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Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, Intelligence
Phenomenon: Keirsey and Bates's Please Understand Me, first published in 1978, sold nearly 2 million copies in its first 20 years, becoming a perennial best seller all over the world. Advertised only by word of mouth, the book became a favorite training and counseling guide in many institutions -- government, church, business -- and colleges across the nation adopted it as an auxiliary text in a dozen different departments. Why? Perhaps it was the user-friendly way that Please Understand Me helped people find their personality style. Perhaps it was the simple accuracy of Keirsey's portraits of temperament and character types. Or perhaps it was the book's essential message: that members of families and institutions are OK, even though they are fundamentally different from each other, and that they would all do well to appreciate their differences and give up trying to change others into copies of themselves.
Now: Please Understand Me II
For the past twenty years Keirsey has continued to investigate personality differences -- to refine his theory of the four temperaments and to define the facets of character that distinguish one from another. His findings form the basis of Please Understand Me II, an updated and greatly expanded edition of the book, far more comprehensive and coherent than the original, and yet with much of the same easy accessibility. One major addition is Keirsey's view of how the temperaments differ in the intelligent roles they are most likely to develop. Each of us, he says, has four kinds of intelligence -- tactical, logistical, diplomatic, strategic -- though one of the four interests us far more than the others, and thus gets far more practice than the rest. Like four suits in a hand of cards, we each have a long suit and a short suit in what interests us and what we do well, and fortunate indeed are those whose work matches their skills. As in the original book, Please Understand Me II begins with The Keirsey Temperament Sorter, the most used personality inventory in the world. But also included is The Keirsey Four-Types Sorter, a new short questionnaire that identifies one's basic temperament and then ranks one's second, third, and fourth choices. Share this new sorter with friends and family, and get set for a lively and fascinating discussion of personal styles.
Now: Please Understand Me II
For the past twenty years Keirsey has continued to investigate personality differences -- to refine his theory of the four temperaments and to define the facets of character that distinguish one from another. His findings form the basis of Please Understand Me II, an updated and greatly expanded edition of the book, far more comprehensive and coherent than the original, and yet with much of the same easy accessibility. One major addition is Keirsey's view of how the temperaments differ in the intelligent roles they are most likely to develop. Each of us, he says, has four kinds of intelligence -- tactical, logistical, diplomatic, strategic -- though one of the four interests us far more than the others, and thus gets far more practice than the rest. Like four suits in a hand of cards, we each have a long suit and a short suit in what interests us and what we do well, and fortunate indeed are those whose work matches their skills. As in the original book, Please Understand Me II begins with The Keirsey Temperament Sorter, the most used personality inventory in the world. But also included is The Keirsey Four-Types Sorter, a new short questionnaire that identifies one's basic temperament and then ranks one's second, third, and fourth choices. Share this new sorter with friends and family, and get set for a lively and fascinating discussion of personal styles.
350 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1998
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December 19, 2009
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - MBTI, y'all. It's Jungian.
When the CERN rappers take on personality preferences, I'll totally let them use that to close out. Word to your SJ mother.
Myers-Briggs is the world's most used personality indicator and the basis for any understanding I have of all people. Please Understand Me II by David Keirsey covers practical aspects of the 16 Myers-Briggs types - communication style, decision making, interests, leadership style and tons more. It assumes, presumably because it is a sequel, that you have a and that . I also found it helpful to think of people I know in the various types as I was reading about them. This encouraged revelations such as, "so, that is why my boss is an insane masochist."
The main message of Myers-Briggs, which is reinforced in this book, is that everyone is ok. Your family or that annoying jerk at Starbucks aren't trying to make you crazy. They have logical reasons for driving you nuts that are completely consistent with how they see the world. With a little knowledge and self-awareness you can figure out why that is and see them for the valuable, well-intentioned people that they are.
Whatever.
That is total shenanigans.
Here's what I got out of the book...as an iNtuitive (N) I view/perceive/take-in the world for its deeper meanings - the big picture - as opposed to Sensors (S) who focus on the concrete details which they take at face value. 85 percent of the world are Sensors, which explains why I don't gravitate toward social events involving small talk. 85 percent of the time I don't know how to contribute to the coversation. And people think I'm weird. Which, apparently, according to the numbers, I am.
