The Paradox of the Enneagram Theory

The Enneagram reflects a circular spectrum of human behavior. The horizontal axis of that circle represents the yin/yang, externally focused / internally focused paradox. The vertical axis represents the mind/body paradox.

Type 3 is the most internally focused type on the horizontal axis. Type 7 is the most externally focused type. Type 5 is the most yin/yang balanced type, followed by Type 1 which is slightly more yin and Type 9 which is slightly more yang. Type 3s care more than any other type about furthering their own agendas (followed by 2s, 4s, and 1s who all tend to be image conscious). Type 7s care less than any other type about their own agenda (followed by 8s, 6s, and 9s). Type 5s are in the middle.

On the vertical axis, Type 5 is the most mental type and Type 1 and Type 9 are the most physical types. Type 5s find it hardest to act on their impulses (4s and 6s, and to a minor extent 3s and 7s, are impulse withdrawn as well) whereas Type 1s and Type 9s are the most impulsive (2s and 8s also have impulse control problems).

Most people are overdeveloped in some type behaviors and underdeveloped in others, i.e. not very well rounded. In my opinion, the ideal is to exist, overall, in the center of the Enneagram circle by developing all nine behaviors. This sort of corresponds to the Buddhist middle way. Additionally, it would seem an ideal relationship would be found with someone whose behavioral tendencies/biases where opposite yours, providing a natural counterbalance.