Customer Reviews

Essential Enneagram: The Definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide -- Revised & Updated

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There are many facets to the enneagram, which is one of its attractions. I had been studying the enneagram intermittently over a period of about one year, and have learned to appreciate it as a result of having given personality typing some thought over the years, especially the Myers-Briggs typing system. An important point to bear in mind in the typing process for the enneagram is that there is an overall unity represented by the nine points that transcends one's special survival strategy (as seen through the enneagram scheme). Thus, finding one's reference point in this scheme does not put one in a box, but challenges one to develop a broader conception of what it means to be human. This book is very well organized for helping one narrow down possibilities for one's type, based on a scheme of cycling through the types a number of times, presenting different pictures each time, starting with a test that is simple to take. The fact that there was considerable experience in interviewing people involved in the background of the authors, and that there was some statistical analysis that was carried forward is also interesting. This latter facet is particularly poignant in that one's type involves connections to four other types: two wings, a stress point and a security point, and it is of interest to consider how well this theoretical complexity actually shows up under controled conditions. Another aspect that is focused on is the overlap with possible "look-alike" types based on the language that we use to describe people. This book is, of course, no substitute for actually interviewing people of specific types, and in that sense, as well as not being well-organized to discuss the unifying aspects of the enneagram, it is not reflecting the true depth of this system. On the other hand, it's terse, to the point, remarkably clear for what it does attempt (which is to help one identify one's enneagram type), and presented in a way that does help in narrowing down possibilities considerably. I will point out that my bias prior to reading the book was that I seemed to lie somewhere between enneagram types 5 and 6, and the identification system of the book (I recognize the difficulty of objectivity involved) seemed to support this. I can recommend this book as a quick approach for narrowing down or corroborating your enneagram type.

I was introduced to the Enneagram during a retreat of Stanford's Chaplains. It's a must for all. I have learnt great details about my own personality and growth. I thought I knew a lot about myself and was confident to label myself as a (3). Soon after, I realized that I was an Epicure and not a Performer. Still I hold traits of both, I think. I strongly recommend this book for your own use and (try it with your spouse for fun).

The changes in this book make it worth the investment. In particular, sections about myths of each type and adjectives that describe the types are helpful. While this book is useful, it should be a beginning point in the understanding of Enneagram, a very powerful spiritual and psychological tool. I'd prefer it if the authors used different language than "test" for determining one's type, since there are no right or wrong answers except as the user calls them right for the individual.

The new Essential Enneagram is now the book I immediately hand to my students, clients and anyone interested in learning more about the Enneagram. This little gem of a book serves two populations: folks who are new to the Enneagram and want a concise, accessible introduction; and folks already well-versed in the nine types who are looking for practical applications and deeper personal growth. I appreciate the addition of The Myths About Type, in which the authors lift the nine types out of the realm of stereotype and correct mis-perceptions. All of the new additions of this revised and updated Essential Enneagram capture the positive aspects of the nine types and remind us that all nine are necessary and vital to humanity's wholeness. This book is an invaluable resource, and I recommend keeping two on your bookshelves: one to keep, and one to lend!

I have been working with the eaaneagram for about 15 years.Took a long hiatus and came upon the revised book.I thought the test was excellent.I have already suggested to many friends to buy the book.
I found it very helpful.

As someone who has been involved with the Enneagram for 21 years, this book appeals to me as a tool for comparing all Enneagram Types with each other. I recommend that you pick one Type from each center. This book will help to identify common elements that express themselves in each Type and can be an aid in picking a dominant Type in the body center, one in the heart center, and another in the head center. You will still pick one dominant type overall, but the other two are likely to function in certain situations. This book helps in those assessments.

I am a Life Coach, and I often use the Enneagram model with my clients. I have several books about the Enneagram that are useful. I am impressed with Dr. David Daniels and Dr. Virginia Price for their brilliance in creating this "handbook". Short, concise, packed with information, and right on target. Very useful! A fun conversation topic with friends too. [...]

The Essential Enneagram is a great teaching resource for those learning Enneagram for the first time. It is clear, concise and well researched. There are many books on Enneagram theory but this one is an uncomplicated reliable source for the new and graduate student. It may be used in a psychological, spiritual, coaching and personal growth context. I use it in all my classes!

I have several enneagram books, and the Essential Enneagram not only has a great self-test, but it is clear, straight-to-the point, and thorough.

The enneagram is a conglomeration of quasi-Buddhist ideas thrown together during the 1800s during the height of the spiritualism movement. It has about as much validity as the spirit-talkers and table-movers of that same period.

The authors make it look like the enneagram is something other than what it is--a horoscope for the mind. They infer that the approach has origins in Greek thought and in contemporary neuroscience, neither of which is true. Each "type" is essentially a self-fulfilling prophecy made up of such general statements that they could easily apply to anyone at all. Choosing "your" type depends upon reading nine different paragraphs and deciding which one fits you best. Thing is, if you refuse to make the assumption that one of the types actually will fit you better than others, it's actually pretty easy to see that any type can fit any person as well as any other.

The enneagram itself is an insult to researcher who have actually conducted scientific study of personality, and this book is especially insulting.