#alastarinformation

True Neutral

A neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. She doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos. Most neutral characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to neutrality. Such a character thinks of good as better than evil after all, she would rather have good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, she's not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way.

Some neutral characters, on the other hand, commit themselves philosophically to neutrality. They see good, evil, law, and chaos as prejudices and dangerous extremes. They advocate the middle way of neutrality as the best, most balanced road in the long run.

Neutral is the best alignment you can be because it means you act naturally, without prejudice or compulsion.

Neutral can be a dangerous alignment when it represents apathy, indifference, and a lack of conviction.

The "true" neutral looks upon all other alignments as facets of the system of many things. Thus, each aspect--evil and good, chaos and law--of things must be retained in balance to maintain the status quo; for things as they are cannot be improved upon except temporarily, and even then but superficially. Nature will prevail and keep things as they were meant to be, provided the "wheel" surrounding the hub of nature does not become unbalanced due to the work of unnatural forces--such as human and other intelligent creatures interfering with what is meant to be.  Absolute, or true, neutral creatures view everything which exists as an integral, necessary part or function of the entire cosmos. Each thing exists as a part of the whole, one as a check or balance to the other, with life necessary for death, happiness for suffering, good for evil, order for chaos, and vice versa. Nothing must ever become predominant or out of balance. Within this naturalistic ethos, humankind serves a role also, just as all other creatures do. The may be more or less important, but the neutral does not concern himself or herself with these considerations except where it is positively determined that the balance is threatened. Absolute neutrality is the central or fulcrum position quite logically, as the neutral sees all other alignments as parts of a necessary whole. This alignment is the narrowest in scope. (1)

True neutral characters are concerned with their own well-being and that of the group or organization which aids them.  They may behave in a good manner to those that they consider friends and allies, but will only act maliciously against those who have tried to injure them in some way.  For the rest, they do not care.  They do not wish ill on those they do not know, but they also do not care when they hear of evil befalling them.  Better for others to suffer the evil than the true neutral and his allies.  If an ally is in need, the true neutral will aid him, out of genuine love or because he may be able to count on that ally a little more in the future.  If someone else is in need, they will weigh the options of the potential rewards and dangers associated with the act.  If an enemy is in need, they will ignore him or take advantage of his misfortune.

True neutrals are offended by those who are opinionated or bigoted.  A "hell-fire and brimstone" lawful good priest is just as offensive as a neutral evil racial supremacist in their eyes.  They do not necessarily strive for philosophical balance.  In fact, they may avoid philosophical considerations altogether.  A true neutral may take up the cause of his nation, not because he necessarily feels obligated to do so, but because it just makes sense to support the group that protects your way of life.  True neutrals tend to believe in lex talionis forms of justice.  

However, a true neutral being with a highly philosophical outlook may hold that law, chaos, good, and evil are all necessary forces in the universe.  But all are of equal import, and none should be allowed to take precedence over another unless an imbalance should be perceived--in which case corrective steps must be taken until the balance is righted once again.  Hence, the motives of a highly philosophical true neutral character are perhaps the most difficult for any other alignment to fathom, for such a true neutral being will usually act first to preserve the balance, second, if he deems it his business, and third if it is in his own best interests.  For these reasons, being nature's mediators, true neutral characters should be diplomatic and tactful, but they may also come across as being strange and enigmatic until one gets to know them and their "world view" better. 

This is because some true neutral beings look far beyond the immediate situation to the overall balance of the cosmos.  Most true neutral characters will, throughout their lives, tend more or less toward one of the other alignments, dependent upon their perception of the state of the world and what force should be balanced.  Such a "deviation" will be temporary until the true neutral being recognizes and modifies his actions in accordance with the new balance.  For example, once the strong evil forces in an area have been conquered, and the balance restored, the true neutral character will stop acting "good."  In, addition, this attitude of balance will ordinarily be reflected in a true neutral's choice of companions and should thus be demonstrated with reasonable consistency.  As all things in the cosmos are equally important and necessary, life is as valuable as death to the true neutral being, because life is inevitably followed by death.  In this character's view, one's time will come when it is supposed to come, and no sooner or later. (2)

