The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others in Your Life

Published by HarperOne, 1991, softcover, illustrated, 392 pages, condition: new.

It would be impossible for most of us to spend a day without coming into direct or indirect contact with dozens of people family, friends, people in the street, at the office, on television, in our fantasies and fears. Our relationships with others are the most changeable, infuriating, pleasurable and mystifying elements in our lives.

Personality types, based on the ancient system of the Enneagram, will help you to enjoy more satisfying and fulfilling relationships in all areas of your life by introducing you to the nine basic personality types inherent in human nature. This knowledge will help you better understand how others think and why they behave as they do, as well as increasing your awareness of your own individual personality.

Written by the leading world authority on the Enneagram, it offers a framework for understanding ourselves and those around us, as well as a wealth of practical insights for anyone interested in psychology, counselling, teaching, social work, journalism and personal management.

I've been studying this book for years, and it has been one of the most influential books in my life. The Enneagram is a psychological system that explains 9 personality types. As human beings, we all suffer, and this book explains how suffering is connected to type. However, we are more than our personality, so freedom from suffering is available. It has helped me to grow personally and develop more compassion for the people in my life. I've been to numerous workshops presented by the author, Helen Palmer.