Saturday, September 27, 2025

Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the "Superman" (Übermensch): personality profile

 

Personality Overview of Nietzsche's "Superman"

Nietzsche's "Superman" represents an idealized individual who transcends conventional morality, creates their own values, and embodies self-mastery, creativity, and the will to power. The Superman is a visionary who rises above the herd mentality, embracing life's challenges and affirming existence despite its inherent struggles. This figure is characterized by strength, independence, courage, and a profound sense of purpose. The Superman is not bound by traditional notions of good and evil but instead forges a personal code through self-overcoming and relentless pursuit of greatness.

Below, I will break down the personality of the Superman using the frameworks you've requested.


1. Jungian Archetypes

The Superman aligns with several Jungian archetypes, primarily:

  • The Hero: The Superman embodies the Hero archetype through their journey of self-overcoming, facing existential challenges, and striving for a higher purpose.
  • The Sage: This archetype reflects the Superman’s pursuit of wisdom and creation of personal values, acting as a guide for humanity’s future.
  • The Creator: The Superman is a creator of meaning and values, rejecting imposed norms to craft a unique path.

2. Myers-Briggs 4-Letter Type

The Superman's personality aligns closely with ENTJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging), often called "The Commander." This type reflects the Superman’s visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and desire to shape the world according to their will. They are decisive, forward-thinking, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.


3. Myers-Briggs 2-Letter Type

Using the simplified 2-letter temperament model, the Superman corresponds to NT (Intuitive-Thinking), known as the "Rational" temperament. This highlights their analytical, innovative, and independent nature, driven by a quest for knowledge and competence.


4. Enneagram Type

The Superman most closely matches Type 8 - The Challenger (with a possible wing of 7, making it 8w7). Type 8 individuals are assertive, self-confident, and driven by a need for control and autonomy, which mirrors the Superman’s will to power and rejection of external authority. The 7 wing adds a touch of optimism and a desire for new experiences, reflecting the Superman’s embrace of life’s possibilities.


5. New Personality Self-Portrait Styles

Using the "New Personality Self-Portrait" styles, the Superman exhibits the following traits:

  • Self-Confident: The Superman exudes assurance in their abilities and vision, unswayed by doubt or external criticism.
  • Adventurous: They embrace risk and challenge, seeking to push boundaries and explore new realms of thought and action.
  • Aggressive: In the sense of assertiveness, the Superman pursues their goals with unrelenting force and determination.
  • Idiosyncratic: The Superman’s rejection of conventional values and creation of personal meaning sets them apart as highly unique.

(Socially awkward is not present, as the Superman, while solitary in thought, is often portrayed as charismatic and commanding in presence.)


6. Temperament Type (4-Temperament Theory or 4-Humors Theory)

The Superman aligns most closely with the Choleric temperament. Cholerics are ambitious, energetic, and goal-oriented, often taking on leadership roles and driving change. This matches the Superman’s relentless pursuit of self-overcoming and their desire to shape the world according to their vision.


7. Possible Personality Disorders

While the Superman is an idealized concept and not inherently pathological, certain traits, if exaggerated or misunderstood, could suggest tendencies toward:

  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): The Superman’s extreme self-confidence and focus on personal greatness could be interpreted as grandiosity or a need for admiration, though Nietzsche intended this as a positive trait of self-creation rather than destructive narcissism.
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): The rejection of societal norms and traditional morality might resemble a disregard for rules, though the Superman operates from a higher personal ethic rather than a lack of empathy.

These are speculative and not definitive, as the Superman is meant to transcend human flaws.


8. Hierarchy of Basic Desires

Based on Steven Reiss’s theory of basic desires, the Superman’s hierarchy might prioritize:

  1. Power: The will to power is central to the Superman’s existence, driving their need to create and dominate their own destiny.
  2. Independence: Freedom from external constraints is crucial for self-overcoming.
  3. Curiosity: A desire for knowledge and new experiences fuels their creative endeavors.
  4. Idealism: A commitment to personal values over societal norms.
  5. Lower desires might include social contact or acceptance, as the Superman often stands alone.

9. Hierarchy of Basic Values

The Superman’s values hierarchy might be:

  1. Self-Creation: The highest value is the ability to define one’s own meaning and purpose.
  2. Courage: Facing life’s struggles and embracing the eternal recurrence.
  3. Authenticity: Living true to one’s inner vision rather than societal expectations.
  4. Excellence: Striving for greatness in all endeavors.

10. Hierarchy of Basic Ideals (Not Desires)

The Superman’s ideals might include:

  1. Self-Mastery: The ideal of complete control over one’s instincts and destiny.
  2. Transcendence: Rising above mediocrity and conventional morality.
  3. Creativity: The ideal of producing new values and meanings for humanity.
  4. Affirmation of Life: Embracing existence in all its forms, including suffering.

11. Character Weaknesses or Flaws

As an ideal, the Superman is meant to be flawless in Nietzsche’s vision. However, potential weaknesses could include:

  • Isolation: Their rejection of the herd may lead to loneliness or alienation.
  • Arrogance: Their self-confidence could be perceived as hubris by others.
  • Obsession with Power: An overemphasis on the will to power might alienate or harm others unintentionally.

