Hornby's Eight Psychological Archetypes & Two Integrative Archetypes
Insight into the self and others by M. J. Hornby
Idea-oriented v feeling-oriented
The human mind has the capacity for both thoughts and feelings. Thoughts are rooted in idea complexes, feelings in emotional triggers. When confronted with a challenge, people generally respond in one of two ways. Feeling-oriented people react according to how they feel about the situation, idea-oriented people to what they think about it. The two response mechanisms are not equivalent. Feeling-oriented people may later use ideas to “explain” or excuse their actions, thus fail to learn. An idea-oriented person is more likely to weigh the outcome and if unsatisfactory, seek a better idea, thus learn. Feeling-oriented people may occasionally appear to learn, but it is simply reconditioning.
Feeling-based dispositions are reactionary, impelled by the need for immediate action. The goal is to escape danger, eliminate stress, or achieve pleasure – as quickly as possible. Memories of past actions that brought relief or happiness are relied upon. Feeling-oriented types are conditioned by their pasts and are highly feeling aware. Situations are recognized and dealt with through association with past felt experiences.
Idea-oriented people are also aware of their feelings, but these are subjugated to their ideas. They speak and act according to their ideas about a situation and not their feelings about it. Because idea-driven natures require feelings to be suppressed or ignored, underlying emotions, if not dealt with are likely to be released as outbursts; and if these are repressed as physical ailments.
Feeling-oriented people focus on “now,” while idea-oriented types look at the bigger picture and the longer term. Fully developed minds weigh both perspectives.
Psychological drivers
Even people raised in identical environments, sharing the same parents, can exhibit different interests and capabilities. Siblings may gravitate to different professions or occupations, prefer simple or adventurous lives, be outwardly ambitious, or justgo along for the ride. These are all outward manifestations of inner psychological drivers, or motivators. M.J. Hornby hypothesises that there are eight such drivers, four idea-based and four feeling-based. All eight may be present in everyone to some degree; however, most people’s natures are fashioned by just one or two.
The four idea-driven psychological archetypes
North (Power-seeker): This archetypal drive encompasses idea-based decision-making and the exercise of authority. Social ambition is the hallmark of this type. North-dominant types seek to lead organizations whether a sports team, a business enterprise, or a government. The ideas and opinions of other people are rejected unless they serve the North type’s personal agenda.
The North-dominant type:
- Aligns with “high power distance” (i.e. hierarchical leadership)
- Conforms to “masculine society” traits (achievement-focused, assertive)
- Fits “monochronic time” (structured, sequential approach to tasks)
- Correlates with “low context” communication (i.e. direct and detailed)High level: President or Prime Minister, CEO. (Extreme examples are characterized by self-aggrandizement and ruthlessness: Saddam Hussein, Stalin, Pol Pot, Idi Amin)
Mid-level: Business executive
Low level: Manager
South (Worker): The opposite of North, this drive propels the ordinary working man. The underlying goal of this ‘salt of the earth’ type is survival; and the keys to survival are offspring and work. The knowledge a South type needs to perform tasks is gained through observation and apprenticeship rather than formal education. Ideas are acquired and developed by doing. This type has a strong masculine sexual orientation (regardless of biological gender) required for procreation.
The South-dominant type:
- Exhibits “high uncertainty avoidance” (requires clear unambiguous directives)
- Short-term orientation (prefers immediate results, practical outcomes)
- Aligns with “restraint culture” (disciplined approach to tasks)
- Demonstrates “high context” in working relationships (aware of non-verbal cues)High level: Craftsman, artisan.
Mid-level: Tradesman
Low level: Labourer
West (Sage): This introspective idea-oriented type is driven to seek knowledge. Through successful problem-solving the West type can verify ideas and accept them as fact. The West mental focus is narrow, ordered, and (initially, at least) receptive to the teachings of the educational establishment. Upon this bed of culturally acquired information the West type builds a store of personal knowledge.
The West-dominant type:
- Exhibits “low power distance” (values equality in intellectual pursuits)
- Shows “long-term orientation” (driven to continuous learning)
- Displays “high uncertainty avoidance” (wants hard facts and theoretical precision)
- Uses “low context” communication (explicit, detailed)High level: Theorist, philosopher, mathematician, logician
Mid-level: Scientist, software designer, financial analyst, engineer, academic
Low level: Technician, programmer
East (Communicator): Unlike the Sage whose focus is upon developing a personal store of knowledge, the focus of the East drive is the knowledge needs of others. The East type’s purpose is to help others resolve their problems by communicating useful ideas. An East type’s understanding of these ideas is generally superficial and if challenged this type will direct people to better informed sources.
