The Keirsey Temperaments provide a framework for understanding human behavior by categorizing individuals into four types: Artisans, Guardians, Idealists, and Rationals. This model, developed by Dr. David Keirsey, highlights how these temperaments influence communication styles, action approaches, and societal roles.
- Artisans are pragmatic creators who communicate concretely and act with efficiency. They value creativity and adaptability, often excelling as craftsmen and performers.
- Guardians are reliable organizers with a straightforward communication style and a cooperative action approach. They prioritize reliability and service, commonly taking up roles as managers and protectors.
- Idealists are empathetic visionaries who communicate abstract ideas and focus on cooperation. Driven by empathy and authenticity, they thrive as counselors and advocates for social change.
- Rationals are strategic thinkers known for their abstract and utilitarian outlook. They value ingenuity and autonomy, often succeeding in roles like scientists and strategic planners.
Understanding these temperaments enhances personal development and interpersonal relationships by appreciating diverse thought processes and actions. This awareness fosters better communication, teamwork, and personal growth, enriching human connections.
Twenty of the American Presidents were Guardians, fourteen were Artisans, eight were Rationalists, and none were Idealists.
“Presidential Temperament” by David Keirsey and Ray Choiniere (1992)
According to Keirsey, the majority of American Presidents have been classified as Guardians (Washington, Carter), Artisans (Jackson, FDR, JFK, Reagan, Clinton), or Rationalists (Jefferson, Lincoln), with none identified as Idealists. This observation likely extends beyond American politics, suggesting that idealism has been more closely aligned with the domains of education, the arts, and religion rather than with the political sphere.
Though Thomas Jefferson can be regarded as an Idealist, his contributions as an analytical statesman—characterized by strategic thinking and effective implementation—likely had a greater impact than his notable achievements as a visionary and advocate for humanitarian values. Both perspectives highlight distinct aspects of his enduring influence and leadership. His idealism is made evident in drafting the Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
–Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
So, why is the American electorate reluctant to elect Idealist presidents? In terms of “transpersonal politics,” is it a personality or a soul-driven collective decision?
Several U.S. presidential candidates who could be considered Idealists, based on their values and communication styles, have run for office and been defeated. Some notable examples are:
- George McGovern: The Democratic nominee in 1972, McGovern was known for his anti-war stance and progressive ideals, but he lost to Richard Nixon in a landslide.
- Walter Mondale: Running in 1984, Mondale was an advocate for social justice and equality, but he was defeated by Ronald Reagan.
- Al Gore: Although he won the popular vote in 2000, Gore, known for his environmental advocacy, lost the presidency to George W. Bush after a contentious Supreme Court decision.
- John Kerry, ran for the office of President of the United States in 2004. Known for his diplomatic and environmental efforts. Kerry’s work on climate change and international diplomacy reflects the idealists’ focus on future possibilities and humanitarian values.
These candidates often emphasized values like empathy, social justice, and visionary leadership, aligning with the Idealist temperament. Doubtlessly, other presidents —Democrats and Republicans— have upheld these idealistic values, but only Artisan or Guardian temperaments — a fewer Rationals— have succeeded in getting elected. What does this tells us about the electorate and its allegiance to the “founding principles” of a country? Is there a “Dweller” keeping the “ordinary American” away from its spiritual purpose, as expressed by the American Transcendentalists, like Emerson and Thoreau, guiding a nation towards a more harmonious and just future?
It is true that pure visionaries—abstract thinkers with diplomatic skills but lacking in strategic, tactical, and logistical acumen—often struggle to be effective politicians anywhere. In a democracy, idealists must equip themselves with these skills to persuade ordinary citizens —the majority of whom are concrete and not abstract thinkers — to elect them. Still, the field of politics itself can improve its ethical standards by qualifying candidates whose values are consistent with the soul and ideals of a country.
Famous leaders who are often considered Idealists, based on their focus on values, empathy, and visionary leadership, include:
- Mahatma Gandhi: Known for his nonviolent resistance and emphasis on truth and justice, Gandhi’s leadership in India’s independence movement exemplifies Idealist qualities.
- Martin Luther King Jr.: A key figure in the American civil rights movement, King is celebrated for his vision of equality and his ability to inspire change through nonviolent activism.