True neutral is typically the most misunderstood of all alignments.  One common misconception is thinking that true neutral characters seek a balance by deliberately following a certain alignment one day and an entirely different alignment the next.  Such behavior makes true neutral characters unpredictable, and the cumulative effect promotes chaos more than anything else.  True neutral characters tend to remain nonjudgmental and uncommitted to any moral, legal, or philosophical system beyond the basic tenets of their own society.  Despite this fact, true neutral beings do not resent being into struggles involving different viewpoints.  True neutral individuals do not lack interest, ambition, or passion--they value their own well-being and that of friends and loved ones.  They may struggle passionately on behalf of themselves or others, as well as feel compassion for those they barely know.  In fact, since most humans are true neutral, it is the alignment of the majority of people encountered in day-to-day situations. (3)

A true neutral character will keep his word if in his best interest.  He may attack an unarmed foe if he feels it necessary.  He will not kill but may harm an innocent.  He may use torture to extract information, but never for pleasure.  He will never kill for pleasure, only in self-defense or in the defense of others.  A true neutral character may use poison as long as there is an overwhelming need.  He will help those in need if it is in his best interest and works well alone or in a group.  He responds well to higher authority until that authority attempts to use the law to hamper his ability to pursue his own self-interest.  He will follow the law unless breaking it is in his best interest and he's reasonably sure that he will not be caught.  He will never betray a family member, comrade, or friend unless the situation is dire.  True neutral characters are indifferent to the concepts of self-discipline and honor, finding them useful only if they can be used to advance their own interests. (4)

Here are some possible adjectives describing true neutral characters:   diplomatic, judgmental, enigmatic, aloof, distant, self-reliant, mediatory, even-handed, fair, indifferent, and impartial.

Well known true neutral characters from film or literature include: The Watchers (Marvel Comics), Horace Slughorn (Harry Potter), and Tom Bombadil (Lord of the Rings).

Equivalent alignment in other game systems:  Neutral (Warhammer), Apathetic, Worldly, and Conformist (Alternity).

The Ten True Neutral Commandments

A list of Ten Commandments for a true neutral religion may look like this:

1. You shall avoid lies.

2. You shall not kill the innocent.

3. You shall not murder.

4. You shall help the needy if such action aids yourself.

5. You shall honor those who honor you.

6. You shall follow the law unless breaking the law can advance you without harming others.

7. You shall not betray others unless your life is in jeopardy.

8. You shall aid those who aid you and harm those who harm you.

9. You shall not promote an extreme viewpoint.

10. You shall advance yourself without harming others.

Ten True Neutral Sins

Likewise, a true neutral religion may list the following as sins.  This list is given in the order of least severe infraction to most severe.

1. Trying to persuade others to take a stance on a moral or ethical issue.

2. Failing to assist a friend or ally.

3. Killing for any reason other than survival.

4. Breaking your word to a friend or ally, unless life is threatened.

5. Needless torture.

6. Making a sacrifice for someone unrelated to you.

7. Refusing to kill when important to your survival.

8. Betraying an ally or friend, unless life is in danger.

9. Showing mercy to a dire enemy.

10.  Taking sides in a conflict that doesn't affect your survival.

The True Neutral Adventurer

The following two lists detail common actions undertaken during "adventuring" that are considered honorable and dishonorable for the true neutral alignment.  An honorable action is one that is in keeping with the spirit of this alignment, while dishonorable actions tend to be those which bring shame to the character in the eyes of his or her alignment peers.  Note that an action which is considered honorable by one alignment may be considered dishonorable by another alignment and vice versa.

The following actions are honorable for this alignment:

Defeating a superior opponent

Dirty Fighting

Fleeing a fight with a superior opponent

Gloating over a victory

Perpetrate humiliating prank on enemy

The following actions are dishonorable for this alignment:

Allowing the enemy to attack first

Being taken prisoner

Convicted of a crime

Defeated by an inferior opponent

Killing a host who has provided you food or shelter

Surrendering

Treason

True Neutral and Society

A true neutral being...

