Some people see the world as dangerous, and some see it as safe. Some see it as just or unjust. Nevertheless, we all live in the same world. Elements of our personality color our views, and human perception is little more than an inkblot test. One purpose of the Enneagram of Personality is to describe the various lenses that distort our perception of the world. If you believe that the world is engaging, that you must seek out new experiences, and that the objective of life is to try everything, then you might be:
TYPE SEVEN: THE ENTHUSIAST
(Also known as “The Epicure”)
by timeless
I. Introduction to the Enneagram of Personality
TYPE SEVEN: THE ENTHUSIAST
(Also known as “The Epicure”)
by timeless
I. Introduction to the Enneagram of Personality
The Enneagram of Personality is a personality classification system comprised of nine types. Each one of these nine types represents a distinct set of motivations, fears, desires and virtues. This article (and the other articles in this series) are designed to present each of the nine types in an understandable and comprehensive way. Many of you are no doubt familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, as it is the most popular personality instrument discussed on PersonalityCafe. The Enneagram is a fantastic compliment to the MBTI test because the Enneagram deals with core motivations, while MBTI deals with information processing. When taken together, MBTI and Enneagram can provide an accurate description of an individual's personality.
These articles are intended to describe each Enneagram type from the ground up, starting with the most fundamental motivations of that type and moving up to how those motivations are expressed in the real world.
II. Quick Facts about Type Seven
These facts will be described throughout the article.
These facts will be described throughout the article.
Holy Idea: Planning
Vice: Gluttony
Virtue: Sobriety
Enneagram Triad: Head (Associated Emotion: Fear)
Hornevian Triad: Aggressive
Harmonic Triad: Positive Outlook
Basic Drive: Pleasure versus Pain
Basic Fear: Stagnation (Boredom)
Basic Desire: Experiencing Life
Freudian Association: Id (Pleasure vs. Pain Drive)
III. Type Seven Description
A basic principle of the Enneagram is that there are various ways of perceiving the same objective reality, and these are called the “Holy Ideas.” Holy Ideas are different ways of perceiving the same reality. For example, a person might read a book and pay close attention to the intricate plot. Another person may be more interested in the character development. They are both reading the same book, but they have different interest areas.
For Type Seven, the Holy Idea is “Holy Planning”, sometimes called “Holy Wisdom.” Holy Planning represents the spiritual idea that everyone is on a holy path with all the serenity described by Zen Buddhist masters. A Type Seven is naturally sensitive to this idea at a young age, but the corrupting force of material life has corrupted the idea. After all, the world doesn't work according to plan. Even the best-laid plans are subject to complete failure, and this becomes obvious at an early age.
Thanks to this corruption, the Seven may feel that there is no “Holy Plan” for them at all, and so, they want to escape. They distract themselves through the vice of gluttony. Gluttony also has a particular meaning. Gluttony (as opposed to Lust, the vice of Eight) is the desire to sample every bit of life, even if it’s not necessary. Lust wants to ever-expand to acquire more and more resources, while gluttony wants to make sure that no interesting flavor goes untasted. This means that the thoughts of a Type Seven are often scattered, and they may have a hard time focusing.
From a psychological perspective, the Type Seven identifies with the Id, a subconscious part of the personality famously described by Sigmund Freud. The Id contains the “pleasure vs. pain” drive, which is the primal desire to avoid pain and seek pleasure; in essence, pain is what is to be feared. This is why Type Seven is within the Head triad, as the Head triad is driven by fear, and the fundamental fear of Type Seven is stagnation. Some theorists call it Boredom, but I think Stagnation is more accurate.
The Type Seven is looking for fulfillment in the active pursuit of new experiences, so if those new experiences stop, then they run out of spiritual and mental fuel. Additionally, Type Seven activities tend to be mentally stimulating and oftentimes the anticipation of the event is the best part for a Type Seven. Type Sevens are most satisfied when they know that there are great things not just in the present, but also on the horizon.
The virtue of Type Seven is sobriety, which represents having a clear head and understanding that fulfillment ultimately comes from within and nowhere else. Sobriety focuses the scattered thoughts of a Seven.
Type Seven is sometimes called an addictive personality. They have a tendency to become addicted to some activity, whether it be reading, watching TV, playing games, or even drinking, as it helps them occupy their thoughts and distract them. They also are incredibly fun to be around and Sevens are often accustomed to being the life of the party.
Mentally, they are quick and creative. Although they are easily distracted, they tend to be knowledgeable because they have a voracious appetite for new experiences, which naturally leads them to collect information on all sorts of topics. This may generate a large amount of energy, though, which has to be expended somehow: either through some new activity, a debate, or exercise, or anything else that can hold the Seven's attention.
Sevens are usually positive people, always thinking that things will “work out.” They also usually want to get along and have fun with others; you can think of them as naturally playful.