- Nelson Mandela: As a leader in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, Mandela’s commitment to reconciliation and justice reflects Idealist principles.
- Mother Teresa: Renowned for her humanitarian work and dedication to serving the poor, Mother Teresa’s life was driven by compassion and empathy.
- Eleanor Roosevelt: As a First Lady and human rights advocate, Roosevelt championed social justice and equality, embodying Idealist values.
These leaders are recognized for their ability to inspire and mobilize others through their commitment to ideals and values. Would they have ever been presidents of the United States?
Keirsey Idealists are characterized by several distinct traits that define their approach to life and interactions with others:
- Empathy and Compassion: Idealists are deeply empathetic and often prioritize understanding and supporting others’ emotional needs.
- Visionary and Inspirational: They are driven by a strong sense of purpose and often inspire others with their vision for a better future.
- Value-Driven: Idealists are guided by their core values and principles, often focusing on issues of justice, integrity, and authenticity.
- Focus on Personal Growth: They are interested in personal development and helping others achieve their potential.
- Strong Communication Skills: Idealists are often articulate and persuasive, using their communication skills to connect with and motivate others.
- Desire for Harmony: They seek to create harmonious environments and are often skilled at mediating conflicts and fostering cooperation.
These characteristics make Idealists effective in roles that require understanding, inspiration, and a focus on human potential and values.
Another Missed Opportunity?
Within the Keirsey Temperament framework, Kamala Harris could also be classified as an Idealist. Her career and public persona exhibit traits that aligned with Idealist qualities, such as her focus on justice, equality, and advocacy for marginalized communities.
Kamala Harris’s career as a prosecutor laid the foundation for her Idealist traits, emphasizing justice and reform within the legal system. As San Francisco’s District Attorney and later as California’s Attorney General, Harris implemented programs like the Back on Track initiative, aimed at reducing recidivism and offering a second chance to first-time offenders. This program reflects her Idealist vision of transforming the justice system to better serve individuals and communities, highlighting her belief in rehabilitation over punishment. Her efforts to address systemic issues within law enforcement further underscore her commitment to justice and equality.
As a U.S. Senator, Harris’s advocacy for marginalized communities became even more pronounced. She championed legislation to protect the rights of women, immigrants, and people of color. Her push for comprehensive immigration reform and her vocal support for the Dream Act demonstrate her dedication to creating a more inclusive society. These actions align with the Idealist’s focus on empathy and understanding, aiming to foster a national environment where everyone has equal opportunities.
In her role as Vice President, Harris continues to embody Idealist values through her leadership style and policy priorities. Her focus on climate change, healthcare access, and economic equality reflects a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes the welfare of future generations. Harris’s emphasis on collaboration and unity in addressing these complex issues showcases her Idealist belief in collective action and the potential for societal improvement.
Harris’s public persona also resonates with Idealist qualities. Her speeches often highlight themes of hope, resilience, and the possibility of a better future. She inspires others to engage in civic life and to envision a world where justice and equality prevail. By leveraging her platform to amplify underrepresented voices, Harris reinforces her commitment to humanitarian values and the pursuit of a society that honors diversity and inclusivity.
Kamala Harris’s career and public engagement exemplify the key traits of the Idealist temperament in the Keirsey framework. Additionally, she has demonstrated strategic, tactical, and logistical intelligence across various policy issues, despite her challenges with immigration policy. Her unwavering focus on justice, equality, and advocacy for marginalized communities radiates through her work as a prosecutor, senator, and Vice President. Harris’s leadership exemplifies the Idealist’s dedication to pursuing future possibilities and fostering a compassionate, equitable world. Her actions and policies continue to inspire change, resonating with the Idealist vision of a society characterized by empathy and progress.
A Dangerous Artisan?
Ideals Reveal the Soul of a Nation
In the fabric of a nation’s leadership, the presence of Idealists holds profound significance. These leaders, with their unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and humanitarian values, illuminate the path toward a more enlightened future. Idealists possess the unique ability to shape a nation’s identity, guiding it with a moral compass that reflects the highest aspirations of its people. Their focus on empathy and inclusivity not only inspires societal progress but also fosters a culture where every voice is heard and valued.