Values his family, but will not heed their requests necessarily.

Will provide for friends, and expects to be repaid in some manner.

Does not seek positions of authority over others.

Fits in with their society.

Supports their nation.

Supports the law when advantageous to do so.

Is not concerned with politics, most likely.

Will keep his word, generally.

Will take risks if the benefits are great.

Will not aid family members in need if personal discomfort is required.

Will not betray a family member, unless the circumstances are dire.

Has few close friends and would never betray those he has, unless circumstances are dire.

Is generally well liked by his community, but normally will not seek to improve the community.

Will support his nation when profitable to do so, but will not act against his nation if profitable.

Believes people deserve the treatment they are willing to endure.

Is not concerned with those less fortunate.

Will not harm others for profit.

A true neutral government rarely influences the community.  Those in power prefer to pursue their private goals.  True neutral societies tend to adopt whatever government seems most expedient at the moment. A particular form of government lasts as long as the ruler or dynasty in power can maintain it. The people cooperate when it suits them.  Such true neutral territories often act as buffer states between lands of extreme alignment difference (for example, between a lawful good barony and a vile chaotic evil principality). They shift allegiance artfully to preserve their borders against the advances of both sides in a conflict.

True Neutral and Other Alignments

True Neutral vs. Neutral Good

Neutral good and true neutral characters both believe that any means should be used to achieve desirable outcomes, but they disagree on exactly what types of outcomes are desirable.  The neutral good character uses a variety of means to promote and further the cause of goodness, but true neutral characters are not interested in a selfless pursuit of beneficial results for others.  Where neutral good characters are altruistic, true neutral characters are interested in their own affairs.  True neutral characters will behave altruistically when it comes to friends, relatives, and allies, but for the most part will return the kind of treatment they receive from others.  Neutral good characters, on the other hand, will behave altruistically even when dealing with others who are not friends or relatives, and may even forgive enemies that have done them grievous harm in the past (provided their enemy has truly mended his ways).  True neutral characters will not extend the olive branch in such situations and may take advantage of their enemy's weakness to protect themselves from further machinations.  True neutral characters follow a morality of reciprocity.  Neutral good characters follow the Golden Rule.

True Neutral vs. Neutral Evil

Although true neutral and neutral evil characters are both primarily interested in their own advancement and welfare, neutral evil characters ruthlessly pursue their self-interest, even at the expense of others.   The true neutral character will use any means to benefit themselves, but will not follow this philosophy to its extreme conclusion through an unrestrained pursuit of self-interest.  The true neutral character understands that more benefit for the self can be garnered by behaving altruistically sometimes, especially when they have been the beneficiaries of the altruistic behavior of others.  If someone treats a true neutral character well, they can expect that character to treat them well.  The neutral evil character does not believe that one good turn deserves another, however.  The neutral evil character will of course accept the altruistic generosity of others, and may even appear to return the favor on occasion.  The neutral evil character will not behave altruistically for the benefit of others, only for the benefit of the self.  Any actions which seem good are merely actions which the neutral evil character has determined will give him a greater benefit in the future, often to the detriment of their benefactor.  If someone treats a neutral evil character well, they can only expect good treatment from that character as long as the current relationship offers the best advantage to him.  As soon as the neutral evil character can benefit to a greater degree by betraying his benefactor, he will.  True neutral characters see such behavior as detrimental to self-interest (and unfair to those who have helped them) and thus will not betray benefactors.  Neutral evil characters have no such qualms about burning bridges if the reward is great enough.

True Neutral vs. Lawful Neutral

Lawful neutral and true neutral characters are similar in their morality.  Both of these types will tend to return the treatment they receive from others.  They differ in their outlook concerning legitimate authority and the structure of society.  True neutral characters believe that laws should be followed as long as the law benefits themselves.  They will also follow laws out of fear of punishment.  If they can break a law which does not support their self-interest, and there is a good chance that they will not be caught breaking the law, true neutral characters may break laws.  However, true neutral characters prefer to follow the law, because usually it is in their best interest to follow laws.  Lawful neutral characters follow laws not only for their own self-interest, but also because they believe that one should always follow the law, even laws that run counter to self-interest.  The lawful neutral character takes issue with the true neutral because the true neutral character will readily admit that he mostly benefits from the law, but he will not go out of his way to support the law.  True neutral characters feel that lawful neutral characters are too obsessed with established laws and customs to realize that they may be better able to support their own interests by advancing personal freedom as well as law and order.

