Enneagram type 5 (all you need to know)
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In this blog post, we will describe the Enneagram type 5, known as the peacemaker. We will also talk about the Enneagram type 5 subtypes: 5w6 and 5w4.
Enneagram type 5 – The observer
• Basic fear: Being helpless, useless, incapable (overwhelmed by the situation).
• Basic desire: To be able and competent.
• Superego message: “You are good or pretty good if you own a field.”
Intense, cerebral typology: Perceptual, Innovative, Secretive and Isolated
I called the fifth typology the Observatory because, more than any other typology, it wants to know why things are the way they are.
Observers want to understand how the world works, whether it’s the cosmos, the microscopic world, the animal, vegetable or mineral kingdom – or their own inner world.
He always searches, asks questions, delves into the depths of problems.
They do not accept the doctrines and opinions they hear, feeling a deep need to test most of their assumptions themselves.
They are afraid that they will not be able to face the world. I feel that they do not have the ability to do things as well as those around them.
But instead of engaging in activities that increase their self-confidence, they “take a step back” in their minds, where they feel stronger.
They believe that there they will be able to realize what they have to do – and that one day they will join the world again.
Those in the Fifth typology spend much of their time observing and contemplating – listening to the wind, water, or a musical instrument they like.
They take notes on the mound behind the garden. When they immerse themselves in observations, they begin to internalize their knowledge and gain self-confidence.
They may come across new and interesting information or find new, creative combinations (for example, they compose a song based on wind and water recordings).
When they receive confirmation of what they have observed or see that others understand their work, they feel it as a recognition of their competence, which satisfies their basic desire. (“Know what you’re talking about.”)
Observers, therefore, honour knowledge, understanding and the power of penetration, because they build their identity by starting from their power to come up with new ideas and to be “someone” who has something unusual and interesting to say.
Because of this, they are not too interested in studying what is already familiar to all and well known; their attention is rather drawn to the unusual, secret, occult, bizarre, fantastic, striking things.
Investigating a new territory – knowing something that others do not know or creating something unprecedented – allows those in the Fifth typology to have a niche of their own, so that no one else will occupy it.
They believe that developing this place is the best way to achieve independence and security.
Thus, in order to feel safe and respected, Observers must know something well enough to feel that they are part of the world and are doing well.
They think, “I will find a field in which to be a real expert, and then I will be able to face life’s challenges. But other things shouldn’t distract me or distract me. ”
They focus intensely on the area they want to control. It can be math, modern or classical music, car mechanics, horror movies, SF short stories or even a world created in their imagination.
Not everyone in the Fifth typology has doctoral degrees. But, depending on their intelligence and the resources they have at hand, they focus intensely to get to know perfectly the field that captured their interest.
For Observers, it is not necessary for the fields they explore to be viewed with respect by society; in fact, if those around them approve of their ideas too quickly, they fear that they are too conventional.
History is full of personalities from the Fifth typology who have overturned the usual ways of understanding or doing things (Darwin, Einstein, Nietzsche).
However, many others of this typology lost themselves in the complexity of their own thinking, becoming only eccentric and socially isolated.
Their ability to concentrate intensely can lead them to remarkable discoveries and innovations.
But when they are more rigid, it can cause them to put their own sticks in the wheels.
This is because of the way he focuses his attention it distracts them from the most pressing practical needs.
Regardless of the source of the turmoil – a relationship, lack of physical strength, inability to engage, etc. – Observers avoid confronting her. Instead, look for something that will make them feel more competent.
The irony is that no matter how good they become in their field, it cannot solve their basic problems.
For example, if a woman in the Fifth typology is a marine biologist, she may know everything there is to know about a type of seashell, but if her fear is that she is not doing her homework, her worries will persist.
Enneagram type 5 – behavioural model learned in childhood
“The model of childhood that is described here does not determine the typology of personality.
Instead, it describes the trends observable in early childhood, which have a strong impact on a person’s adult relationships. “
Observers had told us that in childhood they lacked a sense of security; they feared that they might be overwhelmed by their parents, so they began to look for a way to make them feel safe and confident in their own strength.
At first, they withdrew from the family into their own space – mentally, physically and emotionally. Then they shifted their attention from personal and emotional needs to something “objective.”
Young people in the Fifth typology spend long periods of time alone.
When they are children, they are silent, they do not participate in other people’s games.
Instead, they are preoccupied with musical instruments, books, playing on the computer, collecting insects or plants, or experimenting with chemistry sets.
It is common to find young observers who are particularly advanced in certain fields (such as mathematics), but who do not want to try other basic activities (such as cycling or fishing) in any way.
Others in the family, especially worried parents who want the young person to be more “normal”, will usually try to force them to participate in social activities.
These efforts are largely met with resistance.
Although brilliant, Michael was an isolated child. In many ways, he was penalized for his intellectual gifts, even by his parents.
By the age of eight, I had allergies and respiratory infections that often prevented me from going to school. So I ended up reading a lot.
I spent less time with others. I didn’t coordinate my movements very well and I didn’t want to do many of the things that others were doing anyway. Eventually, I became known as a nerd with a runny nose.
Observers’ imagination can be a source of creativity and self-respect, but if they live exclusively in the imagination, they will develop their fears about the world and themselves.
Children from the typology Fifth, not only do they see the world around them with astonishing clarity, but they also create an imaginary world in their minds — which can lead to profound repercussions over time, whether good or bad.
