asks that no outside food or drink be brought into their cafe.