Other Characteristic Traits And Psychodynamic Considerations

Coldness

A defining trait of this character is coldness—an extreme coldness meant to shield him from feeling his own "fallibility." At least, this is how he appears in the social sphere, with an elegantly restrained way of presenting himself, of showing himself, of feeling socially acceptable. He does not acknowledge his own limitations, which, in his view, would make him the object of intolerable judgment. This makes the Social 1 a maladaptive individual who lives on the edge.

This attitude is intended to put others in difficult positions and lower their self-esteem. A person who feels incapable, guilty, or irrational becomes a much easier obstacle to overcome in pursuit of doing things the only "correct" way.

Antonio: For me, coldness is also a way of distancing myself from people I dislike—those who, for some reason, make me uncomfortable or feel invasive. It can also apply to co-workers who secretly disregard my instructions or someone who tries to dominate me. In such cases, I stiffen, lower my gaze, pretend it doesn’t affect me, and ultimately avoid contact, trying to remove the presence of those who bother me. Other times, however, I release my anger.

For me and other Social 1s, coldness is often a reaction to discomfort in relationships. Sometimes, I also become "cold" due to shyness—though less so today. I withdraw and close myself off so that others don’t see my perceived worthlessness, but inside, there is an emotional turmoil that remains hidden. The shyness of a Social 1 is also a manifestation of shame. In my case, it reflects a fragility that, as a child, showed itself through blushing in ordinary life situations, even in minor events. In those moments, the dominant feeling was a deep sense of inferiority.

Distance

Michele: Another characteristic is distance, which is functional for maintaining a feeling of superiority over others. The fact that they feel superior (intellectually, in their capacity for reasoning, or in their view of life's situations) does not favor the approximation of others to the Social 1, whom they may consider unworthy of esteem, uninteresting, incapable, or stupid.

Superiority

The feeling of superiority is the belief that he's right, the idea that he has some kind of natural connection to the truth. Being sure that his position is always one of reason (and that the facts always prove it) leads him to develop a sense of separation from others, whom he can never see as equal to him. I would add that the Social 1's superior attitude is demonstrated rather than experienced. If he wants to win or prove that he is right, even when he comes to understand that this is not the case, the Social 1 insists on his arguments and even climbs mirrors to find reasons to support what he says, going beyond the data of reality—and all this has a very deep reason. If I'm not right, if I'm wrong, I fail. The world discovers that I am incapable and useless, which is a bit like dying. All this contributes to the ills of the world by not allowing forms of agreement or balance that enable a more harmonious social life.

Imperturbability

Michele: Imperturbability implies that those who are superior do not cower. Even in dialectical difficulty, proving oneself right is always within reach. It is only a matter of waiting for the facts to confirm it and for the dialectical confrontation to lead to this result. Therefore, emotional tantrums are neither necessary nor conceivable to convince or seduce others.

Antonio: I have never felt imperturbable, and when I appear as such, I am putting on a mask. I easily fall into emotional outbursts and get angry when my reasons are not acknowledged or when I feel hurt or "mistreated." I don't have the patience to wait for the facts to prove me right. In discussions, I get heated and passionate, trying to prove, even forcefully, that the other person is wrong or not right. I consider these characteristics an aspect of my "asociality."

Intellect

Michele: The Social 1 avoids the outburst of anger through intellect, a tool that allows him to prevail over others in terms of "always being right." It's the way he found to avoid showing the visceral anger part, which is not socially acceptable. Moreover, on the basis of the "logic of the intellect," he can convince others that he is always right.

Antonio: The intellect is also very present in me. At the same time, the rational capacities and reasons I want to present can also be "shouted," so that the other hears what I say and does not devalue it or "talk over" me. So, my intellectuality is closely linked to emotions, especially those of anger. As a child, in my powerlessness to assert my reasons, I was sometimes overwhelmed by an internal tremor and the urge to cry. This was especially true in intimate relationships and friendships, but not in formal situations. I soon learned to enter the reaction training mechanism that protectively led me to consent, perhaps by smiling, even if I had a different point of view and wanted something else. But only up to a point. Today, I'm more likely to let go of smiles and condescension and indulge in outbursts of anger that can later lead to feelings of guilt and worry about rejection.

Harshness

Michele: In several situations, the Social 1 expresses itself relentlessly. He does this, for example, when dealing with a person he considers "stupid." Faced with such a person, his dialectic becomes so clear that he can literally destroy anyone with words. Thus, he does with dialectics what he would never have the courage to do through physical violence.

Antonio: As far as I'm concerned, I can express myself very harshly and ruthlessly with people who I consider to have done me or are doing me harm. What I say is not entirely unfounded, but it can be very strong and devaluing for the recipient. It's a kind of ability I have to block the other person with words. This only happens to me with people who I feel are threatening me, who are maybe undermining my territory or not acknowledging my authority. In general, this extremely direct and incisive communication, although it has positive purposes, can cause fear or discomfort in the other person. I take as a general example a form of interaction theorized in Eric Berne's psychological games. In general, a game leads to an abrupt and negative interruption of the relationship and ends with the conviction on the part of the character E1, but also others, that "you're not okay, I'm okay." Basically, "I'm fine" if I win, if I win. This gives him strength and a fictitious energy, an illusion of power that he doesn't really recognize in himself.

