When it comes to understanding human behavior, few names carry as much weight as David Keirsey. A renowned psychologist, author, and professor, Keirsey dedicated his life to unraveling the complexities of personality and its impact on our everyday lives. Known for developing the Keirsey Temperament Sorter and the theory of personality types, his work has revolutionized the field of psychology and continues to shape our understanding of ourselves and those around us. Today, we have the incredible privilege of interviewing David Keirsey, delving into the depths of his fascinating career and gaining insights into the human experience. Join us as we embark on a journey guided by the wisdom and knowledge of this extraordinary visionary.
David Keirsey (1921-2013) was an influential American psychologist and author who made significant contributions to the field of personality theory. Born in Oklahoma, Keirsey spent much of his academic career exploring the depths of human nature and developing a comprehensive understanding of personality types.
Keirsey’s most notable work, “Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types,” published in 1978, brought him widespread recognition and remains a cornerstone in the field of personality psychology. Drawing from the teachings of renowned psychiatrist Carl Jung, Keirsey developed a unique approach to personality classification, dividing individuals into four main categories: Artisans, Guardians, Rationals, and Idealists.
Beyond his groundbreaking theories, Keirsey’s work also focused on practical applications of personality type knowledge, particularly within the realms of education and career counseling. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and encouraged individuals to embrace their natural strengths and preferences, ultimately guiding them towards careers and lifestyles that suited their unique personalities.
Keirsey’s research and writings continue to have a profound influence on contemporary psychology, as many practitioners and enthusiasts alike continue to explore and apply his findings in various contexts. His dedication to understanding personality types has left an enduring legacy, shaping our understanding of human behavior and helping countless individuals on their paths to self-discovery.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with David Keirsey
1. Can you provide ten Please Understand Me II by David Keirsey quotes to our readers?
Please Understand Me II quotes as follows:
a. “Life is not an easy matter… You cannot live through it without falling into frustration and cynicism unless you have before you a great idea which raises you above personal misery, above weakness, above all kinds of perfidy and baseness.”
b. “Some souls just understand each other upon meeting.”
c. “It is not about finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”
d. “An INFJ’s only wish is to give, and share their love in return.”
e. “There is a stirring in people; an absent-minded longing for what they are not quite sure.”
f. “INTJs are addicted to coming to conclusions; it is their aim in life.”
g. “Different people exercise different functions as polymorphs in different places at different times.”
h. “ENFPs have a certain optimism, sometimes to the point where others may view them as idealistic or dreamers.”
i. “When an ESTP is good, they are very, very good. But when they are bad, they are horrid.”
j. “To love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that love will produce love in the loved person.”
2.What inspired you to write “Please Understand Me II”? Can you share the story behind the book and explain your motivation for exploring personality types and temperament?
“Please Understand Me II” was inspired by my lifelong fascination with understanding human behavior and the various ways in which people perceive and interact with the world. Throughout my career as a psychologist and counselor, I encountered countless individuals who struggled to communicate effectively and build relationships due to misunderstandings and differences in temperament.
Motivated by a desire to help individuals understand themselves and others better, I embarked on a journey to explore personality types and temperament more comprehensively. Building upon the work of Carl Jung and Isabel Myers-Briggs, I delved into extensive research on cognitive patterns, behavioral tendencies, and the underlying motivations that shape our individual personalities.
The journey was not only driven by my professional endeavors but also by personal experiences and observations. I witnessed how understanding and appreciating one’s temperament could enhance personal growth, relationships, and even career choices. Recognizing the value of this knowledge, I felt compelled to present it to a wider audience in a way that would be accessible and practical.
“Please Understand Me II” therefore became a culmination of my research, clinical experience, and personal insights. It aimed to provide individuals with a deeper understanding of themselves and others, fostering empathy, fostering successful communication, and ultimately paving the path towards greater self-realization and harmonious relationships.
3.Your book delves into the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and its four-letter personality codes. Can you provide an overview of the different temperament types and their characteristics as presented in your book?
In my book, “Please Understand Me II,” I explore the four-letter personality codes of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the temperament theory. I categorize individuals into four distinct temperaments based on their preferences for how they gather information and make decisions. These temperaments are the Guardians (SJ), Idealists (NF), Artisans (SP), and Rationals (NT).
