Customer Reviews

Character and Neurosis: An Integrative View

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Claudio Naranjo could be called the "mother" of the enneagram of character-types (with Oscar Ichazo being the "father"). All of the well-known enneagram-teachers today have learned the enneagram either directly from him or from one of his students or student's students. Many of the assumptions, Naranjo had made during his first teachings in the 1970's, were later falsely interpreted as being proven facts, and are now dogmas in the enneagram-movement (e.g. the notion of heart/stress-movement) From my point of view this book has the most precise and indepth descriptions of the nine character-types. Mr. Naranjo does not bother to describe the unimportant aspects of individual behavior (e.g. the concept of wings, etc.), but goes right to the core of the neurosis, that is present in every type. As far as I know, no other author has such a radical view on character, in stating that character itself is neurosis. In addition, the book contains valuable information about some of the historical aspects of the enneagram. Unfortunatly, Mr. Naranjo did not go into detail, concerning his critism towards the mainstream enneagram-movement. At least, he mentions his disagreement with the works of Don Richard Riso, a popular enneagram-author, who claims to have made a lot of contributions to the systems himself, which could very well turn out to be misunderstandings of the knowledge. Summing up, I would say, that this book is a must for anybody, who is truly interested in the enneagram as a tool for transformation, rather than a tool for playing "typing games". It is definitely not intended for beginners and the sophisticated language surely requires a few times of reading.

Dr Naranjo has written the most definitive and difficult work on the enneagram of personality to date and anyone who really wants to understand him/herself in a deep way, needs to climb this mountain. The language is quite subtle and full of careful distinctions, and while it lacks insight into subtypes (except on occassion and in the case of the Six), it contains the core of the knowledge about the enneagram as a system of self-understanding and awakening. The good doctor is enigmatic and infuriating at times, but those who hang tough and make the required effort will be well rewarded. The other enneagram books read more easily but lack the deep insight which Naranjo seems to capture. No one should claim to know this rich body of knowledge, much less teach it, without having mastered this book.

Claudio Naranjo describes very deeply the main characterisics of each type of personality. He makes comparision between different typology theories for example DSM-III, Homeophatic tradition and others. Recomended for all who really want to know the structure and dynamics that interact and the different motivations of each Enneatype. I have started teaching Enneagram at my city (it is not know) and the students have become enthusiasitc about it.

I have read 8-9 enneagram books and have frankly gotten tired of the whole system. But after finally buying Naranjo's book I see the application of it as a legitimate system within transpersonal psychotherapy. Few other authors of the enneagram have any valid credentials to teach this system. Great book.

An absolute standard! Pure therapy! The mirror is there, now you just need to face it.