All these personality traits, taken together, mean that the Type Seven is usually an engaging personality because they want to sample all life has to offer. Unlike the stereotypes, they aren’t unrepentant cheaters or hedonists, they simply have a wide array of interests and an unusual capability to pick themselves up and move on after something traumatic.
IV. Developmental Progression of Type Seven
Early in life, the Type Seven is sensitive to the concept of the “Holy Plan.” This is not necessarily a religious concept, but rather that people, as spiritual beings, are on a Holy Path of serenity, tranquility, and so forth.
The material world (life) perverts this ideal into the delusion that the Holy Path is corrupted and there is no inner peace to be found. This creates the fixation on sampling everything in life, hoping to find a substitute for inner tranquility.
The Seven relies on gluttony to give the illusion that they are satisfied in the world around them.
The Seven’s virtue, sobriety leads them to their growth point of Five.
V. Wings
Enneagram theorists quickly discovered that each Enneagram type can have traits of the types around it. This is called “wing theory”, and while some theorists dispute the finer points of it, it's generally agreed that each type has a connection to the types around it and one of these connections will be dominant. For example, Type Two is surrounded by Types One and Three. Someone could therefore be a Two with a One Wing (Two as their main type with some Type One traits), or a Two with a Three Wing (Two as their main type with some Type Three traits.) The notation for this is 2w1 and 2w3, respectively. It is generally held that one wing is more dominant than the other; while you may have traits of both wings, one is more pronounced. Some believe that you can have balanced (equal) wings, but this Enneagram type description operates under the “dominant wing” theory, which is the most prevalent in the Enneagram community.
Type Seven shares wings with Type Six and Type Eight.
Type Seven with a Six Wing:
Type Seven is associated with the Id, the seat of unconscious desires. Type Six is associated with the Superego, which internalizes moral and social structures. The presence of a Six wing tempers the Type Seven, and makes them more considerate of others. Type Seven with a Six Wing, therefore, tends to be more social and tends to avoid conflict wherever possible. They may end up hiding their dislike for someone in order to preserve to peace. Sevens with a Six Wing are usually personable, likeable, and fun to have around.
Type Seven with an Eight Wing:
Type Eight, on the other hand, is an Id type like Seven. The Eight wing adds in a bit of an ego and plenty of assertiveness to Type Seven. Type Seven with an Eight Wing has no problem with pushing at the boundaries of others, and unlike the Seven with a Six Wing, they are more likely to confront people directly. Sevens with an Eight wing tend to be thrill-seekers and are always looking for the best out of life. 7w8s are very vital people.
7w8s may also push other people's buttons in order to push others away, as the Eight wing is concerned with maintaining personal boundaries. Compare this to 8w7: 8w7 will attack others to maintain boundaries, while 7w8 will roughhouse with others to maintain boundaries. This aggressiveness is more playful than 8w7, although it can still be quite assertive.
VI. Growth and Stress Arrows
One theme in the study of the Enneagram is interconnectivity. Each type is distinct, but it does not stand alone. We discussed Wings earlier, which shows how a type can have traits of the types next to it. Another example of interconnectivity are stress and growth arrows. When an individual is in a state of stress or growth, they can take on traits of other types. There is some disagreement within the Enneagram community as to what precipitates a stress or growth condition, but I believe that the most logical interpretation of this is that a type becomes stressed when they succumb to their vice, while a type grows when they are following their virtue. Following a vice is a natural response, as it is the easy way out. Virtues are risky because they cause a person to confront their “dark sides” or fears and may result in a radical reassessment of one's thoughts and actions. Nevertheless, the Enneagram is a system of personal growth and the stress/growth arrow dynamic reflects that, as it embodies the concept that transcendence is hard work, and it's always darkest before the dawn.
This is also in line with the overarching theme that the Nine types are basically just different means of perceiving reality, and no type is more correct than any other.
Growth Arrow to Type Five:
The Seven virtue of sobriety leads them to their growth point of Five. When a Type Seven begins to scale back their desire to sample everything in life, they can become more observational and appreciative of the world around them, like a Five. They generally would begin to take life at a slower pace and become very deliberate about what they get themselves involved in, like a Five would.
Stress Arrow to Type One:
The Seven vice of gluttony leads them to their stress point of One. Deep down, a Type Seven individual understands that serenity is going to come from within and not through gluttony. When gluttony starts to take a wrong turn, the Superego takes over and begins to chastise the Type Seven for their behavior. As a result, a stressed Type Seven may resemble a Type One in that they can become overcritical and perfectionist.
This allows the Type Seven to review their actions, cut away the behaviors that brought them to this stress state, and then recover again.