Keirsey's take on Myers-Briggs is an interesting, and seemingly valid one, though he says it does contradict Myers' (of Myers-Briggs) analysis slightly. He breaks the 16 types into four main groups based on two factors: word usage and tool usage. You can use words in an abstract way (Ns as described above) or concretely (Ss). You can also use tools - and tools refers to nearly everything: roads, houses, clothes, politics - in a cooperative or utilitarian way. Cooperative usage means you consider the morals of the tool you are using based on societal or idealized norms. Utilitarian means you use tools in the most effective way to get the job done, whether or not it is moral.
The four types that result are Idealists (NF), Guardians (SJ), Rationals (NT) and Artisans (SP). The book has convenient stand-alone chapters for each type so you can skip around to read about yourself or your spouse right from the start. Each chapter contains an introduction story of a famous person of that type, a historical retrospective (Rationals were once referred to as "phlegmatics" because they are bland and detached like mucous), and a breakdown of self-image and orientation in the world.
At the end of the chapters, each of the 4 variants within the overarching types is described in detail - priorities, strengths, relationships. The format helps the reader understand what different variants have in common but also emphasizes the subtle unique qualities in the similar groupings. It helps make sense of why an introvert, scheduling (aka anal) idealist (INFJ) would gravitate towards working as a one-on-one counselor, while an extrovert, scheduling idealist (ENFJ) would prefer the group environment as a teacher.
I think the greatest value in understanding Myers-Briggs types is actually to use it as a self-discovery tool. I've always known I was a weirdo, but I was still shocked at realizing things that I thought were universal are actually particular to my type. Apparently, not everyone is burdened with the nagging feeling that they aren't living up to their full potential. The chapter on SPs (my polar opposites) nearly made me cry. Did you know there are people that get total and complete enjoyment out of the actual moment they are living in?!? They feel free to just do whatever makes them happy without any concern about whether they have to go to work tomorrow or if it will piss of their mother. That sounds amazing. And totally undoable for me.
I love Myers-Briggs and this was a great guide to the types. Totally recommended for anyone trying to figure out their families or coworkers or looking for a little more self-understanding.
When the CERN rappers take on personality preferences, I'll totally let them use that to close out. Word to your SJ mother.
Myers-Briggs is the world's most used personality indicator and the basis for any understanding I have of all people. Please Understand Me II by David Keirsey covers practical aspects of the 16 Myers-Briggs types - communication style, decision making, interests, leadership style and tons more. It assumes, presumably because it is a sequel, that you have a and that . I also found it helpful to think of people I know in the various types as I was reading about them. This encouraged revelations such as, "so, that is why my boss is an insane masochist."
The main message of Myers-Briggs, which is reinforced in this book, is that everyone is ok. Your family or that annoying jerk at Starbucks aren't trying to make you crazy. They have logical reasons for driving you nuts that are completely consistent with how they see the world. With a little knowledge and self-awareness you can figure out why that is and see them for the valuable, well-intentioned people that they are.
Whatever.
That is total shenanigans.
Here's what I got out of the book...as an iNtuitive (N) I view/perceive/take-in the world for its deeper meanings - the big picture - as opposed to Sensors (S) who focus on the concrete details which they take at face value. 85 percent of the world are Sensors, which explains why I don't gravitate toward social events involving small talk. 85 percent of the time I don't know how to contribute to the coversation. And people think I'm weird. Which, apparently, according to the numbers, I am.
Keirsey's take on Myers-Briggs is an interesting, and seemingly valid one, though he says it does contradict Myers' (of Myers-Briggs) analysis slightly. He breaks the 16 types into four main groups based on two factors: word usage and tool usage. You can use words in an abstract way (Ns as described above) or concretely (Ss). You can also use tools - and tools refers to nearly everything: roads, houses, clothes, politics - in a cooperative or utilitarian way. Cooperative usage means you consider the morals of the tool you are using based on societal or idealized norms. Utilitarian means you use tools in the most effective way to get the job done, whether or not it is moral.
The four types that result are Idealists (NF), Guardians (SJ), Rationals (NT) and Artisans (SP). The book has convenient stand-alone chapters for each type so you can skip around to read about yourself or your spouse right from the start. Each chapter contains an introduction story of a famous person of that type, a historical retrospective (Rationals were once referred to as "phlegmatics" because they are bland and detached like mucous), and a breakdown of self-image and orientation in the world.
At the end of the chapters, each of the 4 variants within the overarching types is described in detail - priorities, strengths, relationships. The format helps the reader understand what different variants have in common but also emphasizes the subtle unique qualities in the similar groupings. It helps make sense of why an introvert, scheduling (aka anal) idealist (INFJ) would gravitate towards working as a one-on-one counselor, while an extrovert, scheduling idealist (ENFJ) would prefer the group environment as a teacher.
