Many of us find ourselves captivated by the Enneagram—its uncanny ability to describe, with startling accuracy, the patterns of human personality. Across cultures and countries, its influence continues to spread. Why? Because it speaks to something we continuously seek to understand ourselves and also to know what makes others tick.

Think back to high school. Each year the classes chose a girl and a boy to be their “favorites” in categories like : Best Looking, Smartest, Most Athletic, Most Likely to Succeed, Most School Spirited, Wittiest—and of course, the Best Personality. In the teen years having a good personality is a coveted compliment. And it serves us well all during life.