The Seven Types – Chapter 6

The seven types and notable role models

We will now look at how a few notable people each embody a different soul type. As stated in the Introduction, this chapter is written by Søren Hauge. My intention is to offer examples of men and women, past and present, who exemplify a particular soul type, or a typical combination of types, and I hope this will help us to recognise the essential qualities of the various types. In offering these examples, I have worked to the best of my knowledge, but it is not an easy task to designate types to people I have not met, so please take the following material as hypothetical. It is also important to note that in this chapter we are not looking at pure types but at soul types, which means we are looking at how an individual’s expression of their soul qualities can be flavoured by the qualities of a variety of energies.

I have also included some of Assagioli’s suggested examples of the types. For further examples, I highly recommend Ferrucci’s book Inevitable Grace, which offers some deep material.

LEADERS: Dynamic soul types with Will as the dominant function

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), the 16th President of the United States, is an example of someone who has demonstrated strong leadership on the world stage. His role in the abolishment of slavery and his integrity as a leader made him one of the founding fathers of the United States. He demonstrated a dynamic powerful leadership that incorporated a sense of humanity and solidarity (practical type) as he sought to end slavery in the US.

A few centuries earlier, Elizabeth I (1533-1603) was the Queen of England. As a progressive regent, she ruled with a firm hand (dynamic type), overseeing the birth of the British Empire while maintaining a passion for the arts and culture (creative type). She was temperamental with dramatically changing moods (creative type), but overall her determination and leadership – in both war and peace – turned Great Britain into a wealthy superpower and contributed to cultural and social growth.

A former head of state of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev (born 1931) also demonstrated leadership on a global scale. In his own country he introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). He ended the arms race with the United States and initiated the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990, and has since been involved with ecological movements such as Green Cross International and Earth Charter. Gorbachev’s leadership is an expression of the strength of the dynamic type combined with the humanity of the sensitive type.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is another example of the dynamic soul type. After 27 years in prison for his anti-Apartheid activities, Mandela became South Africa’s first black president. His efforts to end Apartheid and tensions that existed between black and white South Africans were extraordinary. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 having supported numerous human rights organisations and initiatives. Mandela expressed dynamic leadership and power combined with the creative type’s quest for harmony and balance.

According to Assagioli (1983: 22): “It is not difficult to recognise the most famous examples of this type. Various mystics and historical personalities have exemplified it. Zeus/Jupiter is a giant projection of beings of this type. His heroic antagonist, Prometheus, is another ideal model of it, and another is Hercules. The great rulers and conquerors of history demonstrate its more or less admirable traits in various proportions; we can name Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and Napoleon.”

TEACHERS: Sensitive soul types with Feeling as the dominant function

Teachers, counsellors and other sorts of helpers who want to change the world to make it a better place. The Italian physician Maria Montessori (1870-1952), a world-renowned pioneer of children’s education, is one such example. Her educational philosophy, and the movement of Montessori schools that has spread across the world, have deeply influenced modern children’s education. We can sense both the sensitive type and the more experimental analytical type in her work.

The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) is another example of someone who possessed great wisdom and insight. With his analytical psychology, Jung put the soul into psychology by uniting strict empirical practice with Eastern wisdom, archetypal symbols and the collective unconscious. His practice as a psychologist is an expression of the sensitive soul type, with his work clearly coloured by his scientific interest (analytical) and an artistic aestheticism (creative).

Today, we can find many prominent examples of the sensitive soul type in the fields of spirituality, psychology, sociology and the humanities. A prominent global role model is the Indian spiritual teacher Mata Amritanandamayi (born 1953), also called Amma, the mother, who in her work unites the roles of guru, peace worker, women’s activist and social philanthropist. Amma is best known for her warm embraces (the Amma hug), her teachings, and her ability to mobilise relief work and social work.

The most famous global spiritual icon today is undoubtedly Tenzin Gyatzo (born 1935), better known as the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibet and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Through his life and teaching, the Dalai Lama has embodied compassion, wisdom, joy, friendliness and social activism. He has written many books and travelled the world extensively to share the philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism. His message is welcome in a world that is in desperate need of peace and the values of the heart. The Dalai Lama embodies the wisdom and love of the sensitive soul type, the commitment of the dedicated type, and the Western scientific orientation of the analytical type.

Assagioli (1983: 35) says the following: “In some of the finest representatives of this type, it is the quality of ‘love’ that is most notable, while in others wisdom seems to prevail; but in reality, at the level of the Self, these two aspects cannot be separated: the one necessarily implies the other. The supreme examples of this can be seen in the life and teachings of the two greatest representatives of this type known to man: Christ and Buddha.”