I think the greatest value in understanding Myers-Briggs types is actually to use it as a self-discovery tool. I've always known I was a weirdo, but I was still shocked at realizing things that I thought were universal are actually particular to my type. Apparently, not everyone is burdened with the nagging feeling that they aren't living up to their full potential. The chapter on SPs (my polar opposites) nearly made me cry. Did you know there are people that get total and complete enjoyment out of the actual moment they are living in?!? They feel free to just do whatever makes them happy without any concern about whether they have to go to work tomorrow or if it will piss of their mother. That sounds amazing. And totally undoable for me.
I love Myers-Briggs and this was a great guide to the types. Totally recommended for anyone trying to figure out their families or coworkers or looking for a little more self-understanding.
July 13, 2010
I think all this reading about the MBTI is turning me into a fascist. I've got this passive-aggressive co-worker and I'm finding myself muttering things like "ISTP cocksucker" under my breath more and more. Time for a fiction break.
July 7, 2009
One of my (many) obsessions. Five years ago this book told me I was an INTP, and I was skeptical. I did not think four letters could sum an entire personality. Little did I know...they could and did! (Sort of.) Then I found out that skepticism is a typical INTP trait. Keirsey is also an INTP! So is (probably definitely) Thomas Pynchon! I've probably taken at least 30 variants of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator since, and while the one provided in this book isn't the best, the profiles are top-notch. The clear, straightforward text fixed many of my misconceptions about the four personality temperaments. Now I can type anyone, anywhere, anytime! (Just kidding. Or not. Be warned: if you see me while I have this book I may accidentally-on-purpose steer the conversation toward types and not-so-subtly force the test on you. It doesn't mean I'm particularly interested in you as a person, in a creepy way that is; I'm merely trying to gather as much data as possible to test out the theory.) Apparently it is a bit NT-biased, but hey, as an NT, I really don't mind that. This book would have been even better had it included extensive overviews of Jung's cognitive functions and Enneagram theory, but then it would have been the size of a small dinosaur. I mean, dictionary.
July 23, 2014
Although some people make themselves annoying with this book by quickly typecasting everyone publicly (people don't like being told who they are usually), its still a really amazing premise. It really helped me appreciate people better, especially my family, and understand why they didn't understand me. This book has made my life less frustrating, and helped me with sales and the ministry, where I need to quickly read someone (or at least get a loose approximation) and what they might value. It's also useful for figuring out exactly what's annoying me about people, so that I can let it go, since it's usually just a temperament difference.
Although I believe from experience that no one really fits neatly or exclusively into any of these categorizations, I still believe they are useful definitions. After all, you can define the color "purple" very clearly, but most of the times you'll encounter the color in nature it's a mix, only generally fitting into the category. When I meet other INFJ's, I'm generally more towards the NT side, and not much of a J. Like a purple that has some greyish blue in it, but is still purple (The other INFJ's I know are more like lilacs or mauves, using the purple analogy). I'm a slightly "harder" version on the theme.
So as long as you don't treat it like a parlor game, it can help smooth out relationships and promote tolerance and cooperation. It's a complex theory, though, and as with many things, sometimes with this "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing". It needs to be read a few times, and supplemented with a few works by different authors on the topic.
And don't expect sensory people to be into it. You probably have to tell them that it's a human resources tool, or has some practical application first.
Although I believe from experience that no one really fits neatly or exclusively into any of these categorizations, I still believe they are useful definitions. After all, you can define the color "purple" very clearly, but most of the times you'll encounter the color in nature it's a mix, only generally fitting into the category. When I meet other INFJ's, I'm generally more towards the NT side, and not much of a J. Like a purple that has some greyish blue in it, but is still purple (The other INFJ's I know are more like lilacs or mauves, using the purple analogy). I'm a slightly "harder" version on the theme.
So as long as you don't treat it like a parlor game, it can help smooth out relationships and promote tolerance and cooperation. It's a complex theory, though, and as with many things, sometimes with this "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing". It needs to be read a few times, and supplemented with a few works by different authors on the topic.
And don't expect sensory people to be into it. You probably have to tell them that it's a human resources tool, or has some practical application first.
December 7, 2010
Personality theory was may favorite psychology class in college, which is where I first encountered the MBTI, upon which this book is based. FWIW, one the full test I'm a moderate I, and nearly balanced on the other three scales, though INTP seems to fit the best.