Repression

Michele: No situation, no guide, no group, and no person is perfect enough for the Social 1 to feel fully part of them or, in any case, in tune with them. There is always something wrong and something that needs to be changed, modified, or corrected. This leads to a perpetual situation of disharmony in dealing with people.

Antonio: The E1 maladjustment is the result of a constant search for something more and something different, which reaches the point of not allowing oneself to live a satisfying life and, consequently, neither do others. We always seek the best: what already exists, what nature and the world offer, is not enough. It is a false need, that of the perfectionist who wants to change and transform people and things into something else, preventing himself from a quiet acceptance. It is an obsessive demand to improve oneself and others, losing sight of the possibility of enjoying the richness of what already exists in the here and now. The consequence is that the Social 1 always feels, illusorily, projected towards a better future.

Michele: I respect the way in which Social 1 contributes to the construction of social evil. We are inspired by what Claudio Naranjo wrote in his book El enneagrama de la sociedad, where he argues that the social decadence of the character E1 in our society is represented by the aspect of repression. This is a repression that does not take the form of physical violence, but rather the devaluation of the other. The E1's aptitude for perfectionism and his demand for the world to adapt to his vision of reality produces as an enormous social evil the impoverishment of others and the discouragement of taking initiative. Instead of encouraging, supporting, and accompanying others, it has taken on a more mature and fulfilled expression. The actions of E1 are directed towards the achievement of his objectives, thereby excluding the creative enthusiasm of others, perhaps because they only express in an inadequate way in his unique vision of things.

Marisa: The repression of the social begins and is particularly harmful in the private sphere, that is, with children and in the family or in intimate relationships, where it takes the form of "moral violence," either because it is directed at those who cannot defend themselves (children), or because it is directed at those who love us and are therefore more defenseless against us than against strangers. In these cases, it seems to me that we not only inhibit the creativity of others, but also prevent their freedom to be as they are, because, by devaluing them, we do not accept them. This, on the one hand, blocks the conscious growth of the other, and on the other hand, it generates a violent anger that does not always find the opportunity to express itself, for the reasons explained above and for the particular hidden form of our violence, disguised as suggestions.

Antonio: For me, another way of contributing to the evils of the world is the deep conviction that it is up to me to fix everything and complete the unfinished, which feeds the idea that I

cannot trust anyone and that in the end I will have to solve everything myself. This attitude leads me to always demand more from myself and to an obsession with doing everything better and better, without ever being satisfied. It is a search for perfectionism that then also weighs on others. In fact, it induces those around me not to do it or not to do it very well, because in the end, I will always be the one who will fix and correct everything.

Dualism

A strong dualism is present in the desire to perfect social things: "Do I do this? Or is it better to do that?" The source of perfectionism is conflict. Ostensibly, the Social 1 appears to have self-confidence, but in reality, its appearance of security allows it to cover up its discomfort, which comes from its attachment to Enneatype 6. This attachment feeds its uncertainty, its difficulty of choice, and a subtle, fearful anxiety. It is his and tacit, as Claudio Naranjo proposed as the background of E1, and which translates into the attitude: "Am I doing it right or am I doing it wrong?"

Hidden Rebellion

If he does not rebel openly, it is because he is afraid of the risks he may take. In any case, his rebellion, although not clearly expressed, is quite evident in the positions he adopts, often contrary to those of others, which he usually holds firmly. In my case, as a teenager, I began to rebel against my parents and the social model they passed on to me, dedicating myself to studies and jobs completely different from what they wanted.

Obsession

The E1's obsession is different from that of the E6. Obsessive thinking in E1 does not involve rituals or occupying the mind with ideas. It is a way to keep the mind busy, both intellectually and creatively, even with dedication, to deal with complicated situations in which it is difficult to make sense. Its purpose is to untangle the situation and solve it. He gets into trouble to get through hardships and prove to himself and others how capable he is. Sherlock Holmes, who possesses this subtype, constantly says that he is unique in the world for his abilities and tends toward perfectionism. I also sometimes pride myself on being someone who knows their profession deeply, although I don't feel as confident as Holmes. And like Sherlock, when I "solve a case," I don't claim any recognition. The E1 needs coolness and lucidity. I remember an episode in which Holmes criticizes Watson for putting romantic elements in the story about Jefferson Hope. Even if they existed, he says,

they should be eliminated because they take away the scientific nature of research, which is like an exact science, like a theorem. The Social 1 (but also the Self-Preservation subtype) tends to cool their emotions, and in doing so, limits their potential.

Fixation For Correction In Expression

The "clear and distinct ideas," according to Descartes' expression, must be expressed in equally clear texts, without ambiguity, without arousing subjectivities. Speaking had to be, as a friend joked, "exact, correct, perfect." This strict nominalism has accompanied me throughout my life, and although it often gives greater rigidity to my expressions, it has also given me the pleasure of immersing myself in etymology and appreciating the art of writing, even that of poetry, which, with its feet tied to the meaning of words, their cadence, and singular syntax, reaches what the heart points to, but is not found within them. The staging that accompanies these considerations is a slow walk and talk, with a barely disguised aristocratic air.

