The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge

This book provides some very helpful points of view on the enneagram. The discussion is well-organized around the nine basic types and the esoteric structure of the enneagram, itself. These types are considered as arising out of archetypal patterns of responses children might have to their environments, especially with respect to making adaptations for survival that are irreversible and carry into adult life. These adaptations have a shadow side of human characteristics that cannot be adequately incorporated in the survival strategies. Dr. Chestnut discusses all of this remarkably clearly. It is relatively complicated by the dynamics of the enneagram. She is very interested in discussing how we can grow as human beings, given our natural, often adaptive, survival strategies. Each enneagram type has three subtypes (hence a total of 27 subtypes) based on whether our mode of adaptation focuses on a more solitary orientation to life, a more social orientation, or an intimate intersubjective orientation. All of this is discussed in a way that clearly shows how the 27 subtypes can help us to understand human behavior. The book represents a considerable achievement, and is especially to be recommended if you have some knowledge, already, of the enneagram. I would have liked to have seen a fuller treatment, especially of the wings, but the author has done an excellent job with what she does consider. There is an even more complex side to the enneagram, and this relates to comparing the types in pairs, such as comparing type 5 and type 6. The author gives a presentation of these 36 comparisons in an appendix. This is extremely helpful for roughly identifying your type, if you do not already know it.

I am not a novice with Enneagram and far from advanced. My interest is purely personal and practical . I did find this book very detailed, thorough and extremely useful to me for personal growth. She covers both the characteristics of the nine types along with a lot of information on how the instinctual sub-types (self-preservation, social & sexual) specifically impact each type. This book is much more than an overview and digs deep into each type and sub-type. Packed full of of good, practical information/suggestions on growth paths specific to each type and sub-type. I feel this book is well worth the money and time. I've read and re-read the sections on my type several times.

Beatrice Chestnut writes in her book's introduction that in writing this book she hopes to present and "translate a profound wisdom tradition and higlight the timeless truth it reveals, while integrating the valuable information it has to offer with modern insights into what helps us grow and create positive change. (pages 12 & 13) As to how to actually go about improving our lives using this timeless truth, she writes on page 34: By first remembering to observe the things we do; then inquiring more deeply into why and how we do the things we do; and ... actively working against our old habits and toward our higher aspects, we initiate an ongoing learning process focused on knowing ourselves better to the point where we can make more conscious choices more regularly. Chestnut seems to be suggesting that authentic transformation consists of remembering, inquiring, working, learning, and choosing. And, these five suggestions can't help but be remind me of Bernard Lonergan's "trancendental precepts" which are "habits that give direction to the psyche," page 54 of Enneatypes, Method & Spirit, by Lonergan scholar Tad Dunne. (Lonergan was a Canadian philosopher and theologan who Wikipedia refers to as one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century.) It seems that Chestnut is very much writing in the Western Wisdom Tradition as is Aquinas scholar Bernard Lonergan's whose five suggestions for authentically living parallel Chestnut's suggestions regarding individual transformation which she indicates are approached by "dis-identifying from (one's) personality." (Chestnut, page 34) Tad Dunne, who sees great affinity in the writings of Bernard Lonergan and Claudio Naranjo, has a chapter written for teenagers in his book Enneatypes, Method & Spirit wherein he presents Lonergan's precepts with a brief suggestion as to what each precept is suggesting: 1. Be attentive--That is, pay attention to what people say. 2. Be intelligent--That is, ask yourself why and how. 3. Be reasonable--That is, don't settle for good stories or fanciful dreams. 4. Be resposible--That is, do what you believe is right. 5. Be in love--That is, stay connected to the people who love you and to the people whom you love. Taken together, Tad Dunne and Beatrice Chestnut (who cites Dante and Homer regarding each enneatype) have both written books that compliment one another. Both books clearly support the notion that the Enneagram grew out of what Gurdjieff scholar Cynthia Bourgeault writes of in her book entitled--The Wisdom Way of Knowing, Reclaiming an Ancient Tradition to Awaken the Heart.

A very helpful and practical guide to the instinctual variants. The book is very tightly organized and methodical which is my only problem with it, as it can be repetitive at times and a little too organized for those of us who prefer a looser structure. This is not intended to take away from her profound insights. She goes into greater detail than other books I have read on the subject and her concept of the "counter type" for each variant is quite intriguing.