The East-dominant type:
- Embodies “low power distance” (networks across and up-and-down hierarchies)
- Represents “indulgent culture” (enjoys social interaction)
- Employs “high context” communication (incorporates non-verbal communication cues)High level: Science or technology instructor, psychologist
Mid-level: School teacher, social counsellor
Low level: Kindergarten teacher, coordinator, messenger
The four feeling-driven psychological archetypes
Blue (Guardian): Blue is the feeling-based leadership trait. A Blue’s decision-making drive stems from an inner need to get done ‘what is right.’ Authority projects from the type’s ego-less inner certainty and lack of introspection. An insistence upon customary ways of doing things is prescriptive, for a Blue’s knowledge is shaped by habit and by feelings imprinted in the past. Religious leaders and social organizers fit the bill.
The Blue-dominant type:
- Aligns with “high power distance” (assumes authority, imposes structure)
- Shows “high uncertainty avoidance” (requires order, sets rules)
- Fits “monochronic time” (organized, creates schedules)
- Uses “low context” communication (gives clear directives)High level: Religious leader
Mid-level: Charity head
Low level: Office manager
Red (Mother): The opposite of Blue, Red undertakes tasks imposed by a decision-maker. This is menial work that requires no learned skill. Red’s capabilities are acquired by trial and error, repetition and correction. Motherhood is the goal of this salt-of-the-earth type. Thus, needing a mate, Red has a compulsion to make herself physically attractive. This type has a strong feminine sexual orientation (regardless of biological gender) needed for procreation.
The Red-dominant type:
- Represents “indulgent culture” (emotionally expressive)
- Shows “short-term orientation” (seeks immediate gratification)
- Uses “high context” communication (physically expressive, emotion-laden)
- Demonstrates “collectivistic” traits (relationship-focused)High level: Soap opera actress, beauty pageant contestant
Mid-level: Mother, factory line worker, salesperson
Low level: Drudge, servant
Yellow (Creative): This feeling-based introspective drive leads to inspired creativity when positively engaged and to moodiness when negatively inclined (i.e. creatively fallow). This characteristic can be mistaken for manic depression. A Yellow acts out of inwardly experienced emotions and visions which the type has a compulsion to express. To others a Yellow may appear overly self-involved.
The Yellow-dominant type:
- Shows “low uncertainty avoidance” (comfortable with ambiguity)
- Represents “indulgent culture” (given to self-expression)
- Fits “polychronic time” (flexible, goes with artistic flow)
- Uses “high context” communication (symbolic, relies on intuited understanding)High level: Artistic genius (e.g. Tchaikovsky, Picasso)
Mid-level: Jazz soloist, painter of abstract art, choreographer, poet
Low level: Dilettante, dabbler in art forms, doodler, fop
Green (Caregiver): Driven by empathy the Green type is compelled to help those who are suffering. Similarly, a Green shares the joys and successes of others. This type is egoless and given to self-sacrifice. A Green’s mode of communication is instinctive, using gentleness or firmness of touch, moderated tone of voice, and sympathetic facial expressions.
The Green-dominant type:
- Exemplifies “feminine social values” (caring, nurturing)
- Shows “long-term orientation” (wants to sustain relationships)
- Uses “high context” communication (physical expression, tone of voice)
- Demonstrates “collectivistic” traits (service to others)High level: Psychotherapist
Mid-level: Nurse, social worker
Low level: Child minder
Blended archetypes
While the above descriptions apply to individuals whose natures are dominated by a single archetype, others are driven by two or more drives that have blended within them. Some examples are:
North + East: ambitious populist politician, e.g. Nigel Farrage
North + South: trade union leader
North + Green: natural populist politician, e.g. Bill Clinton
North + Blue + East: Authoritarian nationalistic leader, e.g. Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini
West + East: environmental or other liberal-progressive political activist; brilliant science educator, e.g. Richard Feynman
West + Yellow: Brilliant inventor or theorist, e.g. Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein
West + Green: thoughtful champion of healthcare reform or foreign aid, e.g. Bill Gates
South + Yellow: creative artisan (e.g. original Native American artworkers), creative working-class musicians, e.g. The Beatles.
South + Red: male peacock (“sharp dresser”)
Blue + East: communicative religious leader, e.g. Pope Francis, Billy Graham; nationalist/conservative political leader, e.g. Winston Churchill
Yellow + West: composer of classical symphonies, e.g. Ludwig von Beethoven; technological innovator, e.g. Steve Jobs.
The two integrative archetypes
The first steps to mental diversity are spontaneous expressions of different archetypal traits. These can be triggered by extreme circumstances, result from natural body cycles, or may be in response to recurring situations or surroundings. For example, a person may unthinkingly exhibit one personality type in a work environment, and quite another in, say, a family or intimate setting, and yet another when engaged in competition. Although archetypal traits first develop in haphazard fashion, mastering and integrating them requires self-awareness and discipline. Also necessary are moderate self-esteem (i.e. not under-valuing or over-valuing oneself) and a desire for self-improvement.