To me, personality theory is a way of finding the demarcations between types of people; different theories will cut the pie differently and no one theory could ever hope to capture all variability. The MBTI creates binary scales along extraversion/introversion, intuition/sensing, thinking/feeling, and judgment/perception. The resulting four-letter type gives insight in typical beliefs, biases, strengths and weaknesses that ensue from the test answers.
This book was uncannily accurate about many of my defining personality traits, such as relationship to authority, precision that strays into pedanticism, obsession with figuring things out, and so on. It also helped me in relating to my parents, husband, and brother, all of whom score very differently than I do, and in identifying some of the weaknesses inherent in that constellation of traits.
It's a good, easy-to-understand way to analyze your personality type on these scales, and see how that type fits in with the others.
To me, personality theory is a way of finding the demarcations between types of people; different theories will cut the pie differently and no one theory could ever hope to capture all variability. The MBTI creates binary scales along extraversion/introversion, intuition/sensing, thinking/feeling, and judgment/perception. The resulting four-letter type gives insight in typical beliefs, biases, strengths and weaknesses that ensue from the test answers.
This book was uncannily accurate about many of my defining personality traits, such as relationship to authority, precision that strays into pedanticism, obsession with figuring things out, and so on. It also helped me in relating to my parents, husband, and brother, all of whom score very differently than I do, and in identifying some of the weaknesses inherent in that constellation of traits.
It's a good, easy-to-understand way to analyze your personality type on these scales, and see how that type fits in with the others.
February 27, 2018
I have used this personality rating system well over the years, good for both professional and person learning. I am a ENFJ, although sometimes the J turns into a P when I retake the assessment. I am about a 60% extrovert and 40% introvert. Definitely a N and F. Great book.
January 26, 2014
A splendid analysis of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - though Keirsey diverges from Jung and Myers, he explains his observations well without assuming his interpretations are 100% correct. He divides the types into four groups based on communication style (concrete or abstract) and how we interact with one another (utilitarian or cooperative). He dedicates lengthy yet well-written chapters to each bunch: the Artisans (SP), the Guardians (SJ), the Idealists (NF), and the Rationals (NT). Not only does Keirsey analyze each group, but he also relates his ideas to matters such as romance and marriage, parenting, and leadership. While writing broad overviews about the history associated with each temperament, he still incorporates specifics in regard to every type, so it does not appear that he creates generalities out of thin air.
As an INFJ, I loved learning more about the different personality types and each of their strengths and weaknesses. Keirsey's practical applications will appeal to those interested in technical or business-related endeavors as well. Highly recommended for anyone who desires a deeper understanding of Myers-Briggs.
As an INFJ, I loved learning more about the different personality types and each of their strengths and weaknesses. Keirsey's practical applications will appeal to those interested in technical or business-related endeavors as well. Highly recommended for anyone who desires a deeper understanding of Myers-Briggs.
October 10, 2011
So we have been having difficult with my son at school. He's smart, he's generally kind to people and respectful of adults. Yet school has been like pulling teeth since he started kindergarten. Enter an old friend of ours who happens to be a school teacher and she recommends this book to us, tells us to try and figure out what Bode is (and she has a hunch already after meeting him and hearing stories), and then we can understand better what makes him tick, what he likes, dislikes, how our parenting styles will mesh or not, and how we can then best support him. Understanding first is the key. And it was so illuminating. Turns out our child falls under what Keirsey describes as the Artisan:Performer. And it makes sooo much more sense now. Now all we have to do is discover what makes him tick so that he will actually do the work in school... Little steps. But what an illuminating book for me.
April 8, 2022
What can I say about Keirsey?
I disliked this book, because in comparison to other works concerning personality type, I found this to be two-dimensional and full of stereotypes. Basically, this theory is the old Galen temperaments from the 2nd century BC masquerading under Myers-Briggs letters. This temperament theory completely ignores the Jungian cognitive functions and even goes so far to say they don't even exist. Personally, I think the cognitive functions are an integral part of what makes this theory work.
I also think that a lot of the harmful stereotypes that mislead people about the cognitive functions or the MB dichotomies stems from Please Understand Me.
While it is important to read and know the source of these ideas in the personality typology discourse, I would not recommend this book for any serious self-reflection or understanding or as the last word concerning personality typology. So I'm not saying don't read it; just read very critically.
