Anja—The Dysfunctional Archetype—The Intellectual

The perfect analogy for the archetype of the Intellectual is also the scientist.  They deal in facts, figures, and theories.  It is strictly right brain thinking, and they do not trust or wish to consider the left brain functions (intuition, creativity).  The contrasts between the intellectual and the functional archetype of the Intuitive (a great analogy is the psychic detective) is one that bears some discussion here.

The Intellectual spends time theorizing, analyzing and gathering facts.  They make decisions based on their end analysis, without giving any thought to their feelings about what they do.  In fact, feelings are not something to be considered, as these individuals have suppressed them.  At some point in their early development they have been taught that their feelings have no value, and therefore they have to be suppressed.  In my experience of the business world, I was taught that feelings have no place in the work place.  I have always been one to express my feelings, and you never had any trouble knowing what I felt about something.  However, for years I had tried to suppress this reaction in myself in order to become accepted in the business world.   What happened is that once I suppressed those feelings I became an automaton, I made my decisions based on text book theory regardless of how I “felt” about it.  This resulted in a very cold relationship with those that I supervised, but a winning amount of pay raises for me as an efficient manager.  I have to tell you that this takes a toll on you psyche and physical health.

I'm not saying that intellect doesn't have a place, but it should not completely overshadow the left brain function of intuition.  A balance is needed to make choices based on ALL available data.  This assures that you make decisions that are right for you, and ones that you feel good about.

Overcoming the Dysfunction

Here are some things you can do to improve your intuition

This website has some things that help with the development of intuition. I am truly excited the academia has finally recognized the need for using intuition.

The litany of I AM for intuition:

• I am intuitive

Only one is necessary here.