MICHAEL JACKSON

Enneagram Type 4 (The Individualist) with a 3 Wing


Constru-centro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why we think Michael Jackson is a Type 4

  • Shy and reserved demeanor. Despite his dynamic stage presence, Jackson had a shy and reserved demeanor offstage. He often spoke softly and avoided eye contact, conveying an innate introversion and vulnerability.

  • Focus on individuality and uniqueness. Jackson had a unique style, including his distinctive fashion sense (the white gloves), his iconic dance moves, and his innovative music videos. He prided himself on being different. 

  • Emotional sensitivity. He was known for his tendency to feel deeply and be highly attuned and focused on his emotions.

  • Tendency toward melancholy. He struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his life, and many of his songs deal with themes of sadness, loss, and heartbreak, such as "Childhood" and "Earth Song."

  • Longing for authenticity and meaning. Jackson was known to be on a constant quest for meaning, and many of his songs dealt with themes of love, spirituality, and personal transformation.

  • Interest in many different expressive forms of art. Jackson had a strong interest in art and poetry, which he often incorporated into his music and performances.

  • His struggle with self-image and identity, as reflected in his changing appearance and rumored body dysmorphia (which is also reflective of his 3 Wing). Jackson underwent numerous and significant cosmetic procedures, suggesting that he may have grappled with his own perceived imperfections.

  • Desire to be alone. He had a tendency to isolate himself and seek solitude, as reported by those who knew him personally.

  • Perfectionist tendencies. Jackson was known to be a perfectionist and demand excellence in his music and performances, which caused friction with others in his industry (which is also reflective of his 3 Wing).

Michael Jackson quotes that show he is a Type 4

  • "The only thing I can do is be me. Whoever that is."

  • “To give someone a piece of your heart, is worth more than all the wealth in the world.”

  • "My goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive. the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance."

  • "To live is to be musical, starting with the blood dancing in your veins. Everything living has a rhythm. Do you feel your music?"

  • "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man" (which shows his 3 Wing).

  • "I'm never satisfied with anything. I'm a perfectionist. It's part of who I am."

  • "I'm always creating. I can't stop."

  • "The music is the total backdrop for your whole life. It's your company when you're alone, and it's your release, and it's your ecstasy, it's your joy. It's your comfort."