I disliked this book, because in comparison to other works concerning personality type, I found this to be two-dimensional and full of stereotypes. Basically, this theory is the old Galen temperaments from the 2nd century BC masquerading under Myers-Briggs letters. This temperament theory completely ignores the Jungian cognitive functions and even goes so far to say they don't even exist. Personally, I think the cognitive functions are an integral part of what makes this theory work.
I also think that a lot of the harmful stereotypes that mislead people about the cognitive functions or the MB dichotomies stems from Please Understand Me.
While it is important to read and know the source of these ideas in the personality typology discourse, I would not recommend this book for any serious self-reflection or understanding or as the last word concerning personality typology. So I'm not saying don't read it; just read very critically.
July 6, 2023
Easily one of the best books in the category. Highest recommendation for anyone interested in the subject of personality types.
December 6, 2008
I've loved the Myers-Briggs Temperament Inventory since I first took it almost 20 years ago. I've found it to be instrumental in helping me understand myself in ways that I had never considered before. With the knowledge I gained, I have been able to embrace who I am instead of constantly working against myself, and have ventured on the path that has brought me to greater self-awareness and joy.
Please Understand Me is the single best book I've found describing the various MBTI temperaments and how the MBTI works. It's suitable for all audiences, not just those versed in psychological studies. If you have the opportunity, take the MBTI, then read this book. Buy it so you can keep it on your shelf and refer to it as occasion needs. It's well worth the investment in yourself.
Please Understand Me is the single best book I've found describing the various MBTI temperaments and how the MBTI works. It's suitable for all audiences, not just those versed in psychological studies. If you have the opportunity, take the MBTI, then read this book. Buy it so you can keep it on your shelf and refer to it as occasion needs. It's well worth the investment in yourself.
June 6, 2019
Other than its outdatedness, this book was a good read, esp for HR people.
January 25, 2008
Many years ago we learned about the Myers-Briggs personality typing system, and one of the books we read was 'Please Understand Me' by Keirsey and Bates. I found it somewhat useful, but a bit simplistic, and preferred other books. This sequel is a complete re-write, with new information and far more helpful descriptions.
Keirsey uses the Myers-Briggs/Jungian terminology in his book, but rather than focusing on 16 different types of people he divides them into four categories, which he calls the Artisan, the Guardian, the Idealist and the Rational. Forget any pre-conceived ideas you might have about 'Sensing' and 'Intuiting' - for many years I thought I was an ISTJ Guardian. But online discussion, taking this updated version of the test, and most of all reading the book have almost convinced me I am actually an INFJ Idealist.
With insights into the ways the different temperaments relate, lead, and even their differing kinds of intelligence, this isn't really a book to read straight through, but one to dip into over and over again. However in my determination to understand fully the differences between Guardians and Idealists, and why I might have confused the two, I did read the majority of this book over several days. No doubt it will be a reference book for the whole family in the years to come.
Very highly recommended to anyone interested in learning more about themselves or those around them.
Keirsey uses the Myers-Briggs/Jungian terminology in his book, but rather than focusing on 16 different types of people he divides them into four categories, which he calls the Artisan, the Guardian, the Idealist and the Rational. Forget any pre-conceived ideas you might have about 'Sensing' and 'Intuiting' - for many years I thought I was an ISTJ Guardian. But online discussion, taking this updated version of the test, and most of all reading the book have almost convinced me I am actually an INFJ Idealist.
With insights into the ways the different temperaments relate, lead, and even their differing kinds of intelligence, this isn't really a book to read straight through, but one to dip into over and over again. However in my determination to understand fully the differences between Guardians and Idealists, and why I might have confused the two, I did read the majority of this book over several days. No doubt it will be a reference book for the whole family in the years to come.
Very highly recommended to anyone interested in learning more about themselves or those around them.
February 7, 2018
I am a psychologist, and I think it's important to say that there isn't really good science behind this book, or the Myers-Briggs. Very few things in psychology are best conceptualized as 'either or' dichotomies, and so I don't necessarily believe that people stay the same MBTI type their whole life, or are even really all one type at one time. I don't believe that people are that black and white.
However, I do believe that our lives can be very influenced by the stories that we tell ourselves, and like a great work of fiction, this book offers some really interesting and helpful stories to try out. People clearly are different from each other, and what's great about this book is both the overall message of 'different is okay, maybe try to see people who are different from you as equally valid' and some of the specific stories about how people with different tendencies tend to rub up against one another. The mating and parenting chapters were especially interesting.