VII. Type Seven Variants
Self-Preservation Sevens like to sample the world around them, but they do so cautiously, and tend to involve themselves in things that have survival value. They may be a more serious Seven than other types, and may actually appear to be very Five-like. However, they hop between interests like a Seven does. More likely to be introverted than extroverted, although this is not a rule. They place a special emphasis on activities that emphasize their physical security and health.
Social Sevens direct their energy toward the connections within their social group, meaning that they can easily hop from one group of friends to the next. Many of their interests are oriented around interaction with others. Tends to be extroverted, tends to be Seven with a Six Wing, but this is not set in stone.
Sexual Sevens are thrill-seekers and there is probably a strong correlation between Seven with an Eight Wing and a sexual variant stacking. Tends to be extroverted, tends to be Seven with an Eight wing.
VIII. Comparison within Triads
Within the Head/Body/Image Triads:
Head: These types are primarily concerned with their own thoughts.
Image: These types take action when it comes to their image, which they equate with reality.
Body: These types focus on the border between themselves and the world around them.
Within the body triad…
(Compared to Eight) Sevens are more likely to ignore a problem and simply “not care” while Eights want to confront it head on.
(Compared to Nine) Sevens are more energetic than Nines.
(Compared to One) Sevens lack the perfectionist and critical nature of a One. Sevens also tend to be more spontaneous than a One. Ones can be uptight, and Sevens are anything but.
Within the image triad…
(Compared to Two) Sevens tend to be more independent than Type Twos. Type Twos want to be liked, but Sevens may relish the idea of not being liked.
(Compared to Three) Sevens tend to act without regard to their image, unlike a Type Three.
(Compared to Four) Sevens do not see themselves as fundamentally disconnected like a Type Four. Type Fours are fundamentally disconnected from others while Type Sevens are fundamentally disconnected from themselves.
Within the head triad…
(Compared to Five) Sevens tend to be less cautious than Fives. They also tend to think in a scattered way, compared to the Five’s orderly way of thinking.
(Compared to Six) Sevens do not have the systemic anxiety of a Six. (Although 7w6 has elements of it.)
Within the Hornevian triads:
The Hornevian triads describe how each type copes with a situation. They were originally developed by psychologist Karen Horney.
Aggressive:
In this context, “aggressive” means “action-oriented.” It doesn't mean belligerence.
Type Three – Takes action to gain success.
Type Seven – Takes action to keep engaged in interesting activities.
Type Eight - Takes action to secure more resources and to continue to consume.
Withdrawn:
Type Four – Withdraws to protect themselves from being absorbed into the crowd; to maintain their uniqueness.
Type Five – Withdraws to defend themselves and to get a better/clearer view of the situation.
Type Nine – Withdraws to maintain peace.
Compliant:
In this context, these types are compliant to their superegos. It doesn't mean that they are pushovers.
Type One – Complies with the superego because they will feel corrupt if they don't.
Type Two – Complies with the superego because they will feel useless if they don't.
Type Six – Complies with the superego because they will feel insecure if they don't.
Within the Harmonic triads:
The Harmonic triads describe the primary problem-solving skill employed by each type.
Positive Outlook:
Type Two – Twos focus on their own goodness and virtue.
Type Seven – Sevens adopt an “it doesn't affect me” mentality.
Type Nine – Nines focus on the “silver lining” in a situation instead of negative aspects.
Competency:
Type One – Ones must be competent to maintain their set of ethics.
Type Three – Threes must be competent to avoid challenges to their success.
Type Five – Fives must be competent to survive in the “outer world.”
Reactive:
Type Four – Fours may take things very personally, which makes them very emotionally intense.
Type Six – Sixes are observant of their world and react accordingly.
Type Eight – Eights are quick to react to challenges and to assert their boundaries.
IX. Enneagram and MBTI Interaction
The Enneagram describes motivations, while the MBTI describes modes of information processing. It would stand to reason that MBTI is subordinate to Enneagram, as the Enneagram deals with more basic motivations. Imagine that two people want to tell the same story, but one is a writer and one is a musician. One will write a book while the other will write a song but both have the same origin point.
So let’s look at each type and how that form of information processing would appear when directed by the primary “pleasure vs. pain” motivation of Type Seven.
One note: Type Seven is often considered one of the most engaging, extroverted types. However, this does not mean that all Type Sevens must be Extroverts within the MBTI.
Extroverted Sensation Types (ESTP and ESFP)
Extroverted Sensation is associated with a strong connection to the “present moment” and places an emphasis on practicality in life. ESxP Sevens, therefore, pay special attention to concrete pursuits and they love having tangible, realistic goals.
Extroverted Intuition Types (ENTP and ENFP)
Extroverted Intuition is essentially the opposite of Extroverted Sensing: instead of focusing on present information, Extroverted Intuition brainstorms a myriad number of possibilities that may or may not be true.
ENxP Sevens are mentally quick, bouncing from idea to idea, without spending a great deal of time assessing the practicality of it. They are probably the most active and energetic “brainstormers” out there.