Those in the Fifth typology expect nothing from anyone but to be left alone to pursue their own interests.
They do not want to be hindered by someone else’s desires or needs, especially emotional ones. It’s like saying, “I won’t ask much of you unless you ask of me.”
They, therefore, seek independence – or more precisely non-intrusion – as a way to gain security and control over their lives.
This non-intrusion allows Observers time to develop their knowledge or skills to reveal them when they feel ready to enter the social sphere.
For example, they can learn to play the piano because they like it and give them time to be alone; also, the new aptitude develops their self-satisfaction and offers them a niche in which to escape the influence of the family.
Those in the Fifth typology are psychologically blocked during the separation period of childhood.
This arc takes place between two and three and a half years when the child learns to cope separately from his mother.
For one reason or another, the young Observer felt that the only way to become independent was to stop wanting the emotional and emotional connection with his mother.
Thus, at an early age, he learns to get rid of the feelings of longing and the need to be with his mother, retreating in his mind.
Enneagram type 5 subtypes
5w4 – The iconoclast
Personalities: David Lynch, Stephen King, Glenn Gould, Georgia O’Keeffe, Joyce Carol Oates, Sinead O’Connor, Merce Cunningham, Lily Tomlin, Tim Burton, Kurt Cobain, Vincent Van Gogh.
Healthy subtype: in this subtype, curiosity and perceptiveness are combined with the desire to express a unique, personal vision.
These people are more emotional, more introspective than those with influences from the Sixth typology. They are looking for a place still unexplored by others that is truly theirs.
They are not preoccupied with science but become solitary creators, who mix passion with detachment. They are capricious and inventive.
The way they change familiar forms can lead to spectacular innovations. They are often attracted to the arts and use their imagination more than the analytical, systematic part of the mind.
Medium subtype: Although largely identified with their minds, people in this subtype have intense feelings that can make it difficult for them to make sustained efforts and work with others.
They are more independent than the other subtypes and do not accept being imposed on different structures.
Their interests tend to be supernatural and fantastic rather than rational or romantic: they can easily get lost in their imagination.
They often have trouble keeping their feet on the ground and may not be able to cope when trying to achieve something.
They may be drawn to dark, forbidden subjects, or to the grotesque and disturbing.
5w6 – The one who solves problems
Personalities: Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, Doris Lessing, Bobby Fischer, Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno, Jane Goodall, Isaac Asimov, Amelia Earhart, Charles Darwin.
Healthy subtype: Those in this subtype have the ability to draw wise conclusions and make predictions based on them.
This ability is given to them by the power of observation, the understanding of details and the good organization of the mind.
They are looking for a niche of their own that will provide them with security and that will fit in a wider context.
They are often attracted to technical problems: engineering, science, repair, philosophy, and inventing new things.
They can cooperate with others, be disciplined and persistent, and are more interested in issues practical than the other subtype.
They can combine a talent for innovation with business, sometimes with very profitable results.
Medium subtype: They are perhaps the most intellectual of all subtypes. He is interested in theories, technology and the accumulation of information and details.
Analyze and catalogue the environment and dissect all parts of a problem to find out how it works.
They are very restrained in their feelings, and their attention is focused on objects rather than people, although they identify strongly with the key people in their lives.
They are not particularly introspective but prefer to observe and understand the world around them.
They can argue more intensely than the other subtype and be more defensive about their opinions. They tend to be aggressive and actively oppose those who disagree with them.
Conclusions
In this blog post, we described the Enneagram type 5, known as the peacemaker. We also talked about the Enneagram type 5 subtypes: 5w6 and 5w4.
Observers want to understand how the world works, whether it’s the cosmos, the microscopic world, the animal, vegetable or mineral kingdom – or their own inner world.
He always searches, asks questions, delves into the depths of problems.
They do not accept the doctrines and opinions they hear, feeling a deep need to test most of their assumptions themselves.
If you have any questions, comments or recommendations on the subjects, please let us know!
FAQ about the Enneagram type 5
What is an Enneagram Type 5?
An Enneagram Type 5 spends much of their time observing and contemplating – listening to the wind, water, or a musical instrument they like.
They take notes on the mound behind the garden.
When they immerse themselves in observations, they begin to internalize their knowledge and gain self-confidence.
What does a 5 go to in stress?
Enneagram type 5 people try to get rid of stress by focusing on very few things and retreating to the sanctuary of their thoughts.
When this method of coping fails to alleviate their problems, they move on to the Seventh Typology, throwing themselves impulsively into various actions to combat isolation.
What is Enneagram 5w4?
Enneagram 5w4 is a combination of personality traits 4 and 5, type 5 is predominant.
These people are eager to explain to the world around them and to predict their actions.
Regardless of the profession, they want to investigate, observe and understand things deeply.
How do you have a relationship with Enneagram 5?
To have a romantic relationship with Enneagram 5 you need to know that they do not like to be put under pressure.
They love to share their ideas, they are into intellectual stimulation. Listen to them, find interesting things to do together.
What was Jesus on the Enneagram?
On the Enneagram, it is believed that Jesus was a personality type number 9, because of his patience and kindness.
Further reading
The Sacred Enneagram: Finding Your Unique Path to Spiritual Growth, by Christopher L. Heuertz
References
The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types, by Don Richard Riso
Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery, by Don Richard Riso, Russ Hudson
Understanding the Enneagram: The Practical Guide to Personality Types, by Don Richard Riso, Russ Hudson
Enneagrampaths.com