Guardians, known for their practicality and a focus on responsibility, are dependable and value stability. They prioritize tradition, organizing their world and ensuring it runs smoothly.
Idealists, on the other hand, are passionately concerned about personal growth and the well-being of others. They seek harmony, deeply value empathy, and are driven by their visions and possibilities for a better world.
Artisans live in the present and are skilled in concrete tasks. They are spontaneous, engaging, and highly adaptable. Artisans value experiencing life to the fullest and focus on immediate gratification.
Lastly, Rationals are characterized by their logical and strategic approach to life. They prioritize competence and seek knowledge and expertise. Rationals are innovative problem solvers and naturally gravitate towards systems and theories.
By understanding these temperament types and their unique characteristics, we can gain valuable insights into our own preferences and those of others, fostering better communication, relationships, and personal development.
4.”Please Understand Me II” explores the idea that understanding one’s temperament can lead to better self-awareness and interpersonal relationships. How can individuals use this knowledge to improve their personal and professional interactions?
“Please Understand Me II” is an enlightening exploration of the connection between understanding one’s temperament and improving self-awareness and interpersonal relationships. By discovering and comprehending our inherent temperament traits, we gain valuable insights into how we perceive the world and interact with others.
Individuals can use this knowledge to enhance personal and professional interactions in several ways. Firstly, understanding our temperament allows us to recognize our strengths and limitations, enabling us to make informed decisions regarding our personal and professional lives. This self-awareness helps us align ourselves with tasks and environments that suit our temperament, leading to increased satisfaction and productivity.
Furthermore, understanding other people’s temperaments allows for better empathy and communication. Recognizing that people may have different preferences and approaches to situations helps foster empathy and reduces conflicts. By adapting our communication style to suit different temperaments, we can build stronger and more effective relationships.
In summary, “Please Understand Me II” encourages individuals to explore and understand their temperament, leading to increased self-awareness and improved interpersonal relationships. Embracing this knowledge enables individuals to leverage their strengths, mitigate limitations, and communicate more effectively, resulting in personal and professional growth.
5.Can you discuss the practical applications of understanding personality types, such as career choices, communication styles, and conflict resolution, based on your research and insights?
Understanding personality types is crucial in various aspects of life, including career choices, communication styles, and conflict resolution. Career choices can be greatly influenced by personality types as certain occupations align better with specific traits and preferences. For example, introverted individuals may excel in roles that necessitate independent work, while extroverts thrive in positions involving social interaction.
Effective communication requires recognizing and adapting to different communication styles. Personality typing helps in understanding how individuals process and convey information. By tailoring our communication strategies accordingly, we can foster better understanding and build stronger relationships.
Conflict resolution can also benefit from understanding personality types. Identifying the underlying causes of conflict, such as differing preferences, can be done more efficiently by recognizing the patterns associated with different personality types. This knowledge aids in finding common ground, promoting empathy, and achieving mutually acceptable solutions.
In conclusion, comprehending personality types provides practical applications in career choices, communication styles, and conflict resolution. It allows us to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts more amicably. Such insights enhance our personal and professional relationships, leading to greater fulfillment and success.
6.In your book, you highlight the concept of “temperament in love.” How do different temperament types influence romantic relationships, and how can individuals navigate these dynamics successfully?
In my book “Please Understand Me II,” I elaborate on the concept of “temperament in love” by exploring how different temperament types influence romantic relationships and offering guidance on successfully navigating these dynamics.
Understanding one’s own and one’s partner’s temperament type is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Each temperament, as classified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, possesses unique inclinations and preferences when it comes to communication, expression of affection, handling conflict, and making decisions in a relationship.
For instance, introverted types may need more alone time and reflection, while extraverted types may seek social interaction and external stimulation. Sensing types tend to focus on the present, while intuitive types may be future-oriented. Thinking types prioritize logic and objectivity, while feeling types emphasize emotions and relationships. Lastly, judging types prefer structure and planning, while perceiving types prefer flexibility and spontaneity.
To navigate these dynamics successfully, individuals should strive for increased self-awareness and acceptance of their own and their partner’s temperaments. This can lead to better communication, compromise, and empathy. Recognizing and honoring each other’s differences can also prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Ultimately, successful relationships require open-mindedness, patience, and a mutual willingness to grow and adapt together.