THINKERS: Mental soul types with Thought as the dominant function

This is the world of metaphysicians, geniuses, and other great thinkers who develop smart strategies and solutions to solve life’s practical challenges. These people possess enlightened minds that generate new insights and knowledge about the world.

One of the greatest thinkers of the Western world is the German philosopher George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831). His “absolute idealism” and historical philosophy rest on the understanding that ideas shape the world. Especially important is Hegel’s dialectics, which, like other “dialectical” methods of analysis, works with contradictions and opposites to create new syntheses and dynamics that can have a huge impact on history.

Hegel’s countryman, the German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724- 1804), is another intellectual giant, and is considered to be one of the most significant thinkers in history. Kant’s theory of knowledge considers what we can know and how we can know it. His categories, dialectics, theory of perception, and moral philosophy are among the most sophisticated attempts at trying to make sense of the world. Kant, like Hegel, was a living example of the mental soul type’s ability to reflect deeply on principles and ideology. Kant was also influenced by law and the rhythm of life, a distinctive feature of the practical type; his walks along the riverbank were so punctual that it is said the housewives of Konigsberg set their clocks by him.

Mental types are known for making unique contributions in the fields of science, business, communications and technology. Stephen Hawking (1942-2018), who had motor neurone disease, is known for his pioneering scientific research into the nature of the cosmos, black holes and quantum physics. His popular science books about the universe and nuclear and astrophysical theory are worldwide bestsellers.

Another icon representing the mental type is Steve Jobs (1955-2011). He gained cult status for his development of computer technology, for founding and managing the Apple Group, and for developing Pixar Animation Studios. The development of the Macintosh computer and all subsequent Apple innovations made Jobs the nerd’s number one hero, with Jobs playing a key role in revolutionising the development of Information Technology worldwide. Jobs developed elegant graphical user interfaces and introduced the mouse, iBook, iPhone, iPad and many other innovations. Jobs was also known as a tough leader (dynamic) and a genius (mental).

Assagioli (1983: 43) cites Henry Ford as an example in this category: “Examples of the active-practical type [mental type] are well known. We will mention only one, who is very typical indeed: Henry Ford. In reading his autobiography, we cannot help but admire his genius in manipulating the ‘laws of economy’ in his automobile business, by finding mechanical devices and little economies that permitted not only the increase of production but the lowering of costs and the increase of profit. (It could be claimed that Ford was a good example of the combination of the active-practical and the organisational types) [practical types].”

ARTISTS: Creative soul types with Imagination as the dominant function

Examples of significant creative and artistic figures are not difficult to spot. Within the sphere of music, the German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) is an obvious example. A rebel with a strong pioneering spirit, we can see the dynamic type in his stern expression. We also hear the sensitive and psychological qualities of his music, which reveal the creative type in its most magnificent expression. Beethoven composed nine symphonies and numerous string quartets, piano and violin concertos, operas and choral music. The Eroica symphony, Ode to Joy and Moonlight Sonata evidence his enormous range and artistic genius.

In poetry and language, we can mention Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832). Not only was he a born artist, he also showed scientific acuity (analytical) and political leadership (dynamic). Goethe wrote poetry, dramas, novels and scientific books, with his theory of colour representing a significant scientific breakthrough. His best known work is Faust, a deep psychological drama that describes how a successful yet dissatisfied scholar is tempted to make a pact with the devil, exchanging his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures. Goethe was a multi-faceted, multi-talented genius and one of a kind; in many ways he exemplifies the combination of the creative and analytical types.

In today’s world, we see many expressions of the Way of the Artist in show business, music and film. One example is the Canadian singer Celine Dion (born 1968), who started singing and acting as a five-year-old and went on to become a global superstar. Her singing voice and performance are at a remarkably high level, and her joy of communicating through song is well-known. Her discography is extensive, including iconic songs such as My Heart Will Go On from the movie Titanic, and Beauty and the Beast from the movie of the same name. Her CD sales count in their millions and she is still active. As well as exemplifying the artistic type, she also embodies the intense romance and empathy of the dedicated type and the professional skills of the practical type.

Another example of this type is the composer John Williams (born 1932), who has been writing music for the movies since 1958, including blockbusters such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jaws, Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones, Home Alone, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Seven Years in Tibet, Amistad, Saving Private Ryan and the Harry Potter films. John Williams has won five Oscars for his music, the first in 1971.

Assagioli (1983: 58) writes: “Examples of the creative-artistic type are easily brought to mind: Shakespeare, who with the magic touch of his creative genius transformed all the people and situations that he found in history or fable, permeating them with new, delightful vitality and giving them intense dramatic expression; Leonardo da Vinci, with his extraordinary ability to fuse subtle and mysterious meanings in the portraits and landscapes he painted; and many other individuals of lesser calibre found in the same fields.”

