In this blog we will be comparing two personality types: 1w9 and 4w5. In addition to this, we will be examining their strengths, weaknesses, compatibility and other facets of their personality.
1w9 vs 4w5:
1w9s and 4w5s are personality types in the Enneagram system of personality. 1w9s have a 1 core with a 9 wing, indicating that they primarily have traits of type 1 with a few type 9 traits. 4w5s have a 4 core and a 5 wing which means that they primarily have type 4 traits, with a few type 5 traits.
1w9s receive the title of ‘The Optimist’, because they have a tendency to escape negative experiences. 4w5s have the title of ‘The Free Spirit’ because they tend to be unconventional and creative individuals.
While 1w9s and 4w5s have some commonalities, they do share some differences as well. The basic desire of 1w9s is to do the ‘right’ thing at all costs. They are loyal to their moral principles and ethics and have a fear of doing anything that violates these standards. On the other hand, 4w5s have a basic desire to find their true and authentic selves and develop a sense of individuality. Their basic fear is of feeling unremarkable or failing to have a lasting impact on the world.
1w9s are devoted to change and reform in the world. On the other hand, 4w5s usually live in their own heads and don’t pay much attention to the world around them. They tend to be unconventional individuals with their own peculiar interests and goals.
Both 1w9s and 4w5s are introverts. Both tend to withdraw from others into their own inner world. But their motives for doing so vary. For 1w9s this withdrawal is a means to protect their firmly held beliefs from contention and to avoid any potential negative or complex feelings. For 4w5s, it is a means to discover themselves and stay true to who they are.
4w5s combine the creativity of type 4s with the shrewdness of type 3 and come up with a lot of original work. They are not afraid of taking risks and experiencing new things. On the other hand, 1w9s are a lot more risk-aversive and careful. They approach life in a rational manner.
1w9s tend to avoid their emotions and indulge their pleasures, whereas 4w5s are more carefree and open to their emotions. 4w5s are a lot more dependent on other people and concerned with what others think of them. Impressing people is a common desire for all type 4s, and 4w5s are no exceptions. Additionally, 4w5s tend to have their head in the clouds at times, whereas 1w9s are usually stable and grounded in reality.
On the Enneagram diagram there are arrows associated with the nine personality types. These represent where an individual with a specific type goes when they are in integration or disintegration. Arrows that move away from a certain personality type indicate disintegration or stress points for that type. Conversely, arrows that move towards a type signify integration or personal growth.
When 1w9s are moving towards disintegration they resemble unhealthy type 4s and become moody and irrational. When moving towards integration they are easygoing and cheerful, like healthy type 7s. For 4w5s, moving towards integration involves healthy type 1 traits like objectivity and integrity. Moving towards disintegration involves clingy and obtrusive tendencies akin to unhealthy type 2s.
One factor that both 1w9s and 4w5s have in common is a desire to stay true to themselves. For 1w9s this manifests as upholding their morals and values in all situations. For 4w5s this is reflected in their desire to be unique and authentic in everything they do.
Strengths:
1w9:
- Attentive to details
- Participate in community life
- Imaginative and logical thinking
- Integrity
- Standing up for those weaker than themselves
4w5:
- Being authentic
- Curiosity and thirst for knowledge
- Introspective
- Creative thinking
- Objective and intellectual
Weaknesses:
1w9:
- Cold and detached
- Stubborn about principles
- Avoidance of negativity
- Hypercritical of self and others
- Come across as lazy or unmotivated
- Withdraw from relationships
If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.
4w5:
- Withdrawal from others
- Difficulty with real world, practical matters
- Self-centred
- Difficulty following rules and instructions
Sources of Stress:
1w9:
- Corruption and evil in society
- Appearing rigid or weak
- Being unable to make a difference in society
- Feeling ignored or unappreciated
4w5:
- Being unable to express themselves
- Too much time around other people
- Casual, mundane conversations
- Feeling alone or rejected
Sources of Motivation:
1w9:
- Volunteer work
- Solving societal problems
- Peaceful advocacy for social reform
- Personal growth
4w5:
- Taking time to reconnect and reflect on themselves
- Deeper understanding of themselves and the world
- Artistic expression
- Feeling valued and appreciated by others
Work:
1w9:
1w9s prefer peacefully advocating for social reform. They don’t usually participate in politics. Instead, they are usually found disseminating their principles in an indirect manner or working in the backdrop of important social movements. Thus, while they are motivated to seek social justice and equality they prefer to do so alone and in a less forceful manner.
