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In this conversation, Dr. Paul and Jeremy Fox explore the complexities of personality typing systems, critiquing existing models and proposing a new framework called the Social Personality System. They discuss the limitations of hormone-based personality theories and emphasize the importance of understanding personality through emotional and intellectual spectra. The conversation also touches on the creation of personalized personality systems and the significance of matching individuals based on their psychological traits. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of personality psychology, particularly focusing on the Big Five personality traits and their implications for understanding human behavior. They discuss the distinction between personality and character, the evolving landscape of dating and matchmaking through algorithms, and the phases of human courtship. The conversation emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and the dynamics of attraction, highlighting how these elements interplay in relationships.
In this live stream, Dr. Paul and Jeremy Fox engage in a conversation prompted by Dr. Paul's recent experiences publishing two articles in a major magazine. He discusses how one article received prominent attention, while another, written about Helen Fisher, an anthropologist and former chief scientist at chemistry.com, overshadowed it.
Dr. Paul reflects on Fisher’s work, which focused on love and the development of scientific algorithms for matchmaking. He expresses surprise as he discovers Fisher’s personality typing system, which categorizes personalities based on biological factors like serotonin, dopamine, testosterone, and estrogen, rather than the more traditional Big Five personality traits. Dr. Paul is intrigued by the concept and feels compelled to respond to the article, appreciating the exploration of alternative personality frameworks.
In this continuation of the live stream, Dr. Paul reflects critically on Helen Fisher's personality typing system, particularly the notion of personality being defined solely by testosterone. He questions the validity of such a system, arguing that if a personality style applies predominantly to males, it undermines the purpose of having a diverse personality typing system. This could result in a situation where the majority of males and a similar percentage of females are classified into rigid personality types, leaving out other styles entirely.
This leads him to introduce a model he developed over 25 years ago, influenced by the book "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover" by Moore and Gillette. While the original authors focused on male archetypes, Dr. Paul believes these categories can apply to females as well, pointing out that he has known many women who embody traits of the "warrior" or "magician" archetypes—strong, creative, and influential figures in various fields.
He now calls it, the Social Personality System because it is about the communication and behavior his four “types” tend to play out with particular other personality styles, including in romance and courtship.
He expresses excitement about sharing this perspective with Jeremy Fox for the first time, indicating a desire to explore the idea that personality archetypes can be gender-inclusive and applicable to a broader spectrum of human experiences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context
01:24 Critique of Personality Typing Systems
05:05 The Social Personality System
10:54 Understanding Personality Beyond Hormones
14:45 Creating Your Own Personality Typing System
20:10 The Emotional and Intellectual Spectrum
28:24 Quadrants of Personality and Matchmaking
33:09 Exploring the Big Five Personality Traits
39:10 Distinguishing Personality from Character
45:01 The Future of Dating and Algorithms
51:10 The Phases of Human Courtship
57:55 The Dynamics of Attraction and Desire
Takeaways
Takeaways
The critique of existing personality typing systems is essential for scientific accuracy.
Personality can be understood through a social lens, not just biological.
The Social Personality System offers a more comprehensive approach to understanding personality.
Emotional and intellectual styles are crucial in defining personality.
Self-esteem can be divided into well-being and confidence.
Gender should not dictate personality traits or types.
Creating a personality typing system can be done with descriptive spectra.
Personality is a durable concept that changes slowly over time.
Understanding emotional timbre is key to effective communication.
Matchmaking should consider both emotional and intellectual compatibility. The Big Five personality traits are predictive and reliable.
Character reflects maturity, while personality reflects style.
Data mining has influenced modern personality assessments.
Algorithms in dating may lack the depth of human connection.
Sexual attraction is a crucial first step in courtship.
Emotional attraction follows sexual attraction in relationships.
Intellectual attraction is essential for long-term partnerships.
Understanding personality can enhance relationship dynamics.
Cultural shifts impact how dating and attraction are perceived.
The interplay of personality and character is complex and significant.
Titles
Rethinking Personality: A New Framework
The Social Personality System Explained
Beyond Hormones: Understanding Personality
Creating Your Own Personality Typing System
The Emotional and Intellectual Spectrum of Personality
Matchmaking Through Personality Types
Sound Bites
"I couldn't believe my eyes."
"This could just as easily be female."
"I started calling it the social personality system."
"Personality is a rather durable concept."
"You could do it like astrology."
"Personality is one's unique style of communication."
"Both males and females have thoughts and emotions."
"You could make a big name for yourself."
"The emotional spectrum of personality."
"That's the difference."
"Character is about maturity level, not about style."
"Sexual attraction is the first phase of courtship."
"We need to telescope out the steps of courtship."
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