EXPLORERS: Analytical soul types with Logic as the dominant function

In recent centuries we have seen a scientific revolution and, in many ways, our world is now dominated by science. Many scientific and analytical types prefer the solitude of their work to public attention, which means they don’t draw as much attention to themselves as other types. Even so, there are many examples of this type. Let’s start with the Italian physicist and astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564- 1642) who strived to “measure everything that can be measured and make the immeasurable measurable”. Galileo lived during a period of Christian orthodoxy and, with a background in medical (analytic) and mathematical (mental) studies, he faced many cultural and religious prejudices. Galileo, also called the father of the scientific method, discovered four of Jupiter’s moons based on observation; he calculated the law of falling objects; and he observed that the Earth moved around the Sun, a discovery that the Catholic Church tried to hide. He developed binoculars for astronomical observations and wrote a masterpiece of mechanical physics, The New Sciences.

Centuries later, the Polish-born French chemist and physicist Marie Curie (1867-1934) conducted research into radioactivity, and her discovery of polonium and radium has changed how we see the world. The significance of her research is obvious considering the dangers of radioactivity. She received the Nobel Prize for her research in physics and chemistry. Her scientific efforts and achievements are outstanding: Marie Curie exemplifies the analytical and practical types in their highest expression.

The analytical type has flourished in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Within less traditional fields of research, we can mention Dean Radin (born 1952), an American professor of parapsychology who became known worldwide for his book The Conscious Universe, in which he argues that extra sensory perception (ESP) and parapsychological phenomena (PSI) are facts of human life. Radin worked as a concert violinist for five years, so he is also an expression of the creative type, but it is his experimental study into psychic phenomenon that’s key. Radin continues to advocate for parapsychology to be taken seriously as a science.

Another scientific pioneer who has challenged established materialistic science is the English chemist James Lovelock (born 1919), who is known for the ‘Gaia Hypothesis’. This theory argues that the Earth is essentially a living creature, with its own self-regulating balances and dynamics. Lovelock based this hypothesis on concrete, observable facts about the atmosphere, oceans and continents, which he compares with biological organisms. With his background at NASA, Lovelock’s research is based on scientific methods (analytical), but it is also clear that consciousness and care (sensitive) are present in his work.

For this category, Assagioli (1983: 63) mentions the French philosopher Descartes (1595-1650), explaining: “His insistence upon clear distinctions, definitions and methodical investigation of truth demonstrates the true character of the French mind. The French culture is also an expression of the type under consideration and particularly the French language with its logical and rather rigid structure and its capacity for clear, precise, almost crystalline expression. This quality means that the language is perfectly adapted to communicating the discoveries and results of scientific research with ease and accuracy.”

VISIONARIES: Dedicated soul types with Passion as the dominant function

We commonly find the dedicated soul type pursuing higher goals and values, especially in the world of religion. The French saint Joan of Arc (1412-1431) is such an example. In a short period of time, and at a very young age, she made a great impact on history. She received divine guidance at the age of 12, when she claimed to have been contacted by the Archangel Michael and two deceased female saints who encouraged her to force the English out of France and save France from unrest and war. She was prophetic and, after some of her prophecies came true, she gained access to the royal court where she impressed the king. She became the king’s trusted advisor and had many triumphs at court, but in the end she was imprisoned and executed for heresy. Her fiery warring leadership was clearly inspired by an intense religious conviction that turned her into a saint and a legend.

From a few centuries earlier we can cite Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, from the city of Assisi in Italy, also known as Francis of Assisi (1182-1226). He was the first Christian mystic who, through his earnest religiousness, received the stigmata. Through uncompromising faith, joy and poverty, he had a deep influence on Christianity. He founded the Franciscan Order within the Roman Catholic Church, living in extreme simplicity, even in caves and forests. He established a community and was known for his humility, joy, and gratitude for God’s greatness and beauty as seen in nature. As a mystic and a radical disciple of Christ, St Francis exemplifies the dedicated type, but he also shows the love and compassion of the sensitive type and the appreciation of beauty as seen in the creative type. He is spiritually related to the present reformer of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, who cites Francis of Assisi as a role model.

Another Visionary is the South African archbishop Desmond Tutu (born 1931), who exemplifies the dedicated type, not only for his work in the church but also for his role in the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa. Tutu is a human rights activist (dedicated), who is also known for his sense of humour and expressive nature (creative). He works tirelessly for the poor and vulnerable and for the prevention of AIDS, tuberculosis, climate change, racism and homophobia, alongside many other important causes, including health for all and women’s rights. In 1984 he received the Nobel Peace Prize and, despite his advanced age, he remains active.