Extroverted Thinking Types (ENTJ, ESTJ)
Extroverted Thinking breaks a process down into its logical components and checks it for logical consistency.
Extroverted Thinking Sevens therefore get a mental thrill out of playing with ideas in a logical way. ExTJ Sevens may prefer more of a “consultant” role; popping in for a period of time to do things their way, and then moving on to their next venture.
Extroverted Feeling Types (ENFJ, ESFJ)
Extroverted Feeling refers to an awareness of the emotions or hidden beliefs of another, but does not necessarily imply that an Fe-dominant person must bend to those emotions.
This means that Extroverted Feeling types often have a unique insight into the intentions of others. ExFJ Sevens find it very easy to interact with other people, and the vibrant nature of a Seven similarly endears others to them. Even if their instinctual variant is not Social, they likely have strong group support.
Introverted Sensation Types (ISTJ, ISFJ)
Introverted Sensation types tend to use their experience to guide them; Si dominant Type Sevens tend to be more introverted and contemplative than the typical Seven. They are less likely to take risks and more likely to tread on familiar ground, so a key priority is to find ways to relate new situations to old ones. So they can be very active on familiar ground, so to speak.
Introverted Intuition Types (INTJ, INFJ)
Ni-Dominant types tend to have brilliant insights into “what’s going on” thanks to the flexible and instinctual Introverted Intuition function. INxJ Sevens are similarly flexible, and use their understanding of systems to keep themselves constantly engaged.
Introverted Thinking Types (INTP, ISTP)
Introverted Thinking types (IxTP) emphasize the particular meanings of words and how each individual piece fits together within a concept. Introverted Thinking Type Seven is probably one of the rarest combinations, since IxTPs tend to be the most introverted of the MBTI types.
Introverted Feeling Types (INFP, ISFP)
Introverted Feeling types are concerned more about the essence of a particular subject than the gritty particulars. (This is the opposite for Introverted Thinking types.) As a result, an IxFP Seven may resemble an ExFP Seven and there may be significant confusion between the two types.
X. Paths to Security
Type One - “I will be secure if I'm perfect.”
Type Two - “I will be secure if I'm loved, appreciated or respected.”
Type Three - “I will be secure if I am successful.”
Type Four - “I will be secure if I am unique.”
Type Five - “I will be secure if I withdraw from harm.”
Type Six - “I will be secure if I am always aware of danger.”
Type Seven - “I will be secure if I can plan for the future.”
Type Eight - “I will be secure if I can control the world around me.”
Type Nine - “I will be secure if I have peace.”
XI. Freudian Association
From my article, “The Freudian Theory of Enneagram”
From my article, “The Freudian Theory of Enneagram”
Type 7: Id Gratification Focused.
Basic Fear: To be deprived and to be in pain.
Basic Desire: To have their needs and wants met.
Agency: Id.
The id is the home of the "avoid pain/seek pleasure" principle that seeks the instant gratification of desires and the immediate end to pain. A Type 7 individual focuses their libidinal energy on this principle, producing a dynamic and motivated personality.
Type 7 individuals are truly powerhouses and are perhaps the most energetic type in the enneagram. This energy can make them quite aggressive, although in a less "in your face" way than Type 8. When a Type 7 is doing something they really love, it's like there's no stopping them. That's why Type 7 is often called "The Generalist"; they usually have a wide range of things they like, and they can be enthusiastic about all of them.
Like 8 (another id type) they tend to overdo it when it comes to things they like. This is a classic function of the id.
To Encourage Integration: Type 7 integrates to Type 5, an ego type. Once the id desires are consistently satisfied, they move some libidinal energy to the ego. As the Type 7 becomes secure and positive in their lives, they are likely to adopt the contemplative and inquisitive nature of the Type 5.
To Avoid Disintegration: Type 7 disintegrates much like Type 8 and Type 3; all id types share the pattern of lashing out as they disintegrate. The id is not a rational agency and if it's not satisfied, it can end up self-destructing more easily than you expect. One way to avoid this is to not set unrealistic expectations for life; you don't want to make your goals unattainable.
Type 7 Wings:
Type 7 with a 6 Wing (Id-Superego): The superego elements of Type 6 make Type 7w6 more society-oriented than 7w8. A 7w6 has the characteristic 7 enthusiasm, but they are also aware of what others consider positive because of the superego 6 wing. 7w6s are more like entertainers, directing their energy toward socially exciting activities. The 7w6 is often the life of the party.
Type 7 with an 8 Wing (Id-Id): 7w8 combines an id core type with an id wing and this creates a very assertive personality. They direct their incredible energy almost entirely on their id, making them extremely passionate. No type is likely to be adventurous like a 7w8.
“The only journey is the journey within.”
- Rainer Maria Rilke
- Rainer Maria Rilke