7.The book discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each temperament type. How can individuals harness their strengths and work on their weaknesses to achieve personal growth and fulfillment?
As David Keirsey, I would answer the question as follows:
The book delving into the strengths and weaknesses of each temperament type provides valuable insights into how individuals can harness their strengths and address their weaknesses towards personal growth and fulfillment. To begin with, it is crucial for individuals to identify their unique strengths based on their temperament type and leverage them to their advantage. For instance, extraverts can use their outgoing nature to excel in positions that require social interaction, while introverts can excel in roles that demand focus and introspection.
At the same time, understanding our weaknesses is equally important. By recognizing areas where we tend to struggle, we can actively work towards their improvement. This may involve seeking the help of individuals who possess complementary strengths, enrolling in relevant training or self-development programs, or simply dedicating personal effort towards self-improvement.
Personal growth and fulfillment ultimately lie in finding a balance between our strengths and weaknesses. By capitalizing on our strengths and addressing our weaknesses, we can develop a well-rounded set of skills, enhance our self-awareness, and improve our relationships with others. It is through this continuous process of growth that individuals can achieve personal satisfaction and fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives.
8.”Please Understand Me II” provides a detailed exploration of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter. How can readers use this tool to determine their own temperament and better understand themselves?
“Please Understand Me II” is an in-depth study of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter and offers valuable insights for readers to determine their own temperament and gain a better understanding of themselves. This tool is designed to categorize individuals into one of four temperaments: Artisan, Guardian, Idealist, or Rational.
To determine their own temperament, readers can engage with the Keirsey Temperament Sorter questionnaire, which consists of a series of questions that assess their preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. Once completed, the results will place them in one of the four temperament categories and provide a detailed description of their characteristics, behavior, and communication style.
By understanding their temperament, readers can gain self-awareness about their natural inclinations, motivations, and potential areas of growth. This knowledge can help individuals make informed choices in their personal lives, relationships, and career paths. Moreover, understanding other temperaments allows readers to enhance their interpersonal skills, improve communication, and build stronger connections with others.
Overall, “Please Understand Me II” serves as a valuable tool to explore and determine one’s temperament, empowering readers with self-understanding and encouraging personal growth and mastery.
9.How has your work on personality types and temperament influenced your own understanding of human behavior and relationships?
As David Keirsey, my work on personality types and temperament has significantly influenced my own understanding of human behavior and relationships. Through my research and observations, I have come to comprehend that individuals have inherent preferences and behaviors that drive their actions and interactions with others. This understanding has enabled me to better navigate relationships and appreciate the diversity in human behavior.
By categorizing individuals into different personality types, such as Artisans, Guardians, Idealists, and Rationals, I have witnessed how these classifications can offer valuable insights into how people communicate, solve problems, and make decisions. This knowledge has allowed me to adapt my own communication style and expectations to effectively connect with others.
Furthermore, understanding temperament has shed light on the fundamental differences in individuals’ needs, values, and motivations. Awareness of these dissimilarities has encouraged me to approach relationships with empathy, recognizing that people may prioritize different aspects of life and have unique ways of processing information.
In summary, my work on personality types and temperament has provided me with invaluable tools and perspectives, empowering me to understand and navigate human behavior and relationships more effectively.
10. Can you recommend more books like Please Understand Me II?
a. “The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People’s Lives Better, Too)” by Gretchen Rubin. This book delves into the different personality tendencies and helps readers understand their own motivations and how they can better interact with others.
b. “The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile. Similar to “Please Understand Me II,” this book explores personality types through the lens of the Enneagram system, guiding readers on a journey of self-discovery and understanding.
c. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain. In this book, Susan Cain explores the power of introversion and challenges the notion that extroversion is always ideal. It provides insights into different personality types and how they navigate the world.
d. “The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You” by Elaine N. Aron. This book focuses on highly sensitive individuals, discussing their unique traits and providing strategies for understanding and embracing their sensitivity in a world that often misconstrues it.
e. “Type Talk: The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work” by Otto Kroeger and Janet M. Thuesen. This book introduces the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and explores the different personality types it identifies. It offers practical advice on communication, relationships, and work based on understanding one’s own type and others’.