The Complete Enneagram: 27 Paths to Greater Self-Knowledge

by Beatrice Chestnut

This effort also necessarily involves stifling or “civilizing” natural impulses, instincts, and feelings that would lead us to break the rules to our advantage. Type Ones are vigilant not to let these forces get out of control. Ones tend to inhibit their experience of the wisdom of the “animal within” and the natural rhythms of spontaneity, instinctive expression, and play. Rigidity, criticism, and continuous judgment are as characteristic of this archetypal character as their belief in justice, fairness, and good order. Type One individuals are reliable, responsible, honest, well-intentioned, conscientious, and hardworking. They sincerely want to improve themselves and the world around them. Their specific “superpower” can be seen in their high integrity and the passion and dedication they bring to the fulfillment of their ideals and the pursuit of high standards. They have well-developed powers of criticism and an intuitive sense of the perfection of nature and the natural order of things. They are diligent, practical, and thrifty. They can be discerning and objective, meaning that they excel at analyzing situations and clarifying issues while separating out any emotions that may be involved.