However, I do believe that our lives can be very influenced by the stories that we tell ourselves, and like a great work of fiction, this book offers some really interesting and helpful stories to try out. People clearly are different from each other, and what's great about this book is both the overall message of 'different is okay, maybe try to see people who are different from you as equally valid' and some of the specific stories about how people with different tendencies tend to rub up against one another. The mating and parenting chapters were especially interesting.
February 20, 2013
I saw this book recommended in a book on writing--though I can't remember precisely which one and I figured I'd check it out. This book will help you build depth to your characters like you never have before. It'll show you other aspects to their personality that you've had to work hard to figure out in the past. It feels like a cheat sheet to the personality of your characters.
It's also a fascinating study in human nature and you'll immediately start analyzing everyone around you, but it's now my ultimate textbook in character personalities. I bought it in ebook and in hardback (so I could mark the snot out of it.) I also recommend it a few times a month to other writers. It's pretty dense and can take a bit to read through, but it's well worth it.
This is how you find out why people do what they do...whether they're real or imaginary.
It's also a fascinating study in human nature and you'll immediately start analyzing everyone around you, but it's now my ultimate textbook in character personalities. I bought it in ebook and in hardback (so I could mark the snot out of it.) I also recommend it a few times a month to other writers. It's pretty dense and can take a bit to read through, but it's well worth it.
This is how you find out why people do what they do...whether they're real or imaginary.
July 11, 2016
At my lowest point, I read this book and found the answers I needed to keep moving forward. It is not too great a statement to declare that this book saved my marriage. Until I got to the Rational Mastermind I honestly thought my husband hated me. This book opened my eyes and helped me understand where my husband is coming from when he behaves in ways that are counter to my natural inclinations and needs. I particularly appreciated that Keirsey never presents any personality type as being superior or inferior to another, but addresses each combination of characteristics as its own unique gift to the world. His chapters on the challenges faced by people paired with a different type were incredibly relevant and helpful. I highly recommend this book for everyone.
Read
October 29, 2009I read the Parenting section & had my teenagers do the 16 question Four Types sorter. It was a great reminder that my children have different personalities than I do (duh!). I of course learned more about myself as a parent than I did about my children - it's always good to have some help "looking in the mirror." The personality descriptions don't fit perfectly: for example, my voracious reader of fantasy has a predominant personality type that isn't supposed to do this. But don't let that phase you; I found focusing on the general themes of the personality types sufficient to help me make some positive changes in my interactions.
April 5, 2011
I was so thankful to read this book because it helped me to understand my family and friends better and helped me to see that differences in each person is good. God made each one of us all unique and our uniqueness is important we all have a purpose and a part to play in God's plan.It was a freeing book to read! :-)
July 28, 2011
Keirsey breaks down the basic precepts of human behavior and gives an excellent perspective on understanding and effectively interacting with others. One of the best references to be able to communicate with co-workers, friends, dates, spouses, kids - anyone. If you are in a position of leadership, you NEED this!
August 29, 2018
If you do not want what I want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong. Or if my beliefs are different from yours, at least pause before you set out to correct them. Or if my emotion seems less or more intense than yours, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel other than I do. Or if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, please let me be. I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me. That will only come when you are willing to give up trying to change me into a copy of you. ~ David Keirsey
My full blog review:
My full blog review:
September 10, 2024
I love personality stuff, and found a lot in this book that’s helpful to understand more about myself (and about those I love).
Only 3 stars for two reasons:
1.) Not a fan of the writing style. Much too academic. Fine for skimming.
2.) (and this is really the main issue) Keirsey holds to very rigid views of each type. Human beings, I have found, are much less stagnant than this book would suggest. Experience does form us—though yes, temperament is something we are born with. As someone who has experienced trauma in several areas of life, I have seen my “type� change. And even now, in some areas, I am fluid—parts of myself are (in Keirsey’s view) “diametrically opposed� to one another. How odd that I should exist as I do.
Anyway. Helpful enough to earn 3 stars. ⭐️
Only 3 stars for two reasons:
1.) Not a fan of the writing style. Much too academic. Fine for skimming.
2.) (and this is really the main issue) Keirsey holds to very rigid views of each type. Human beings, I have found, are much less stagnant than this book would suggest. Experience does form us—though yes, temperament is something we are born with. As someone who has experienced trauma in several areas of life, I have seen my “type� change. And even now, in some areas, I am fluid—parts of myself are (in Keirsey’s view) “diametrically opposed� to one another. How odd that I should exist as I do.
Anyway. Helpful enough to earn 3 stars. ⭐️
April 15, 2021
What an amazing book. I absolutely loved it.