Jobs that would be suitable for 1w9s include: judge, guidance counsellor, lecturer, consultant, social worker, journalist etc.
4w5:
4w5s place a lot of value on independence and self-expression and thus prefer to work alone. Work environments that give them space to think and express themselves creatively are ideal for 4w5s.
Jobs that 4w5s would be well suited for include: writer, librarian, artist, architect, graphic designer, videographer, musician, actor.
Relationships:
1w9:
1w9s are introverted and tend to withdraw from others. Interpersonal relationships are seen as too rife with complexities to be necessary. This withdrawal enables 1w9s to develop their ideals and protect them from being challenged. 1w9s have a tendency to be highly critical and aloof which can hamper their relationships.
However, their Type 9 wing makes them more understanding and tolerant of differences than other type 1s. And although they avoid expressing their emotions, 1w9s care deeply about the few people they allow into their lives.
4w5:
4w5s withdraw from others because they tend to be overwhelmed when they spend too much time around other people. Part of the reason 4w5s withdraw is because of a fear of rejection, which is attributed to their Type 4 core. They dislike casual and superficial conversation and prefer talking about profound topics.
Additionally, they are perceptive and have a good understanding of the world. They accept themselves completely, both their flaws and virtues, which can help them function well in their interpersonal lives.
Compatibility:
1w9s and 4w5s are compatible with each other. They complement each other by supplying the qualities their partners lack. For instance,1w9s provide some much needed structure and restraint to the boundless creative energy of 4w5s. In turn, the 4w5s expressiveness and creativity can complement the 1w9s’ preference for reason and order. Additionally, the emotionally open and self-aware 4w5s can teach 1w9s to be more vulnerable.
Due to the fact that these two Enneagram types have such differing approaches to life, some problems can arise in their relationship. 1w9s like to be objective, while 4w5s prefer to see things from a subjective and personal point of view. Although both are idealistic, their idealism varies. 1w9s have ideals associated with a social cause or global issue, whereas for 4w5s ideals concern their personal lives and inner world. This idealism can make both personalities quite condescending and critical and this can affect their relationship. 1w9s may find 4w5s too self-absorbed, while 4w5s find 1w9s rigid and detached.
Conclusion:
In this guide we compared 1w9 and 4w5 personality types on the Enneagram. We examined their strengths, weaknesses, compatibility, sources of stress and motivation as well as other salient aspects.
If you have any questions or comments please let us know.
Other Enneagram type 1 comparisons
1w2 vs 4w5
1w9 vs 5w4
1w9 vs 5w6
1w9 vs 6w5
1w9 vs 6w7
1w9 vs 7w6
1w9 vs 7w8
1w9 vs 8w7
1w9 vs 8w9
1w9 vs 9w8
FAQ on ‘1w9 vs 4w5 (A 7 Point Guide)’:
What is the rarest Enneagram type?
The rarest Enneagram type is said to be Type 4. This is often because Type 4s go unnoticed because they tend to be introverted and withdrawn.
What is the most common Enneagram type?
The most common enneagram type is Type 9.
What do the wings mean in Enneagram?
Wings refer to the type on either side of your basic enneagram personality type, on which you have the highest score. For example, if you test as a 2, your wings will either be 1 or 3, depending on which one has the higher score.
Can you be two Enneagram types?
What does it mean to have balanced wings?
Having balanced wings on the Enneagram means that a specific individual is influenced by two Enneagram types equally. For example, someone with a type 6 core would have balanced wings if they are equally influenced by type 5 and type 7. Butin most cases, one wing is dominant.
What is the most popular Enneagram?
Type 9 is the most popular enneagram.
References:
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-4
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-1-wing-9
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-4-wing-5