I understand as a consequence of this rigid attachment to precision the difficulty I have felt in changing registers with agility in my social interactions. For example, moving from formality to mischief, picking up a few jokes in the middle of a "serious" conversation, seemed to require an effort that appeared like a natural gesture to others. This often made me feel inadequate, socially awkward.

Overcoming, Permanent Correction

Overcoming is a gesture that everyone is compelled to perform continuously, especially in the face of adversity. Overcoming laziness, discouragement, anger, and spontaneity. In my case, it is an overcoming of the sublime, the highest. An upward flight that finds idealized justifications (idealization shared by others, thus earning their approval). In this way, the Social 1 achieves a favorable position in the world.

The Social 1 is also characterized by a permanent attitude of correction. In my case, this stems from the deep conviction that one cannot simply be as one is; rather, one must overcome or adapt. It is a just and necessary intervention that must be carried out by those who know and can see.

Often, in contexts of action, I notice variables that others don't appreciate. The art of pointing them out for improvement is what makes the difference between repressing and stimulating growth.

Existential Decisions

Inadaptability is structured around decisions like: if things go a certain way and I don't like them, I'll do things my way. Even when I need help, it’s better not to rely on others; surely, I won’t get what I need, and in the end, I’ll have to fend for myself. I must strive and push myself to achieve it. I will be strong, so I can face life, overcome my limits, and rise above my inadequacies. Neither fever nor illness will stop me; I’ll always stand tall. I won’t be a disturbance, and in doing so, they will love me. I will work hard to deserve recognition so I can prove I have the right to live in this world...

P. literally states: “I take care of myself and I don’t let myself be taken care of. I handle everything that concerns me, especially the difficult things. Since I need but am hard to satisfy, I will fend for myself. I will be strong, good, bright, perfect. I will be like my father and the opposite of my mother.” For others, the roles of father and mother may be reversed, but the final decisions remain essentially the same.

Perfectionism

Inadaptability involves a constant effort and commitment to doing things well; however, this becomes an unattainable goal: perfection. As a result, you feel the need to constantly improve, never being satisfied with the outcomes. This attitude creates a state of constant tension that prevents relaxation and enjoyment of the results. It quickly leads to another task or obligation to fulfill. Those who walk this path are driven by a crazy and irrational belief: “Only if I am perfect will I be loved,” says B. The challenge with yourself is that “you have to trust only in your own ability, and in doing so, others will admire me.”

Demand

The pursuit of perfection requires an execution plan. How do I achieve perfection? By demanding, insisting—sometimes even torturing myself. With sacrifice, relying only on my own means. The goal is to improve, improve, and improve. I will prove to my parents—sometimes both, sometimes especially my father, but also my mother—what I am capable of. It is a form of rescue the child seeks, and today, the adult, imprisoned by their own history, unconsciously chases an unattainable end of perfection. They develop a special eye to identify errors and flaws. Commitment and demands are aimed at creating a favorable image of oneself.

The Defensive System

The Social 1, like the other subtypes, bases its defensive systems primarily on reactive formation. Suppressing experiences is not enough; they transform them. They want to improve. They believe that what they think or feel lacks value or won't be well received, so they transform it into something else. The social subtype, in particular, expresses little anger—unless their second subtype is sexual—and replaces it with more socially acceptable forms. Their attitudes and expressions tend toward seriousness and circumspection. They display controlled coldness, a subtle smile, and a certain gentleness, until it reaches an aristocratic superiority that can lead to indignation. They tend to show calm and control. In situations that produce the most tension, anger becomes a diffuse demand that leads to an obsessive desire to improve and correct, especially others, but also themselves. Anger hides, remains in the background, and becomes a drive to improve—an expectation and control over oneself and others. Thus, the goal appears to be nobler: to do things better, to be better.

For P., the result of all this is disastrous. Not being programmed to have children, she manages to have one through artificial insemination. She becomes both mother and father. She does not recognize the effective father's capability. She tries very hard; she wants to offer her child as much as possible. "I raised him the way I was raised." The father wanted her to be perfect; she wants her son to be perfect. "You don't cry, you don't laugh, you don't feel fear." The result is that the child self-produces small emotional wounds and suffers; they cannot tolerate all this constant presence and perfection.

Other Characteristics

The social subtype is the most intellectual of the three subtypes of E1 and is often a great reasoner. Claudio Naranjo affirms, "He hides rage with imperturbability." He goes on to add, "Aristocratic, elegant, circumspect. Underneath, there is fire."

Several people involved in this research are dedicated to volunteering and helping. B. is dedicated to defending workers, though in an administrative role. He works for a union he considers "moderate." Everyone wants to be recognized for their value, but that recognition is quickly lost as soon as a criticism is made or they realize they have been wrong. There is a tendency to uphold the norm: "The true norm is the one I believe in."