True Neutral vs. Chaotic Neutral

Chaotic neutral and true neutral characters have a similar moral outlook.  They tend to follow a morality of reciprocity, behaving altruistically toward benefactors and egoistically toward malefactors.   Their difference involves their outlook on laws and society.  The true neutral character wants to work within the law and will observe most customs and mores because it it in their best interest to do so.  True neutral characters don't want to "rock the boat" but will on occasion if their self-interest is overwhelmingly served by breaking the law or flouting custom.  The chaotic neutral character sees no value in laws, customs, or mores.  A chaotic neutral character may appear to follow many laws, but does not do so because they believe in any inherent value to such systems.  The chaotic neutral character believes in the pure freedom to pursue their own self-interest (and for others to pursue their own interests in the same manner).  Although the true neutral character does not believe that the law should be followed all of the time, neither do they believe that laws are completely useless.  They believe that chaotic neutral characters actually limit themselves by refusing to consider that sometimes self-interest can best be served by order in society.  Chaotic neutral characters feel that true neutral characters limit themselves by paying lip service to laws and customs that they do not necessarily support.

How True Neutral Views the Other Alignments

The chart below shows how True Neutral views itself and the other eight alignments.

Lawful Good

Strict and Idealistic

Neutral Good

Practical but Idealistic

Chaotic Good

Lax and Idealistic

Lawful Neutral

Realistic but Strict

True Neutral

Practical and Realistic

Chaotic Neutral

Realistic but Lax

Lawful Evil

Strict and Egoistic

Neutral Evil

Practical but Egoistic

Chaotic Evil

Lax and Egoistic

Ethical neutrals view both lawfuls and chaotics as extreme.  They see lawfuls as overly strict and rigid while chaotics are viewed as overly lax and inconsistent.  Ethical neutrals feel that they take a practical approach to matters involving rules and regulations.

Characters who are morally neutral tend to see themselves as realistic. So-called "good" is actually an idealistic and naive philosophy in their eyes.  Moral neutrals also eschew what they see as the radical egoism of darker, "evil" philosophies.

The Philosophy of True Neutral

True neutral is the philosophy that harmony and freedom are both important in society and that altruism and egoism are both legitimate ends.  It is a philosophy of pure equitistic consequentialism.  This philosophy holds that people should pursue a rational self-interest while balancing the needs of the state or social order with the freedom of individuals to pursue their own agenda.  True neutral can also be associated with ethical equitism and skepticism.  As the philosophical "average" of altruism and egoism, equitism holds that harm to others should be minimized when advancing the self and that harm to the self should be minimized when advancing others.

True neutral philosophers generally maintain that there is metaphysical balance in the multiverse and thus may support doctrines of soft determinism, pragmatism, conventionalism, and/or instrumentalism.  They may believe in free will or choice.  They could also embrace skepticism or suspend judgment on philosophical issues.  They tend to be moral relativists, holding that values differ from society to society, from person to person; that they are conditioned by the peculiarities of the society in which they arise; that they are not universally applicable at all times or in all places; and that they are correct or incorrect, desirable or undesirable only relative to whether or not they conform to a common norm or to common acceptance.

                           Debater Personality (ENTP, -A/-T)                                            

Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the dangers of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of ’crack-pot’ than the stigma of conformity. And on issues that seem important to you, stand up and be counted at any cost.

The Debater personality type is the ultimate devil’s advocate, thriving on the process of shredding arguments and beliefs and letting the ribbons drift in the wind for all to see. Debaters don’t do this because they are trying to achieve some deeper purpose or strategic goal, but for the simple reason that it’s fun. No one loves the process of mental sparring more than Debaters, as it gives them a chance to exercise their effortlessly quick wit, broad accumulated knowledge base, and capacity for connecting disparate ideas to prove their points.

