HarperOne Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery

Amongst the best Enneagram books on the market. One of the things I like most about Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery is that the authors give a detailed analysis of the different levels of emotional health within each enneatype. It turns out many named 'mental illnesses' are in fact the extreme end of a given enneatype's continuum. To name a few, unhealthy Twos are prone to munchausen by proxy, Threes psychopathy and Nines multiple personality disorder, while unhealthy Fives are routinely diagnosed with Aspergers and other types of autism. Such labels are absolutist and can have a limiting effect on the labelled person's life because they lack an understanding of the person's internal psychological landscape. I've been a student of the Enneagram for a long time now and it's the gift that keeps on giving. There's always more to learn from this extraordinarily comprehensive mathematical system. The legal, education and medical professions would all function more efficiently with reference to the Enneagram because it provides such insight into people's psychological architecture and resultant motivations.

I've had Riso and Hudson's The Wisdom of the Enneagram for many years, and found it useful. However, I was disappointed in this book, for two reasons: 1) It covers pretty much the same ground as The Wisdom of the Enneagram and 2) Whilst the Enneagram itself is an amazingly accurate process and can be very helpful for personal development, I find that Riso and Hudson's overwhelming focus on the Stages of Disintegration unhelpful to say the least, and somewhat depressing. I would recommend Beatrice Chestnut's 'The Complete Enneagram' much more as an empathic, wise and grounded exploration of the Enneagram, which offers more potential ways forward into positive growth for each type.

I have read different Enneagram books just because I find it interesting and from them all I found this one the most insightful. Specially if you want to learn about yourself, since when reading about the different levels of development in your type, you can actually see how you pass through different points in different moments in your life, for better or worse, it shows the spiral that takes you up and down and why in a clear manner.I like that the main 9 different types are described in different chapters, so you can go to the chapter you are interested instead of finding little bits of information through the whole book.I also like that the wing subtypes are also described within each of the types, giving you a bigger idea of what is the actual difference between being one wing or another.I would say if you want to have a good insight about your type or any other this is a good book for you. Be aware that you will read things you like and you don’t like about yourself, accept that, nobody and no type is perfect.If on the contrary you were looking for a quick description of all types, don’t spend your money, just do a little research on Internet and you will get that info there.

On reading this book - it has a somewhat a good as well as disturbing effect - kind of like what I suppose it might be to go to a psychic or an astrologer with some 'power' to see into your soul. Some helpful parts, but I really dislike the added focus of pathology in the types - doesn't sound healthy or helpful to me. I would suggest if you have any doubts about the Enneagram yourself to read online the essay: 'Tell Me Who I Am, O Enneagram.' See what you make of it. I like/prefer the Jungian and Myers-Briggs approach much better. But as always, see and judge for yourself.

I've tried all sorts of personality tests and this is an excellent method to use. Very clear and full descriptions of all types under the test with a clarity of purpose. Not every word in each explanation will necessarily apply but you'll see yourself in a new way if you treat it with respect