I know nothing, because I know too much, and understand not nearly enough and never will.
Anne Rice
Overview of F.I.V.E.
“The Investigator” is an insightful, isolated type known for their independent and intelligent nature. These types take in all the information before making a decision and are able to focus all of their energy on a singular goal.
- Strengths: focus, perspective, innovation.
- Weaknesses: isolation, detachment, nihilism.
- Basic Desires: attaining knowledge and being fully qualified.
- Basic Fears: uselessness and lack of ability.
Center of Intelligence: Head
Enneagram Fives are located in the Thinking Center. This means they have the great potential to have a balanced and trusting mind. Fives use their head to make decisions and navigate through the world. They are concerned with strategies, seek stability, and emotionally struggle with fear. Fives, in particular, attempt to manage their fear and anxiety by isolating themselves from the outside world.
Adjacent Wings: 5w4 and 5w6
Wings play a major role in expressing type diversity within the Enneagram. Wings can only be adjacent to the dominant type, so an Enneagram Five can have a four-wing or a six-wing based on its position in the Enneagram.
Five wing four
Fives with a Four-wing display creative, reflective, and inquisitive tendencies. 5w4’s tend to be guarded individuals who enjoy curiously exploring their environment. They usually prefer alone time and will express themselves creatively when independently working. Strengths include self-expression, noticing small details, being laser-focused on a task, and keeping calm and attentive when needed. Weaknesses include being too inwardly focused, distancing themselves and withdrawing socially, and struggling to engage in practical and realistic matters.
Five wing six
Fives with a Six-wing display hard-working, analytical, and practical tendencies. 5w6’s are good at remaining calm in a crisis because they mentally and practically are prepared for anything. They are also private individuals who prefer being direct. Strengths include problem-solving, an ability to learn and expand themselves as individuals, and staying focused despite many distractions. Weaknesses include emotionally withdrawing, indifference when uninspired, and struggling with empathy.
Directions of Growth and Stress
Direction of Growth (Integration)
When an Enneagram Five is moving in a direction of personal growth they go toward an Enneagram Eight. This means they will become more self-confident and sure of themselves as they move toward Eight. Their focus will gradually shift from being more detached, reflective, and isolated to being more present, decisive, and bold.
Direction of Stress (Disintegration)
When an Enneagram Five is moving in a direction of stress they go toward Enneagram Seven. The usually focused and deliberate Five will become more hyperactive and scattered as they move toward Seven. Their focus will gradually shift from being “on task” to being unsure of their direction and doubting their decisions.
The Stances: Withdrawn
In times of conflict, Enneagram Fives assume a Withdrawn Stance (there are three potential conflict stances within the Enneagram). This means that they will move away from conflict and turn inward when they face difficult situations. In the Withdrawn Stance, Enneagram Fives like to stay out of the details of the conflict, they may feel their presence is worthless, and they may be quick to make compromises which they secretly resent.
The Subtypes
The three instincts of the Enneagram, also called the subtypes, are basic instincts present in every human being. Although all three exist in the body, one will be a driving force.
Self-Preservation Fives
Self-Preservation types, in general, are concerned with safety, comfort, and getting their physical needs met. Self-pres Fives are quick to set boundaries and are very protective of their physical space. These types enjoy keeping their social circle very small and will retreat into their shell when they sense a threat to their well-being. Self-pres Fives may have difficulty letting go of their possessions and end up hoarding them as a result.
Intimate Fives
Intimate types, in general, are concerned with one-on-one connection and depth. Sx Fives are incredible listeners who enjoy experiencing one-on-one connection with another person. Because of their tendency to connect so deeply, sx Fives might experience trust issues if someone they bonded with in the past violated their relationship. These types face an internal battle between their contradictory needs for connection and isolation.
Social Fives
Social types, in general, are concerned with their social standing and whether or not they are accepted by the tribe. Soc Fives are prone to ask deep, big picture questions as they explore the meaning of life and the connection between groups. These types have a zoomed out perspective of things and may struggle being present in their day-to-day life. Their love of observation may inhibit active participation in current events.
Personality City 