An odd juxtaposition arises with Debaters, as they are uncompromisingly honest, but will argue tirelessly for something they don’t actually believe in, stepping into another’s shoes to argue a truth from another perspective.

Playing the devil’s advocate helps people with the Debater personality type to not only develop a better sense of others’ reasoning but a better understanding of opposing ideas – since Debaters are the ones arguing them.

This tactic shouldn’t be confused with the sort of mutual understanding Diplomat personalities seek – Debaters, like all Analyst personality types, are on a constant quest for knowledge, and what better way to gain it than to attack and defend an idea, from every angle, from every side?

There Are no Rules Here – We’re Trying to Accomplish Something!

Taking a certain pleasure in being the underdog, Debaters enjoy the mental exercise found in questioning the prevailing mode of thought, making them irreplaceable in reworking existing systems or shaking things up and pushing them in clever new directions. However, they’ll be miserable managing the day-to-day mechanics of actually implementing their suggestions. Debater personalities love to brainstorm and think big, but they will avoid getting caught doing the “grunt work” at all costs. Debaters only make up about three percent of the population, which is just right, as it lets them create original ideas, then step back to let more numerous and fastidious personalities handle the logistics of implementation and maintenance.

Debaters’ capacity for debate can be a vexing one – while often appreciated when it’s called for, it can fall painfully flat when they step on others’ toes by say, openly questioning their boss in a meeting, or picking apart everything their significant other says. This is further complicated by Debaters’ unyielding honesty, as this type doesn’t mince words and cares little about being seen as sensitive or compassionate. Likeminded types get along well enough with people with the Debater personality type, but more sensitive types and society in general, are often conflict-averse, preferring feelings, comfort, and even white lies over unpleasant truths and hard rationality.

This frustrates Debaters, and they find that their quarrelsome fun burns many bridges, oftentimes inadvertently, as they plow through others’ thresholds for having their beliefs questioned and their feelings brushed aside. Treating others as they’d be treated, Debaters have little tolerance for being coddled and dislike when people beat around the bush, especially when asking a favor. Debater personalities find themselves respected for their vision, confidence, knowledge, and a keen sense of humor, but often struggle to utilize these qualities as the basis for deeper friendships and romantic relationships.

Opportunity Is Missed Because It Looks Like Hard Work

Debaters have a longer road than most in harnessing their natural abilities – their intellectual independence and free-form vision are tremendously valuable when they’re in charge, or at least have the ear of someone who is, but getting there can take a level of follow-through that Debaters struggle with.

Once they’ve secured such a position, Debaters need to remember that for their ideas to come to fruition, they will always depend on others to assemble the pieces – if they’ve spent more time “winning” arguments than they have building consensus, many Debaters will find they simply don’t have the support necessary to be successful. Playing devil’s advocate so well, people with this personality type may find that the most complex and rewarding intellectual challenge is to understand a more sentimental perspective and to argue consideration and compromise alongside logic and progress.

                           Debater Strengths and Weaknesses                     

Debater Strengths

   Knowledgeable – Debaters rarely pass up a good opportunity to learn something new, especially abstract concepts. This information isn’t usually absorbed for any planned purpose as with dedicated studying, people with the Debater personality type just find it fascinating.

   Quick Thinkers – Debaters have tremendously flexible minds, and are able to shift from idea to idea without effort, drawing on their accumulated knowledge to prove their points, or their opponents’, as they see fit.

   Original – Having little attachment to tradition, Debater personalities are able to discard existing systems and methods and pull together disparate ideas from their extensive knowledge base, with a little raw creativity to hold them together, to formulate bold new ideas. If presented with chronic, systemic problems and given rein to solve them, Debaters respond with unabashed glee.

   Excellent Brainstormers – Nothing is quite as enjoyable to Debaters as analyzing problems from every angle to find the best solutions. Combining their knowledge and originality to splay out every aspect of the subject at hand, rejecting without remorse options that don’t work and presenting ever more possibilities, Debaters are irreplaceable in brainstorming sessions.

