The Philosophy to Live and Die By, According to Your Enneagram Type
From Aristotle to Judith Butler, philosophers have been telling us that the key to living a fulfilling life is to know oneself. Complex, introspective thought is the thing that separates humans from other animals, and our ability to understand ourselves is what allows us to reach new levels of consciousness.
But it's also part of human nature to confuse good ideas with their opposites. We see this all the time when people with the very best intentions act against their own self-interest or harm others, society or the planet.
Throughout history, philosophers have taught us a lot about how to think well, in service of truth and the good. Add the Enneagram into the mix, and we can determine the best philosophy to live by, tailored specifically for each of the nine Enneagram types.
Type One: Spend Time Wisely On What Truly Matters
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend” ~ Theophrastus
Perfectionist, dutiful Ones may think they are making good use of their time by being productive, but often they are sacrificing so much in the process: fun, relationships, their own well-being, and the opportunity to do something truly meaningful. The One's philosophy to live by is to understand that time is your most precious resource, and you must be selective in how you spend it.
This means learning to say 'no' to tasks or commitments that don't align with your values. It means understanding that the high bar you set for yourself doesn't have to apply to every aspect of your life, and that it's okay to kick back and simply accept things that are flawed or wrong. On their deathbed, no one ever wishes they had spent more time at the office—so watch that time clock and make sure you're gifting some of it to yourself.
Type Two: Love Yourself First
“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ~ Buddha
Type Twos are known for putting others first and often neglecting their own needs. These types are natural caregivers, and a life without love and service would feel meaningless to them. But there is a point at which giving takes away from your energy stores and gives nothing back. People cannot always be relied upon to return the effort, love or help we bestow. This is when the Two's philosophy to live by comes into play: you must learn to love yourself first.
This means taking time for self-care and recognizing your own value and worth beyond what you can do for others. It also means setting healthy boundaries and not sacrificing your own well-being for the sake of someone else's. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Type Three: Be Authentically You, Not Who You Think You Should be
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates
Driven and success-oriented Type Threes often focus on outward achievements as a reflection of their worth. They tirelessly pursue goals and accolades, not because they necessarily enjoy them, but because they believe it will make them look worthy and successful to others. But in the race to the top, they might overlook the importance of introspection and authenticity. The philosophy for Threes revolves around embracing self-reflection to uncover a true sense of self beyond external achievements.
Living a life examined means taking the time to question your motivations and align your actions with who you truly are, rather than who others expect you to be. Threes tend to enjoy being learners and "knowers" of things—those intrigued by Socrates’ call for self-examination can delve into Plato’s dialogues such as “Apology” and “Phaedo” to deepen their understanding of self-awareness.
Type Four: Move With the Ebb and Flow of Life
“The only constant in life is change” ~ Heraclitus
Individualist Fours often struggle with feelings of longing and nostalgia for a past that never was, or an idealized future. This can lead to a tendency to reject the present moment or constantly seek something better or more meaningful. But the truth is, nothing stays the same forever, and part of embracing life fully means accepting impermanence.
The philosophy for Fours centers around letting go of attachment to outcomes and learning to find beauty and meaning in the here and now. This doesn't mean giving up on dreams or aspirations, but rather being present and fully engaged in the journey towards them. Fours can explore Buddhist teachings on impermanence to deepen their understanding and practice of this philosophy.
Type Five: Keep it Simple, But Not Simplistic
"Plurality should not be posited without necessity", or the simplest explanation is usually the best one - William of Ockham
The principle of Occam’s razor—that all other things being equal, a simpler explanation is better than a complicated one—is a useful philosophy for Type Fives to keep in mind. As cerebral and analytical types, Fives can often get lost in complex theories and ideas, going down rabbit hole after rabbit hole in their search for knowledge and understanding.
But sometimes, the simplest answer is the most appropriate one. These are wise words for Fives who seek to conserve their resources, including their mental energy. By keeping it simple, Fives can understand when enough is enough. They can avoid getting lost in their thoughts and instead focus on what is essential.
Type Six: Trust in the Process
“Life is a journey, not a destination” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Loyal and responsible Type Sixes often struggle with anxiety and worry about what might happen in the future. This can lead to a constant need for reassurance and seeking out security in external sources, such as authority figures or belief systems. Logically, they know that life is full of uncertainties, and there's no way to guarantee outcomes. Trusting their ability to roll with those punches is difficult, however.
The philosophy for Sixes involves embracing the idea that life is a journey with many twists and turns. The key is to trust in the process, have faith in yourself, and believe that you can handle whatever comes your way. This doesn't mean being reckless or blind to potential risks, but rather finding a balance between preparedness and living fully in the present moment.
Type Seven: Appreciate Stillness
"Silence is a source of great strength." – Lao Tzu
Adventurous and enthusiastic Type Sevens often hunger for new experiences, to the point where they can barely sit still. Holding fast in one job, place, hobby, habit or relationship can feel like they’re dying. But while the forward momentum is exhilarating, it can also prevent the Sevens from pausing for contemplation.
The philosophy for Sevens involves finding balance between their desire for constant stimulation and the need to appreciate stillness. This doesn't mean giving up on adventure and spontaneity, but rather learning to find moments of peace amidst the chaos. Use those moments to meditate, reflect and find gratitude for what is, rather than constantly seeking what could be.
Type Eight: Let Go of Control
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it and join the dance." – Alan Watts
Assertive and strong-willed Type Eights have a deep desire for control over their lives and surroundings. They can sometimes come across as domineering or intimidating as a result. But the reality is, life is unpredictable, and we cannot control everything that happens to us. Trying to control everything is as futile as trying to hold onto sand.
The philosophy for Eights involves learning to let go of control and embracing change and adaptability. It's not that Eights struggle with change—they're often quite comfortable with it—but rather the desire to control the direction of travel that can make transitions difficult. By moving with the change and not against it, Eights can find a sense of release and freedom.
Type Nine: Conflict is Inevitable; How You Handle It is Your Choice
"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." – Albert Einstein
Peacemaking and harmonious Type Nines tend to avoid conflict at all costs. They will mediate between others, adapt to different opinions and let go of their own needs in order to keep the peace. When the drama becomes too hot to handle, Nines would rather walk away and risk being seen as lazy or uninvolved, than deal with the conflict head on.
The philosophy for Nines is not to embrace conflict in the sense of actively seeking it out, or staying engaged in destructive arguments. Rather, it's to recognize that you are not powerless in the face of conflict. It is wholly within your power to handle the situation in a way that benefits you and those around you—changing your mindset around conflict can open up opportunities you never imagined.
