Books on the Enneagram

Character and Neurosis:
An Integrative View

by Claudio Naranjo, MD

Best and most precise book on the enneagram (for experts only)

Claudio Naranjo could be called the "mother" of the enneagram of character-types (with Oscar Ichazo being the "father"). All of the well-known enneagram-teachers today have learned the enneagram either directly from him or from one of his students or student's students. Many of the assumptions, Naranjo had made during his first teachings in the 1970's, were later falsely interpreted as being proven facts, and are now dogmas in the enneagram-movement (e.g. the notion of heart/stress-movement)

From my point of view this book has the most precise and in depth descriptions of the nine character-types. Mr. Naranjo does not bother to describe the unimportant aspects of individual behavior (e.g. the concept of wings, etc.), but goes right to the core of the neurosis, that is present in every type. As far as I know, no other author has such a radical view on character, in stating that character itself is neurosis. In addition, the book contains valuable information about some of the historical aspects of the enneagram.

Unfortunately, Mr. Naranjo did not go into detail, concerning his criticism towards the mainstream enneagram-movement. At least, he mentions his disagreement with the works of Don Richard Riso, a popular enneagram-author, who claims to have made a lot of contributions to the systems himself, which could very well turn out to be misunderstandings of the knowledge. Summing up, I would say, that this book is a must for anybody, who is truly interested in the enneagram as a tool for transformation, rather than a tool for playing "typing games".

It is not intended for beginners and the sophisticated language surely requires a few times of reading.

0895560666 - $21.95