Know Thyself!

13 thought-provoking books on personality types

People are mysterious beings with a complex set of traits, triggers, and tendencies. It can sometimes be challenging to understand our own behavior, much less that of the people we interact with. Many people learn more about themselves and those around them using personality analysis frameworks like Myers-Briggs and Enneagram, and Strengthsfinder. Here are thirteen of our favorite personality type books.

The 5 Personality Patterns: Your Guide to Understanding Yourself and Others and Developing Emotional Maturity

Psychotherapist Steven Kessler lays out a map of personality that goes beyond basic behaviors. Readers learn how to understand their own innerworkings, motivations and communication styles, as well as those of others. This kind of understanding increases empathy, compassion, and people skills.

The Birth Order Book Why You Are the Way You Are

In this entertaining insightful book, psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman analyzes how birth order shapes personality, influences life and career decisions, and affects relationships with others. Whether you're the first born, middle child, or baby of the family, learn down-to-earth tips on making your birth order work for you.

Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, and Intelligence

With a focus on conflict management and cooperation, psychologist David Keirsey created a personality scale linking human behavior to four basic temperaments, resulting in sixteen character types. A better understanding of our own character and others can lead to greater success in relationships, work, and life in general. 

Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Type

Drawing on concepts originated by Carl Jung, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) presents four categories of perception and behavior. Created by Peter B. Myers and Isabel Briggs Myers, this personality framework has been widely used to facilitate understanding and communication for more than six decades.

The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery

Enneagram experts Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile forge a unique approach?a practical, comprehensive way of accessing Enneagram wisdom and exploring its connections with Christian spirituality for a deeper knowledge of ourselves, compassion for others, and love for God.

Me, Myself, and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being

In past decades, scientific research has developed tools and methods for exploring who we are. Pioneering research psychologist Brian R. Little shares a wealth of new data and provocative insights about who we are, why we act the way we do, what we can—and can't—change, and how we can best thrive.

StrengthsFinder 2.0

All too often, our natural talents go untapped. We tend to focus more on fixing our shortcomings than developing our strengths. This slim reference by personality consultant Tom Rath is designed to help readers identify their top five talents and use them to get the most out of their lives.

The 5 Love Languages

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love—that's the challenge. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Gary Chapman's approach to understanding how you and your partner best experience love is designed to help you find deeper and richer levels of intimacy.

The Enneagram Made Easy: Discover the 9 Types of People

This witty and informative guide by Renee Baron and Elizabeth Wagele breaks down the nine interconnected personality types that make up the Enneagram system. Demystify your motivations and desires and learn how to put that knowledge to use in your daily life.

The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People's Lives Better, Too)

During her investigation into human nature, Gretchen Rubin found that people's response to expectations placed them in one of four basic categories: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. Combining sharp insight, compelling research, and hilarious anecdotes, this book will help you learn what works for you.

Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type

Understanding your personality type can be a key element in finding a fulfilling career path. This book by Paul D. Tieger, Kelly Tieger, and Barbara Barron uses workbook exercises to help you customize your job search, get the most out of your career, obtain leadership positions, and more.

Take Care of Your Type: An Enneagram Guide to Self-Care

Enneagram expert and social media sensation Christina S. Wilcox uses her knowledge of the Enneagram to illuminate how each of the nine Enneagram types can practice better self-care. This handy guide is designed to leave you feeling happier and healthier in mind, body, and spirit.

Reading People: How Seeing the World Through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything

Which Harry Potter character are you? What kind of houseplant would you be? Actually knowing yourself isn't as simple as just checking a few boxes on a Buzzfeed quiz. For those looking to dig deeper, popular blogger Anne Bogel has compiled this guide to a variety of popular personality frameworks.

Learning about your impulses, motivations, and personal needs will help you in every aspect of your life. Figure out what makes you tick and find more success, fulfillment, and connection with those around you.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon