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Background depicting an imagined scenario in the life of a Philosopher.
NXT PERSONALITY ARCHETYPE
Philosopher
ntbv | Insight

Dominant Aspects

If humans were computers, our dominant traits would be the operating system that is embedded and hard-coded in our minds. These deeply ingrained behaviors run on autopilot, driving our every action without conscious thought. Like breathing or blinking, we can actively choose to control our actions with enough concentration. However, most of the time, our recurring behaviors seem to be driven by our subconscious, functioning effortlessly and instinctively.

Instinct is a marvelous thing. It can
neither be explained nor ignored.

Agatha Christie

Dominant traits are often mistaken as strengths in most other personality systems. But here in Personality Ninja, we hold a different view. To us, traits are just traits, shaped by the wiring of our cognitive functions. Whether a trait is good or bad largely depends on the way it is used. As such, these traits can either be the source of one's greatest strengths, or the cause of their biggest downfall.

Naturally, we will hone our dominant traits, refining them into our super strengths. However, if we are not careful, there is a chance that we may push our dominant traits into overdrive, manifesting them in very unhealthy ways. In the end, our dominant traits are our natural tendencies and nothing more. The key to harnessing them effectively lies in knowing when, where, and how to use them.



❱ Perceptive in Philosophic Realizations

Revelations and epiphanies come naturally to Philosophers. They can't help but scrutinize these realizations, diving deeper in order to obtain a better understanding of their thoughts. Through these insights, they seek to make sense of the world at large and examine the fundamental nature of existence. Armed with infallible logic and insightful realizations, Philosophers will not stop in their pursuit of the ultimate goal—to uncover the truth of the universe.

Philosopher

However, at times, their insights might lack practicality. Though deep and logical, some of their realizations can be so theoretical that they might not actually work in real life. Without any factual backing, their abstract philosophies will crumble no matter how convincing they may sound. Ultimately, the elaborate theories of Philosophers cannot hold a single drop of water if they are not grounded in reality.

Worse yet, Philosophers may fail to realize that there is no ultimate answer to the question of existence. Despite their persistent efforts to piece everything together, the complexity of reality can prove to be a formidable foe. If Philosophers persist in this pursuit, their insatiable search for answers will lead them into endless contemplation. Should that happen, their minds will be trapped in a realm detached from reality, as they grapple to reconcile the abstract with the tangible.



❱ Intricate in Designing Visions

Philosophers have the innate talent for formulating elaborate long-term visions. Equipped with powerful foresight, Philosophers are able to develop the most accurate purpose in life. They are capable of answering the questions that are essential, covering all facets of logical inconsistencies to form the most bulletproof insights. Through this process, they can ensure that no stones are left unturned in their pursuit for the absolute truth.

Philosopher

Regrettably, these complicated plans may prove to be futile in the real world. Philosophers may spend an unhealthy amount of time lost in their thoughts, designing sophisticated visions that lack feasibility. They might not realize that life is ever-shifting, and unexpected factors will undoubtedly hinder their plans. If Philosophers fail to account for change, they run the risk of being trapped in a state of paralysis, obsessed with crafting their perfect vision.

At their worst, Philosophers might be blinded by their own foresight. Assuming their way to be the one true method, they may cherry-pick and even fabricate false evidence to support their claims, leading to discrepancies in their logic. In pursuit of their vision, they might hold on to their baseless assertions, rejecting any criticism directed at their ideas. If this goes on, Philosophers will wind up deceiving themselves, imprisoned in their own distorted reality.



❱ Logical in Simplifying Concepts

In a world steeped in complexity and chaos, Philosophers possess the powerful ability to simplify. Regardless of the topic at hand, they have a knack for recognizing the central theme among seemingly disparate events. They then dissect these recurring patterns through logic and deduction, arriving at the core of the problem. By distilling theoretical concepts down to their essential elements, Philosophers are able to uncover universal insights into the nature of existence.

Philosopher

Unfortunately, most situations in life are nuanced and complicated. Instead of simplifying a complex idea holistically, Philosophers may unknowingly leave out crucial details in the process. By doing so, they end up generalizing issues, causing subtleties to be lost in translation. The fact of the matter is that all problems in life have slight variations. If Philosophers insist on simple answers, they will end up blinding themselves to the reality of things.

Obsessed with breaking matters down to its simplest form, Philosophers may end up completely distorting the reality of a situation. For the sake of simplification, they might turn a blind eye towards distinctions between specific issues. This mindset narrows their perspective, causing them to force-fit matters into oversimplified concepts. Ultimately, Philosophers may develop a false perception of reality, sacrificing accuracy in their pursuit of simplicity.



❱ Introspective with Deep Insights

Philosophers frequently draw upon their infinite repository of insights, with the simple purpose of deliberating upon them. They delve deep into their thoughts, seeking to gain a logical understanding of their complex inner world. They usually spend considerable time reflecting on these thoughts, giving birth to new epiphanies in the process. With this contemplative method, Philosophers come ever closer to the fundamental truth that underlies all of existence.

Philosopher

Alas, such profound thinking often requires retreating to the innermost realm of one's mind. As a result, Philosophers may be so absorbed in their thoughts that they lose touch of their surroundings. If they do not step out of their bubble, they might even ignore how their words and actions impact other people in the external world. Such behavior is not encouraged, as it causes Philosophers to become completely oblivious to every situation embedded in reality.

Worst of all, Philosophers might end up in a negative spiral of thoughts. False premonitions and cataclysmic outcomes might plague their minds, causing them to unknowingly fall into a sense of existential dread. Trapped in their bubble, Philosophers will continue with these thoughts, eventually feeling hopeless about the future. Without the ability to rein in their ruminations, Philosophers might eventually find themselves swallowed by an abyss of their own creation.



To wrap it up, dominant traits are neither our strengths nor are they our weaknesses. They are simply traits we tend to exhibit naturally in our daily lives without much realization.

The biggest reminder here is this: a trait is a trait. It is a unique characteristic of an archetype, each carrying its own pros and cons. With that understanding, let us now venture into the next set of traits that we do more consciously—our supportive traits.

Read next section →
Supportive Traits [Philosopher]