"Please Understand Me II" by David Keirsey is a fascinating and extensive exploration of human personality and the intricacies that make each individual unique. In this enlightening book, Keirsey builds upon his previous work on temperament theory to provide readers with a detailed examination of the sixteen distinctive personality types identified in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
The book begins by introducing readers to the four fundamental temperaments: Artisan, Guardian, Rational, and Idealist. Keirsey delves into the specific traits, values, and behaviors associated with each temperament, enabling readers to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the people around them. By presenting each temperament in relatable terms, Keirsey offers practical advice on navigating potential conflicts or misunderstandings that may arise between individuals of different temperaments.
In addition to temperaments, Keirsey delves into the cognitive processes, or functions, that drive human behavior: sensation, intuition, thinking, and feeling. He explains how individuals prioritize and utilize these functions, further contributing to their unique personality type. Keirsey's explanations are supported by extensive research and real-world examples, making the content engaging and informative.
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Moreover, "Please Understand Me II" provides readers with an in-depth exploration of the MBTI and includes an assessment tool that allows individuals to determine their own personality type. Keirsey offers comprehensive descriptions of each of the sixteen types, emphasizing their strengths, weaknesses, and preferred communication styles. This enables readers to gain a greater understanding of their own thought processes and behavior patterns, as well as those of the people they interact with.
Overall, "Please Understand Me II" is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that provides valuable insights into human personality and behavior. Keirsey's writing style is accessible and easy to understand, making complex concepts approachable for readers of all backgrounds. Whether you seek to enhance your self-awareness or improve your understanding of others, this book is an invaluable resource that can help you navigate relationships and interactions more effectively.
What are readers saying?
"Please Understand Me II" by David Keirsey has garnered a range of reviews, expressing both positive and negative opinions. Some readers found the book to be engaging and enlightening, appreciating Keirsey's ability to simplify complex psychological theories into relatable descriptions of different personality types. They found the analysis to be a valuable tool for self-discovery and personal growth, and praised the practical advice provided throughout the book.
Numerous reviewers also found the book to be highly practical, highlighting its usefulness in real-life situations. They noted that Keirsey's categorization of personality types and accompanying guidance helped improve communication, relationships, and professional interactions. Specific sections on understanding different communication styles and managing stress were particularly well-received.
However, there were criticisms of the book's scientific rigor. Some readers felt that the content lacked empirical evidence and relied too heavily on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, which undermined its credibility as a scientific resource. These reviewers preferred books with a stronger scientific foundation or more extensive empirical research.
Another criticism raised by some readers was the oversimplification of certain personality types. They argued that human behavior is more nuanced and complex than presented in the book, and that the categorization system may limit its ability to capture the intricacies of individual personalities.
A few reviewers also mentioned that the book suffered from repetitiveness, discussing similar points multiple times throughout. This redundancy detracted from their enjoyment of the book. Additionally, some readers suggested that the book could have been shorter, as they found it unnecessarily lengthy.
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