Though for those into cognitive functions this book might seem rather simplified, in my opinion Keirsey is more practical in his approach of "what people are saying" and "what they are doing" instead of assuming their thoughts.
Highly recommend it to literally anyone interested in understanding themselves and others.
There are no best or worst type in general, but there are FOR SURE a best and a worst type for particular situations and understanding people will help a lot with making sure the right people are doing the things they're best at.
I'll be keeping this book on my desk at all times and constantly refer to the summary-table for refreshing information.
For further information I recommend checking out "C.S Joseph" on YouTube, he's going further talking about cognitive functions.
Though for those into cognitive functions this book might seem rather simplified, in my opinion Keirsey is more practical in his approach of "what people are saying" and "what they are doing" instead of assuming their thoughts.
Highly recommend it to literally anyone interested in understanding themselves and others.
There are no best or worst type in general, but there are FOR SURE a best and a worst type for particular situations and understanding people will help a lot with making sure the right people are doing the things they're best at.
I'll be keeping this book on my desk at all times and constantly refer to the summary-table for refreshing information.
For further information I recommend checking out "C.S Joseph" on YouTube, he's going further talking about cognitive functions.
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December 25, 2018Keirsey gives a convincing short history of temperament theory which sets the basis of his work. My only issue is that he often paints very wide brush strikes when it comes to interests and vocations of different temperaments. Other than this his work as proven to be very useful to me especially in understanding big picture differences between temperaments. I now understand his neglect of cognitive functions.
November 21, 2013
Great stuff. Keirsey does a nice job developing a new schema on top of the Briggs tradition. He divides up the 16 personality types (based on 4 letter variables) into 4 major sections: Artisan, Guardian, Idealist, Rational. The book starts off looking at how similar 4 divisions have been made since the start of the the western tradition. Keirsey bases his criteria on observing how people use tools and how people use language. I can't speak for the other types but the Rational section nailed me well, as did the Idealist section for my idealist friends. And the other two sections seemed to fit well other people I know (but I can't see what is going on in their head).
A very important point that Keirsey strings through the work is the idea of the Pygmalian Project; id est, trying to shape others to be like oneself and value the the same things. There are fundamental differences in what the different types value and it is folly to try and change this. Rationals value achievement where idealists value romance; rationals ego is built on being ingenious and autonomous while the idealists is built on being empathetic and authentic.
There is a ton of restating and copied arrangement. As he goes through the sections, each the sections use the same broad syntax for how what they say is presented, but Keisey does a very good job not making it sound lame as he enumerates descriptions and traits of the types. In fact he, here, is a downright brilliant modern example of copia, his ability to say similar things over and over again in new ways. And it's not annoying because the content is so interesting and each time it pertains to a different thing or is about a different type.
A very important point that Keirsey strings through the work is the idea of the Pygmalian Project; id est, trying to shape others to be like oneself and value the the same things. There are fundamental differences in what the different types value and it is folly to try and change this. Rationals value achievement where idealists value romance; rationals ego is built on being ingenious and autonomous while the idealists is built on being empathetic and authentic.
There is a ton of restating and copied arrangement. As he goes through the sections, each the sections use the same broad syntax for how what they say is presented, but Keisey does a very good job not making it sound lame as he enumerates descriptions and traits of the types. In fact he, here, is a downright brilliant modern example of copia, his ability to say similar things over and over again in new ways. And it's not annoying because the content is so interesting and each time it pertains to a different thing or is about a different type.
July 26, 2010
Keirsey has done a great job of popularizing the Myers-Briggs approach to personality. This book is accessible, and each personality is represented well, with plenty of interesting sociological insights.
That being said, there are plenty of potential problems, and the system can obviously be abused. On the idealogical level, Keirsey seems to err on the side of genetic fatalism and a very rigid application of the 16 personalities. If you're an ESTJ, you've always been an ESTJ, and you will always be an ESTJ. Problems come when you try to violate your nature, success and happiness when you accept it.
But people are obviously more nuanced. Keirsey mentions this, but it needs more development. For example, all people develop skills and attributes from all of the four main personality types. Idealists can develop their Rational, Guardian, and Artisan sides, even though they are in some way more primarily an Idealist. Keirsey has room for this in his theory (he even has graphs displaying it), but he doesn't discuss enough how this affects what it actually means to be one of the four personality types. If the four personality types are really more approaches or mindsets, then even the time of day can shift our personality type. This doesn't invalidate his observations, but again, nuances are nice, especially when people so rigidly apply tests like these.