Beatrice Chestnut extends the theory and application of the Enneagram of personality with this book. She builds a clear and systematic framework for understanding the 27 subtypes as the 3x3x3 natural dimension for understanding the habits of mind we call our character. She explains the Enneagram's history and esoteric context well and is well placed herself in its modern lineage to offer personal insights as a long-time student, teacher, and practicing therapist. Chestnut's personable writing style is a good match for the task as she combines extensive (and annotated) research, first-person self descriptions, psychological theory and examples from great literature. (The stops on Homer's Odyssey track the obstacles each personality type confronts in becoming more self-aware, and vivid analogies from Dante's Inferno help underscore the Shadow side of each type.) The subtype sections show how basic human instinct (self-preservation/broad social/personal one-to-one) refines the passion in each Enneagram type into three different expressions - or 27 personalities. This book is not lightweight, and experienced Enneagram students might indulge the urge to skim some of the background theory. I say, So be it. The Complete Enneagram goes the extra mile to add both depth and breadth to a harmonic system for distinguishing personality from reality. And perhaps most importantly, Chestnut explains what we can choose to know about ourselves and others when we do so.

So my Enneagram journey has had a lot of twists and turns. I first learned about the Enneagram in February 2020. The first book I read was The Road Back to You. I was convinced that I was a 5w5. But then about a month ago, I posted in an Enneagram Facebook Group and someone said they thought I was actually a Type 6. That seemed to resonate with me too. So then I didn’t know if I was 5w6 or a 6w5. I decided that I was a 6 with a super strong 5 wing. But there was a lot about 6 that just didn’t resonate with me. To confuse things even more, I have been diagnosed with OCD. Most of my compulsions worst case scenario, what ifs, second guessing yourself, rumination, researching, are also 6 traits. I didn’t know if I had OCD because I was a 6 or if I was exhibiting 6 traits because I have OCD. Then a couple days ago, I had a thought. You need to look more into type 4. I was still struggling to determine if I was a 4 or a 6. As I dug more into Type 4, I realized that I was most likely exhibiting 6 traits because I have OCD not the other way around. I actually purchased this book in July 2021, but had never read it. In fact, I had forgotten all about it. I decided to focus on the three numbers that I most resonated with 5 and 6 which are both in the head triad and 4 which is in the heart triad. I was able to eliminate 5 as my core type pretty quickly. I didn’t resonate with any of the 5 subtypes or profiles. I do have some 5 traits, but I knew it wasn’t my core type. 6 was a bit more tricky. While I did resonate with some of the 6 traits, the core fears and motivations didn’t really resonate with me. Again. I could eliminate it as my core type. I recently listened to a podcast with tips on how to find your type. There was one tip that really stuck out “Finding your type isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows. It’s going to make you squirm. If it doesn’t make you very uncomfortable, it’s not your type” As soon as I started reading about Type 4, it resonated with me far beyond what 5 or 6 ever did. The more I read, the more uncomfortable I got. So much so, that I wanted to quit reading. This book goes DEEP into each type. As soon as I read the description of the Social 4, I knew that was me. One of the reasons I thought I was a 5 is because I felt very disconnected from my emotions. I realized that the reason why I felt so disconnected from my emotions is because I was actively suppressing them. I am also an HSP. After reading through the chapter on 4, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that was my type. The odd thing is that Ennegram tests always came up as either Type 5 or Type 6. The only critique I have about this book is that the author doesn’t discuss wings at all. But if you want to confirm your type or if you are having difficulty figuring out your Enneagram type, get this book. It is by far the best book on the Enneagram. Highly recommend for both beginners and people who are more advanced.

This is the third book I've purchased on the Enneagram, and I've definitely enjoyed it the most - however, I wouldn't recommend this book to beginners. If you're new to the Enneagram, I would start with Discovering Your Personality Type by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson, which includes the Riso-Hudson Type Indicator - a pretty intensive test to determine your type - and a brief overview of the 9 personality archetypes. The Wisdom of the Enneagram is an excellent book for a more in-depth understanding of the personality types. I ordered this book when I found that Riso and Hudson's books weren't giving me the depth of understanding that I wanted. Beatrice Chestnut's book builds off what Riso and Hudson do in the Wisdom of the Enneagram, but goes much more in-depth. If I didn't already have a lot of background knowledge, I might not have enjoyed this book as much as I did. I especially appreciated her examination of the subtypes, which she explains in great detail, and her explanation of the counter-types. Overall, an excellent read and purchase!

First: if you are unfamiliar with the Enneagram, buy this book!! Strange symbols and language aside, the Enneagram is a great tool for self-discovery and understanding, and totally changed my life. It gives you words to solidify your hopes, motivations, and fears, and helps identify practical areas of growth based on you function differently than others. So worth it!! Now for my actual review! This is a great "textbook" for those exploring the Enneagram. It has very detailed analyses of each type, with additional information about instinctual variants that I found truly helpful. Chesnut gives an objective and informative introduction to the Enneagram's admittedly complicated format, clearly explaining concepts such as growth and regression paths, type relationships, and archetypes. It even includes a section for determining how various types are mistakable for each other, and what the core differences are. Definitely something to add to the collection!!