Human Types: Essence and the Enneagram (Paperback)

by Susan Zannos (Author) "No question has consistently baffled and preoccupied human beings more than that of what we are and how we got to be what we are..." (more)
Key Phrases: four lower functions, instinctive center, jovial part, Fourth Way, Mars Jovial, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Socratic injunction, "Know Thyself," is the foundation for all work on self-development. Susan Zannos opens an illumination window on human behavior and temperament in her study of the basic human essence types. These types differ so much from each other, and are so greatly modified by the dominant type of intelligence operating in a particular person, that persistent and prolonged self-observation is required to verify one's own type, or to recognize others. Recognition of these types and the division between essence and personality is the foundation upon which practical work on oneself begins.

Zannos Describes the basic human essence types with the hope of helping those who want to understand what is most genuine in themselves and the people with whom they live. Zannos approaches human typology from a variety of perspectives, and ties the Gurdjieff-Ouspensky Fourth Way system to a wide range of cultural, religious, and scientific traditions. She traces roots in Homeric legend and the Olympian pantheon through medieval astrology and the Qabalah, as well as discussing endocrinology and psychology. She points out resonances to C.G. Jung's psychology, the work of Piaget, and to Native American iconography. After exploring the four types of intellectual function, she launches an extensive discussion of the classic types of the Enneagram, leavened by personal anecdote and lively description. While this book will be of special interest to Fourth Way students, the information can help people from all walks of life who want to learn about themselves and the people they care for.

Product Details

• Paperback: 340 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel / Weiser (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877288836
• ISBN-13: 978-0877288831
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #590,950 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book categorizes human beings rather objectively!, March 25, 1999

By	[e-mail] James Kowalick (Northern California) - See all my reviews

In her latest book, Susan Zannos categorizes all people into just seven simple categories. Each category reveals generic observations that are both profound and useful - as to what they contribute to the psychological, physical, social and spiritual understanding of human beings.

She also takes further steps, explaining how these human types are related to - and communicate with - the solar system in which we live.

This book is noteworthy for its explanations of how different scales - micro-worlds, human beings, and the universe - interact and thereby make man what he is.

The knowledge upon which "Human Types" is based is esoteric, and is understandable at different levels by human beings at different levels.

Perhaps one of the most important conclusions that one can reach, from reading Ms. Zannos' book, is that a human being is no different from a machine. But the book hints and hints and hints at the possibility that a human being can also evolve into something that is not a machine.

It is apparent to this reader that Ms. Zannos is aware of some secrets that are not told - and perhaps cannot be told - in "Human Types."

Although this work is not for all readers, it is for seekers and finders.

Excellent! A five-star plus literary experience.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptionally intelligent and elucidating treatment!, May 18, 1998

By	Ellis Whitehead - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Reading this has helped to broaden and deepen my understanding of humans in very significant ways. Zannos' book is not only probably the best book on the subject of essence types currently available, it's also one of the best books I've read in the whole area of psychology.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most complete and understandable book on Essence., November 2, 1998

By	Clark Anthony (Foothills of Northern California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Susan is a long time (over 20 years) personal friend of mine and we have both followed the same spiritual path during this time. Her book is so lucid and easy to understand. She gives a great introductory perspective in the first 3 chapters: Origins, Ancient Wisdom, & Modern Research and then she spends about 250 pages on the subject of Centers and Body Type, two aspects of our human essence. It's filled with easy to understand examples, plus she has photos of real people (most of them I know and can attest to the accuracy of her perceptions from years of my own observations) to illustrate types. This is an amazing book at an amazing price!!! I reccommend it to fellow spiritual travelers all the time, as it is one of the keys to self knowledge. If you don't know who or what you are, how can you become anything more? Go for it!!! Thankyou Susan :-)