By electing practical Idealists, a country invests in leaders who are not merely policymakers but visionaries, capable of steering the national consciousness towards compassion and equity. These leaders challenge the status quo, advocating for transformative change that elevates the common good. In doing so, they reveal the soul of a nation, one that is defined by its collective pursuit of a fair and just society.
The presence of Idealist leaders is crucial in navigating the complexities of a globalized world, offering a beacon of hope and resilience. As they guide the nation forward, they embody the ideals that resonate with the core of human dignity, ensuring that the future is not only brighter but also more inclusive and compassionate.
On Happiness, Joy and Bliss
It is helpful to differentiate between happiness, joy and bliss:
First, happiness, which has its seat in the emotions, and is a personality reaction.
Second, joy, which is a quality of the soul and is realised in the mind, when alignment takes place.
Third, bliss, which is the nature of the Spirit and about which speculation is fruitless until the soul realises its oneness with the Father. This realisation follows upon an earlier stage wherein the personal self is at-oned with the soul. Therefore speculation and analysis as to the nature of bliss is profitless to the average man whose metaphors and terminologies must perforce be personal and related to the world of the senses. Does the aspirant refer to his happiness or joy? If he refers to the latter it must come as the effect of group consciousness, of group solidarity, of oneness with all beings, and may not be interpreted in terms of happiness after all. Happiness comes when the personality is meeting with those conditions which satisfy it in one part or other of its lower nature; it comes when there is a sense of physical [Page 370] well being, of contentment with one’s environment or surrounding personalities, or of satisfaction with one’s mental opportunities and contacts. Happiness is the goal of the separated self.
When however we seek to live as souls, the contentment of the lower man is discounted and we find joy in our group relationships and in bringing about those conditions which lead to the better expression of the souls of those we contact. This bringing of joy to others in order to produce conditions in which they may better express themselves may have a physical effect as we seek to better their material conditions, or an emotional effect as our presence brings to them peace and uplift, or an intellectual result as we stimulate them to clarity of thought and understanding. But the effect upon ourselves is joy, for our action has been selfless and non-acquisitive, and not dependent upon the aspirant’s circumstance or worldly state. Much happiness is necessarily foregone when ill-health makes its pressure felt, as the environment is difficult and the “accumulated karma of many births” presses down, or as the troubles of the family, nation or race weigh upon the sensitive personality. The happiness of youth or the self-centred contentment of the selfish insulated person (hiding himself behind the shield of his protective desires) must not be confounded with joy.
It is a platitude as well as an occult paradox to say that in the midst of profound personality distress and unhappiness, the joy of the soul may be known and felt. Such however is the case, and it is for this the student must aim. Some people are happy because they shut their eyes to truth, or are self-hypnotised, hiding themselves within a shell of illusion. But the aspirant has frequently reached the stage wherein his eyes are wide open; he has learnt to speak truth to himself, and has built up no separating wall between himself and [Page 371] others. He is awake and alive; he is sensitive and frequently suffering. He wonders why apparently what the world calls happiness and peace have left him, and asks what is to be the outcome.
We who watch and guide on the inner side, watch with loving care all of you who struggle in the thick of the fray. We are like the General Headquarters staff who follow the course of the battle from a secure eminence. In our security lies your ultimate success, for we hold in our hands the solution of many problems, and apply that solution when the battle goes contrary. One thing always would I have you remember. It is of vital importance. It is this statement, that in the destruction of the form lies hid the secret of all evolution. Think not this is truism. You will see it in constant application and need to be prepared for its demonstration. The Masters utilize the form to the uttermost; They seek to work through it, imprisoning the life in confining walls for just as long as the purpose is served and the race instructed through that form. Then the time comes that the form no longer serves the purpose intended, when the structure atrophies, crystallises and becomes easily destructible. Its destruction then becomes the matter of greatest concern and usefulness, and it goes, whilst a new form takes its place. Watch and see if this be not so. Always the building of the form, always its utilisation for as long as possible, always the destruction of the form when it hinders and cramps the expanding light, always then the rapid reconstruction of a new form. Such has been the method since the commencement of the aeon.
-The Tibetan Master in A Treatise on White Magic
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