   Charismatic – People with the Debater personality type have a way with words and wit that others find intriguing. Their confidence, quick thought and ability to connect disparate ideas in novel ways create a style of communication that is charming, even entertaining, and informative at the same time.

   Energetic – When given a chance to combine these traits to examine an interesting problem, Debaters can be truly impressive in their enthusiasm and energy, having no qualms with putting in long days and nights to find a solution.

Debater Weaknesses

   Very Argumentative – If there's anything Debaters enjoy, it’s the mental exercise of debating an idea, and nothing is sacred. More consensus-oriented personality types rarely appreciate the vigor with which Debater personalities tear down their beliefs and methods, leading to a great deal of tension.

   Insensitive – Being so rational, Debaters often misjudge others feelings and push their debates well past others’ tolerance levels. People with this personality type don’t really consider emotional points to be valid in such debates either, which magnifies the issue tremendously.

   Intolerant – Unless people are able to back up their ideas in a round of mental sparring, Debaters are likely to dismiss not just the ideas but the people themselves. Either a suggestion can stand up to rational scrutiny or it’s not worth bothering with.

   Can Find It Difficult to Focus – The same flexibility that allows Debaters to come up with such original plans and ideas makes them readapt perfectly good ones far too often, or to even drop them entirely as the initial excitement wanes and newer thoughts come along. Boredom comes too easily for Debaters, and fresh thoughts are the solution, though not always a helpful one.

   Dislike Practical Matters – Debaters are interested in what could be – malleable concepts like ideas and plans that can be adapted and debated. When it comes to hard details and day-to-day execution where creative flair isn’t just unnecessary but actually counter-productive, Debater personalities lose interest, often with the consequence of their plans never seeing the light of day.

                           Debater Relationships                                            

If there’s one thing Debaters are good at, it’s coming up with a never-ending stream of innovations and ideas to keep things moving forward, and this is evident in their romantic relationships as well. For people with the Debater personality type growth is key, and even before they’ve found a dating partner, they imagine all the ways that they can experience new things together, to grow in tandem. This can be an overwhelming process if their partner doesn’t match up, but when Debaters find someone who shares their love of intellectual exploration, watch out.

Show Me a Satisfied Man, and I’ll Show You a Failure

From the earliest dates, Debaters test their partners’ limits for this kind of potential, pushing boundaries and traditions, looking for open-mindedness and spontaneity. Dating Debater personalities is hardly a boring experience, and they make use of their enthusiasm and creativity by delighting and surprising their partners with new ideas and experiences.

Debaters’ idea of fun is often rooted in self-improvement, and people with this personality type bring their partners along the way, as much in a spirit of sharing as in a spirit of expectation. Debaters see either growth or stagnation and don’t buy into the idea of a happy status quo, making them demanding as much as they are exciting.

Some may tire in the face of this constant improvement – while Debaters’ vigor can be attractive, it can also wear down even the most patient partners. A little time to breathe and a chance to rest on one’s laurels for a moment is necessary for many people, but not something Debaters are likely to appreciate. However, if their unwavering enthusiasm is met in kind, it can lead to a magnificent relationship characterized by its strength, depth, and spark.

Genius Is One Percent Inspiration and Ninety-Nine Percent Perspiration

This is perhaps most evident as Debaters’ relationships progress into more intimate situations. All that exploratory curiosity and enthusiasm has a chance to be expressed in new ways when Debaters and their partners come together, and they readily encourage their partners to try new things, to enjoy their intimacy without preconceived limitations.

For people with the Debater personality type, this phase of their relationships is a chance to improve and develop in areas that are outside the realm of academia, though they approach it in much the same way – as a physical and intellectual process of striving towards excellence, rather than a spiritual or emotional expression of affection.