Oh, and a concluding warning. I tried to read this book straight through and couldn't quite make it. Written more like a reference book, there is a ton of repeated information in each section.
That being said, there are plenty of potential problems, and the system can obviously be abused. On the idealogical level, Keirsey seems to err on the side of genetic fatalism and a very rigid application of the 16 personalities. If you're an ESTJ, you've always been an ESTJ, and you will always be an ESTJ. Problems come when you try to violate your nature, success and happiness when you accept it.
But people are obviously more nuanced. Keirsey mentions this, but it needs more development. For example, all people develop skills and attributes from all of the four main personality types. Idealists can develop their Rational, Guardian, and Artisan sides, even though they are in some way more primarily an Idealist. Keirsey has room for this in his theory (he even has graphs displaying it), but he doesn't discuss enough how this affects what it actually means to be one of the four personality types. If the four personality types are really more approaches or mindsets, then even the time of day can shift our personality type. This doesn't invalidate his observations, but again, nuances are nice, especially when people so rigidly apply tests like these.
Oh, and a concluding warning. I tried to read this book straight through and couldn't quite make it. Written more like a reference book, there is a ton of repeated information in each section.
December 17, 2009
I read this book because I am project-oriented, because I like to put things and people into categories that I understand, and because I feel compelled to make sense of complex systems like how people are. I have been working on this off and on for many years, and this book is so much better than most of the popular "what makes you like that" personality books I have read that I wish I had read it first and saved some time! It has helped me appreciate and value the differences in others, and to see my own strengths in a new light. I hope to be able to learn the skills of other types, even if they don't come naturally to me, and this book really helped me clarify what I am looking for.
I found this book more helpful than others especially because it has enough categories to more accurately assess the multitude of types out there--there are 16 different temperament types, although they can be grouped into 4 larger categories. I enjoyed studying it along with its earlier edition, but number II is definitely more clear and easy to remember.
I found this book more helpful than others especially because it has enough categories to more accurately assess the multitude of types out there--there are 16 different temperament types, although they can be grouped into 4 larger categories. I enjoyed studying it along with its earlier edition, but number II is definitely more clear and easy to remember.
December 18, 2014
Okay--I got fanatical about the Jung Myers-Briggs theory of personality last year. I tested my family and many of my friends and acquaintances with an online test, and thought intensively about the theoretical and practical implications of the tool (i.e. the test) and the theory. I wanted something to further my knowledge of it and I wanted to see some ingenious ways of applying the theory--and hopefully some empirical research on such applications. Instead I found that most of the stuff Kiersey discusses in this book I already had researched online. The book did not take my thinking to any new levels really, so it was relatively uninteresting to me. I have only read about 30% of the book--but basically it churns the same ideas through all the different temperaments. HOWEVER, if you just want an initial grounding in Jung Myers-Briggs theory and its general application--this is packed with it all, and the theory (in my opinion) is salient and powerful stuff.
June 11, 2011
This is a great book to read and learn more about the people around you. And I actually learned a lot about myself (for instance, I am not the temperament that I've been instructed to be for most of my life). I found this to be really informative, and actually a fun pasttime with my friends pointing out how closely each matched the personalities they were indicated to be. The book tends to drag a little in places, as it has some of the same basic information as introductions for the different temperaments in each chapter. And by the last chapter, I was a little worn from reading it. My guess is that it probably drags when reading about the temperaments that are the least interesting to me, and that may be the same for other people. But other than that, I really liked this book, and plan to let several others around me enjoy it as well.
May 24, 2011
Thought provoking and informative. I read it as a tool to expand my horizons for character creation, and though, as a complete approach to personality it hovers over the left-brain camp, it does provide a sure footing for leaps into the fog of the collective unconscious. In my case it will be a reference that I turn to for a glimpse of the terrain, rather like google maps, but the real understanding will be more of a dash to the destination in rush hour traffic. That being said, it was rewarding in its depth and complexity. Just shoot me if I start labeling those characters who gallop, swagger or fall across my mind's path with such certainty.
April 18, 2016
This was a really fun book club. Before we read the book, we all took this free online test and then sent the hostess our 4 letters and told NO ONE else. The night of book club she had summaries of all the personalities (not all 16 but the ones that at least one person at book club has) and we each had little sheet to guess who we thought matched. Then we revealed at the end. There were some surprises! It was interesting to see who is like us and who is opposite. I also asked my hubby and kids to take this test so I could see where they fell and understand how to better communicate with them.
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