12. Possible Neurotic Defense Mechanisms

While the Superman is meant to transcend neurotic tendencies, certain traits might suggest:

  • Sublimation: Channeling existential struggles or aggressive impulses into creative acts of value-making.
  • Rationalization: Justifying their rejection of conventional morality as a higher calling.
  • Projection: Potentially viewing others as weak or inferior as a reflection of their own internal struggles with human limitations.

13. Possible Trance States

The Superman might experience trance-like states during moments of profound inspiration or self-overcoming, akin to a Flow State (as described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi). This state involves complete immersion in creative or existential tasks, losing sense of time while forging new values or confronting life’s challenges.


14. Big Five Personality Dimensions

Using the Big Five model, the Superman might score as follows:

  • Openness to Experience: High – Creative, imaginative, and open to new ideas and values.
  • Conscientiousness: High – Goal-driven, disciplined, and focused on self-mastery.
  • Extraversion: Moderate to High – While often solitary in thought, the Superman can be commanding and influential.
  • Agreeableness: Low – Unconcerned with pleasing others or adhering to social norms.
  • Neuroticism: Low – Emotionally stable and resilient in the face of life’s struggles.

15. Main NLP Meta-Programs (Referring to The Sourcebook of Magic by L. Michael Hall) [1]

Using NLP meta-programs, the Superman might exhibit:

  • Toward Motivation: Driven toward goals and self-creation rather than avoiding pain.
  • Options Orientation: Prefers creating choices and new paths rather than following procedures.
  • Internal Frame of Reference: Relies on internal validation rather than external approval.
  • Mismatch Sorting: Focuses on differences and challenges to the status quo rather than similarities.
  • Big Chunk Thinking: Thinks in terms of grand visions and overarching ideals rather than details.

Sources

1 The Sourcebook of Magic by L. Michael Hall Ph.D. and Barbara Belnap M.S.W.

Good Relationship Match for Nietzsche's "Superman"

The Superman, characterized as an ENTJ (Myers-Briggs), Type 8 (Enneagram), and Choleric temperament, thrives on independence, vision, and the pursuit of personal greatness. A good relationship match would be someone who can complement their intensity, respect their need for autonomy, and engage with their intellectual and creative pursuits without being overly dependent or submissive. Here are some compatible personality types:

  • Myers-Briggs: INTJ (The Architect) - An INTJ woman would be a strong match for the Superman (assuming a male Superman for this heterosexual context). INTJs share the Superman’s strategic thinking and visionary nature (both are NT Rationals), but their introverted tendencies can balance the Superman’s extroverted assertiveness. They can engage in deep intellectual discussions and support the Superman’s goals while maintaining their own independence [1].
  • Enneagram: Type 7 (The Enthusiast) with a wing of 8 (7w8) - A Type 7w8 woman would bring energy, spontaneity, and a strong personality to the relationship, complementing the Superman’s Type 8 drive for power and control. This type can match the Superman’s adventurous spirit and desire for new experiences while challenging them in a playful, non-threatening way [2].
  • Temperament: Sanguine-Choleric Blend - A woman with a Sanguine-Choleric temperament would bring warmth, sociability, and enthusiasm to balance the Superman’s intense Choleric focus. This blend can provide emotional support and social ease without clashing with the Superman’s need for dominance [3].

Overall, a good match would be a partner who is confident, independent, and intellectually stimulating, someone who can stand as an equal while appreciating the Superman’s unique vision and strength.

Bad Relationship Match for Nietzsche's "Superman"

The Superman’s personality, with its low agreeableness (Big Five) and rejection of conventional norms, would likely clash with partners who are overly dependent, emotionally needy, or rigid in their adherence to traditional values. Here are some incompatible personality types:

  • Myers-Briggs: ISFJ (The Defender) - An ISFJ woman would likely struggle in a relationship with the Superman. ISFJs value tradition, stability, and emotional harmony, which directly conflicts with the Superman’s rejection of societal norms and focus on self-creation over external expectations. The ISFJ’s need for security and affirmation would frustrate the Superman’s drive for independence and change [4].
  • Enneagram: Type 2 (The Helper) - A Type 2 woman, driven by a need to be needed and to care for others, would likely feel unappreciated or rejected by the Superman’s self-reliance and lack of emotional vulnerability. This mismatch in core motivations—Type 2’s focus on connection versus Type 8’s focus on autonomy—could lead to constant tension [5].
  • Temperament: Phlegmatic - A Phlegmatic woman, characterized by a calm, passive, and conflict-avoidant nature, would likely be overwhelmed by the Superman’s intense, assertive personality. The Phlegmatic’s desire for peace and routine would stifle the Superman’s need for challenge and transformation, leading to frustration on both sides [6].

Overall, a bad match would be a partner who is overly submissive, emotionally dependent, or rigidly conventional, as these traits would conflict with the Superman’s need for autonomy, intellectual stimulation, and transcendence of traditional values.


Sources

1 The Sourcebook of Magic by L. Michael Hall Ph.D. and Barbara Belnap M.S.W.


2 Presidential Temperament by Ray Choiniere and David Keirsey


3 Jungian Archetypes by Robin Robertson


4 New Personality Self-Portrait by John M. Oldham, M.D. and Lois B. Morris


5 Personality Puzzle by Florence Littauer and Marita Littauer


6 Personality Plus Revised and Expanded Edition by Florence Littauer


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