Another expression of the dedicated type is TV host Oprah Winfrey (born 1954). Oprah was only 27 when she became the hostess of a talk show that put spirituality, compassion, learning and solidarity into the public domain. Her shows have reached 140 countries, with 45 million viewers weekly in the United States alone. In addition to projects and idealistic initiatives, such as Oprah’s Angel Network, she has proven to be a skilled actress (creative), and her shows run as a highly efficient machine, with a large number of employees, that is extremely financially successful (practical).

Assagioli (1983: 73) mentions St Paul in this category, explaining: “One is Paul of Tarsus. The complete reversal of his feelings and actions as a result of his conversion, his ardent devotion to Christ, his militant apostolic zeal, his unshakeable courage, his profound sincerity that at times amounted to intolerance, and his intense, austere style are all characteristics of the type under examination.”

CREATORS: The Practical soul type with Action as the dominant function

Creators come in many guises, and we will mention just a few. The American architect, designer and author Frank Lloyd Wright (1867- 1959) is a great example of someone who has the Creator’s grasp of craftsmanship and an ability to invent new worlds. His visionary powers have influenced architecture throughout the first half of the twentieth century, with his ideas for reconciling nature and architecture in organic design still a great source of inspiration. We can see similarities to this organic way of thinking in Gaudi, Rudolf Steiner, Hundertwasser and Le Corbusier.

Walt Disney (1901-1966), the creator of the Disney empire, is possibly the most influential person there has ever been in the entertainment industry. He is another world-class creator; Walt Disney cartoons are legendary and the Disney theme parks have had a revolutionary impact on how we think about entertainment and movies. His work is distinctly American, appealing to those who are highly emotional (dedicated), sensitive, and adventurous (creative). One could say that Walt Disney was an imperialist (practical type) who was a pioneer in promoting fantasy (creative) that has a naïve childish aspect (dedicated).

Two very different examples of pioneers who follow the Way of the Creator are Arnold Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller and Clint Eastwood. Møller (1913-2012) is one of the world’s leading ship owners, through his Maersk group. This group is active in 125 countries, involved primarily with transportation, oil and natural gas production, and supermarkets. The Maersk shipping company runs a fleet of more than 300 large vessels, mostly container and tankers. Møller has run the company with an intense discipline (practical) and highly effective management skills (dynamic), all of which was expressed in his company’s motto “Timely care”.

Our other example is the artistically gifted pioneer Clint Eastwood. Eastwood (born 1930) is a movie star (creative) who demonstrates an extraordinary ability to make characters come alive, such as Rowdy Yates in Rawhide, the character of Dirty Harry, and Walt Kowalski in Gran Torino. Eastwood usually plays the tough hero (dynamic), and this type is visible in his personality. But Eastwood is also a gifted film director and producer. His film company, Malpaso Productions, was established in 1967 and created more than 50 movies, many of them starring Eastwood. He is known for his friendliness and efficiency, in the same way that his company is known for its efficiency, being able to produce films faster than most other companies (practical). At the same time, Eastwood is a composer and a pianist (creative). Eastwood was also the Mayor of Carmel, California, for two years, which is another example of his practical nature.

Assagioli (1983: 84-85) offers no historical figures for this type, but writes: “They include the highest priest at the head of a magnificent religious procession and the nurse who feels the pulse and takes the temperature of a patient at regular hours, transcribing them in order on a chart and supervising all the doctor’s prescriptions for him. There is the chamberlain of the court, profoundly interested in intricate questions of precedence, and the tough football coach who imposes regular exercises on the team. There is the energetic commander of an army who, with his organising ability, makes fresh bread and hot coffee available to soldiers in the front line, and the refined philologist who patiently tries to harness the living body of a language in a structure of synthetic and grammatical rules, but having to accept a large number of exceptions. Then there is the archivist, intent on recording and precisely ordering the feverish activity of his company in innumerable multi-coloured filing cabinets; the individual who invents the rules of a new card game – and many others.”

In light of the above descriptions, which prominent people have been your role models?

Make a list of your most important role models.

Which psychological qualities are most prominent in their characters? Can you see a pattern in the qualities you are especially inspired by?

What does this tell you about how you set about seeking to have a positive influence in the world?

So far, we have looked at the seven energies and seen how they are expressed in seven different ways, from the dynamic to the practical type. We have also reviewed the five psychological levels of body, feeling, thought, personality and soul. With these foundations in place, we will now look at another factor that   is   essential for understanding our personality type and soul type, namely the seven motivators.