INTRODUCTION
This book is the bastard child of an improbable romance between two worlds that rarely converse: recent advances in Science on the biological basis of behavior, and a personality model called the Enneagram. Science, a very composed and educated lady, and the Enneagram, a long-haired drifter, committed to personal development and other immaterial things.
The authors were friends of both, and we were convinced that, if not made for each other, they could at least get along very well. This is how these two, who perhaps would never have even met, were struck by the arrows of the winged son of Venus.
It all started as an arranged date, which both were very hesitant to attend. The Enneagram told us: “I don’t think this relationship will work. She is too rigid, cerebral, everything has to be under control, and I need my freedom...why do you insist on introducing me to her?”
And Science: “What do I have to do with thatNew Age hippie and his messy life? A guy who’s more interested in making up stories than finding the truth? What could he possibly contribute to me?”
We had a hard time convincing them to attend the meeting. Our main argument for Science was the following: “We know that you have already had many dates with other personality models, and that you like the factorials very much1. But deep down, you know that while they are very mathematical and orderly, they are also very superficial. Give the Enneagram a chance. In spite of its dark origin and fantasy mind, it has a lot to contribute. You will be surprised to hear it, for you will find many coincidences between what he has to say and what you have already discovered.”
And we said to the Enneagram: “You don’t know what you’re missing. She has many ideas that will interest you and that could even change your perception of yourself. If you listen to her, we are sure that you will achieve an even more realistic vision of who you are, and a more solid base to fulfill your purpose of development. You have nothing to lose!”
This is how the first date happened. And at the risk of betraying our confidentiality agreement, we transcribe here what we remember from that first encounter.
Science: Hello, Enneagram. I’ve heard the craziest things about you. Tell me the truth about yourself.
Enneagram: Truth?