Integration of archetypal traits arises from one of two directions. The “masculine” way begins with ideas and self-understanding. Here, the challenge for a “masculine” or idea-oriented mind is to recognize, explore, and value feelings. The path for a “feminine” or feeling-oriented mind begins with the recognition and mastery of feelings. Once accomplished, the challenge is then to learn to trust one’s ideas and gain sufficient confidence in them to rely less and less on the knowledge and advice of others.
The introspective drives that propel “masculine” and “feminine” minds towards integration are:
Idea-based self-awareness (Mediator): This archetype provides the ability to recognize, develop, and integrate all four idea-oriented drives. Initially erratic and self-conscious, this type is capable of deep introspection and can view ideas and situations from multiple viewpoints – which may at first lead to indecision. Fully developed, this type can both direct and execute work based on knowledge obtained from others, as well as self-acquired knowledge.
High level: Foreign Secretary (e.g. James Baker), international peacemaker (e.g. Jimmy Carter), literary novelist or playwright from masculine perspective (e.g. William Shakespeare)
Mid-level: Mediator
Low level: Erratic “jack-of-all-trades,” daydreamer
Feeling-based self-awareness (Counsellor): Subject to the feelings and perceptions of all four feeling-based drives, this type when emergent can be overwhelmed by stress and, though highly capable, suffer a negative self-image born of chaotic emotions. Highly reflective by nature, once this type recognizes the different emotions in play within her, and senses their worth and limitations, she can deal more successfully with them. Useful means are journal-keeping, poetry writing, yoga, and meditation techniques. Once mature, this type is emotionally strong and flexible, can lead and organize, is willing to buckle down to life’s chores while being creative and caring.
High level: Literary novelist from feminine perspective (e.g. Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison)
Mid-level: Marriage counsellor
Low level: Emotional “jill-of-all-trades” given to prayer or wishfulness
The fully integrated person: Here all archetypes are expressed and function constructively together, although for reasons of physiology their various manifestations may occur separately over time. Fully integrated people can both think about their feelings and sense the value of their ideas. Their idea-oriented and feeling-oriented traits have become symbiotic. Early on, erraticism and self-doubt may bedevil; self-understanding and self-acceptance are hard won. To mature, work must be undertaken that brings all the mind’s many capabilities into play. While sociable, periods of solitude are needed to relax, process experiences, and creatively resolve problems. Having both feeling- and idea-based orientations, the past and future are perceived as aspects of an all-encompassing ‘now.’ This is a superior human being.
Impediments to Archetypal Expression
Psychological development is often a circuitous and hazard-filled road. Here are some of the pitfalls that impede progress.
Self-esteem issues
Lack of self-esteem, or a sense of worthlessness, undermines every archetypal drive that depends on social interaction. Its impact will be least felt among Yellow (which will continue to create but as a recluse) and among Red and South, which will continue to function but in menial social positions.
“Iffy” or wavering self-esteem leads to excessive caution in pursuing archetypal goals. Much of a person’s potential will likely remain unfulfilled.
Deceptive self-esteem occurs when a person for social purposes plays at being self-confident and successful in a bid to mask feelings of inferiority. Habitual jokers, tricksters, and narcissists try to deceive others (and themselves) in this way.
Excessive self-esteem leads to underestimation of the capabilities and knowledge of others. It is particularly damaging to an organization or society when embodied by a North type in a position of power. Similarly, such an excess is damaging in academia when exhibited by a prominent West type. On the feeling-oriented side, an excess of self-esteem can lead to “magical thinking” and belief in one’s own mystical or hidden powers.
Fear
Inhibition is a primary result of fear, leading to obfuscation of the archetypal drives that would otherwise promote personal growth.
Distortion is a secondary result, being the misappropriation of archetypal drives. In a South type this may lead to unwarranted aggression; in a North type to paranoia and the repression of those he leads and attempts to destroy perceived enemies. In a Yellow works of anarchy, violence, and other highly negative or destructive material may result.
Sloth (or illness)
While serious illness will obviously impede a person’s ability to act upon archetypal drives, sloth is the more insidious impediment. Habitual laziness and chronic avoidance of stressful or challenging situations, will cause a person to discredit the goals and achievements of others. Likely a fantasy world will be constructed in which that person’s archetypal drives will manifest as daydreams.
Corruption
Corruption of the life-enhancing goals of the archetypal drives can arise in several ways; and are often tied in with the impediments described above. There is the promise of extreme rewards where the archetypal drive is magnified by the ego’s desire for massive social achievement and exaltation. There is corruption through the adoption, acting upon, and promulgation of foolish or wrong-headed ideas. Much advertising is symptomatic of this type of corruption. There is also corruption by addiction and easy pleasures. Being more bodily and less mentally inclined than the other idea-based types, a South type is particularly vulnerable to this type of corruption, as is, among the feeling types, a Red.
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For an in-depth exploration of Hornby’s archetypes, read