Debaters’ desire to improve in this department makes them fantastic partners when the relationship reaches that point, but their attitude towards this process is also evidence of their most glaring shortcoming – their emotional obliviousness. While Debaters are more open-minded than other Analyst personality types about others’ perspectives, they are also more likely to express their disdain for such things as emotional sensitivity in cuttingly well-phrased and clear terms, easily hurting their partners’ feelings without realizing it. Debater personalities may even ignore their partners’ feelings altogether, instead immersing themselves entirely in some distant idea or opportunity, inaccessible.

Where Debaters’ unwavering desire for self-improvement comes in most handy is in their emotional development, as they may actually be willing to work on areas such as sensitivity and emotional communication with their partners.

Debaters’ best compatibility rests with other Intuitive (N) types, with one or two opposing traits which help to create both balance and opportunities for growth. If they are with a more sensitive partner, this can be an excellent way for them to find another quality that they can work on together, making this weakness yet another opportunity to be creative, challenge themselves, and to deepen the attractiveness that this sense of progression brings to their relationships.

                           Debater Friends                                            

Loyalty, support, emotional feedback – these are not what Debaters look for in their friendships. The last thing people with the Debater personality type want to hear is “you’re right”, not unless they have absolutely earned the distinction in a heated round of intellectual debate. If they’re wrong, Debaters want to be told so, and they want every detail of the faults in their logic to be laid bare, partly in their quest for oftentimes arbitrary truth, and partly just so they have to work to defend that logic with counterpoint and parry.

It’s often easy for Debaters to test compatibility with a potential friend – they just need to test compatibility. Debater personalities are quick-witted, and their primary means of expressing this is in the form of arguments and discussions, where they will easily spend an entire evening debating an idea they may not even believe in.

The epitome of Debaters’ friendships is when someone can hold their ground in these arbitrary debates with valid, rational arguments.

These debates are never taken personally, no matter how heated they become or how striking the disagreement. Much as an athlete competes for the physical exertion and the spirit of competition itself, Debaters debate for the sake intellectual stimulation and for the debate itself, and even in overwhelming victory or crushing defeat, it’s never about dominance only inspiration to try harder next time.

When You Play, Play Hard

They know how to relax and have fun too, it’s just that “fun” to Debaters – a bottle of wine and a discussion about the causes of and solutions to the European migrant crisis – could be described as “an evening from hell” by many other personalities. But Debaters are a genial and enthusiastic personality type for the most part, and pretty much any situation that allows for conversation and a little wordplay is an enjoyable outing.

Debaters are actually remarkably good at communicating with friends and acquaintances of other personality types. Their natural tendency to argue as effectively as possible means that Debaters are accustomed to communicating in other people’s language and frame of reference, and this translates well into normal conversation. Where people with the Debater personality type do have difficulty relating to others is in emotional expression, the Achilles’ heel of all Analyst types.

The Worst Thinking Has Been Done in Turmoil

Being inclined to suppress their emotions and feelings, when Debaters are faced with a friend who, figuratively or literally, needs a shoulder to cry on, they have no clue how to handle the situation. They are perfectly willing and happy to offer a series of rational, reasonable solutions to the problem at hand, as Debaters do for any situation where a problem needs to be fixed, but they are certainly not known for their sensitivity or outward affection, no matter how intuitively they may understand another’s position.

Worse is when Debater personalities try to turn these emotional situations into something they find more comfortable: a debate. Given how remarkably good Debaters are at arguing both sides of a point, they are remarkably bad at putting themselves in someone else’s shoes from an emotional standpoint. Debaters should avoid at all costs the temptation to turn a discussion about the causes of a friend’s recent breakup into competitive intellectual fodder.

Wrath (Latin, ira) can be defined as uncontrolled feelings of anger, rage, and even hatred, often revealing itself in the wish to seek vengeance. Wrath, in its purest form, presents with injury, violence, and hate that may provoke feuds that can go on for centuries. Wrath may persist long after the person who did another a grievous wrong is dead. Feelings of wrath can manifest in different ways, including impatience, hateful misanthropy, revenge, and self-destructive behavior, such as drug abuse or suicide.

"People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing."

Fire      

Fire is the life principle. It provides heat and light. It brings on the new. It transforms.

