Posted by Dave on February 28, 1998 at 06:29:17:
In Reply to: enneagrams and the five buddha families posted by Steven J. Lawrence on February 27, 1998 at 17:53:29:
It seems that the east is fond of 5 typing personalities. I studied Chinese medicine which correlates the 5 elements to 5 different personality types. The west is partial to 4 personality types based on the theory of the 4 humors. Unfortunately, like the unified field theory in physics, there is no unified personality typing system. Each is its own "blind man feeling the elephant" so to speak. However, I have found that each system looks at the human condition in a different way, and if you look at it like that you can swich between them effectively.
The enneagram is focused on style of attention and core motivation. MBTI is focused on mental function. The Merril social style is focused on relationship and interaction styles. The Chinese focus on bodymind type. NLP focuses on communication preferences. Etc..
For example: If I want to look at the core reason why I or someone else does something or sees something, the Egram is the best tool. If I want to know how I or someone else thinks and acts , the MBTI works `well. If I want to communicate clearly with someone, NLP shows what mode (ie auditory, visual, kinesthetic, or combinations of them) they are in to best receive me.
Like any good tool, if used in the right context and time, it can lead us to greater understanding, enlightenment, and better relationships. The ultimate goal is to be in essence, everything else is a tool or vehicle to acheive this. We often get hooked on the vehicle being the best and miss the purpose of it which is transportation.
I hope this helps.
Dave