Fire in the personality represents inspiration, passion, enthusiasm, desire.

The fiery intelligence is dynamic, daring, enthusiastic, active and hopeful. It is bold enough and has the courage to follow the inspiration or idea.

Fire is force, lust, fertility and virility, initiative and rejuvenation. Fire is a starter, an initiator.

Fire is charming, flamboyant and inspirational.

Fire is what improves our courage, confidence, motivation and our sense of humor.

A HIGH FIRE PERSONALITY

Exhibits:

high spirits, great faith in self- a fairly unrelenting insistence on your own point of view

radiant, vitalizing energy that seems to glow with warmth and exuberance

intense assertiveness, individualism, active and self-expressive

enthusiasm - put all of yourself in whatever you do, belief in self and own powers

leadership qualities - need for recognition

blunt honesty - straightforward and often child-like

Good natured and fun-loving - usually has lots of friends

Experience (having a good time) is more important than possessions

Needs:

a good deal of freedom to express yourself naturally

to control your energies in order not to overpower or exhaust the more retiring or more sensitive types

to become aware of the talents and abilities of others. You try to do it all yourself and don't delegate well

to be recognized and admired for your attainment and accomplishments. Appreciation is more important than money in your estimation

to control gullibility and naivety

Can help:

stimulate people who are more lethargic

A LOW FIRE PERSONALITY

Self-expression, both emotional and creative, may be difficult for you. The absence of fire can make you cold, lack enthusiasm and be slow to act. The likelihood of being an introvert higher. You seem to stop yourself in your tracks, you spend so much time testing the water and not taking the plunge that pleasure, thrills, and glory will be slow coming your way. You do not like drama and flashy people, rather you like the more subtle and sensitive approach. You might not like being in the spotlight on because you under-rate your worth so you end assisting others whose talents are less than your own, but whose drive, desire and enthusiasm is greater and you end up in a subordinate role.

Exhibits:

lack of passion and spark

the daredevil courage

lack of action

lacks self-confidence

Needs:

to experience life more actively

to push yourself to act - competition is healthy

to become more vital - make that first move

to stop under-estimating own abilities and worth

BLEND OF 2 ELEMENTS Fire and Earth type

When the elements of Fire and Earth combine, the result is potentially powerful and creative.

Fire provides inspiration and action and Earth looks for structure. The Earth planets give sustaining power to the drive and self-expression of the Fire planets. Earth grounds Fire so that energies can be conserved and focused. The result is that you may be too focused on your own world and ideas that you have little concern for anything that interferes or takes you away from your goal. There is normally a degree of insensitivity. It is important to be aware of other people's feelings and not to put the realization of your goals before everything else. You are reliable and productive.

Fire and Air type

Fire and Air are complementary elements (fire needs air).

This combination makes you an aspiring, idealistic, positive-thinker and usually have a way with words and a witty turn of phrase. You have the best of intentions and motives, but although you may "talk the talk" you may not always "walk the walk". Although this is a creative blend full of enthusiasm and ideas, realism is not your strong point, your energies may be scattered or you might not be grounded or persistent enough to see the job through to completion.

Fire and Air are what we call the Male Yang Active elements. You have the ability to activate things but you must realize your energy is not endless and that you need to tune into your deeper resources (Water and Earth: Female Yin Passive elements) if you are to avoid a state of constant depletion.

Fire and Water Type

Fire and Water are not the most compatible of elements.

Fire can heat water up, till it is warm and nice or until it evaporates and disappears. Water can/will always try to put out fire.

This blend shows a general tendency to express everything emotionally, excitedly, and rather impulsively. There is often a lack of logical, systematic thought and procedure, which results in restlessness, indecision leading to subjective bias.

Usually known as an intense personality with emotional extremes subject to big mood-swings. There is a need to learn self-restraint and to be less influenced by what people might think. You function well under pressure and you do best when being challenged.

Your Roles and Careers: Leader, soldier, salesperson, rescue worker, performing artist, entertainer, motivational speaker.

Symbols Associated With Fire (these are not supposed to be “your favorites”—they are traditionally used to represent this element):