Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb of Leopold and Loeb: personality profile

 

Nathan Leopold

Personality Overview

Nathan Leopold was known as the more intellectual of the two, with a reported IQ of 210, and was deeply interested in philosophy, particularly the works of Friedrich Nietzsche. He was described as introverted, socially awkward, and emotionally dependent on Loeb. Leopold came from a wealthy family, had a privileged upbringing, and was highly educated, but he struggled with feelings of inferiority and a need for validation, often seeking approval from Loeb. He was obsessed with the idea of the "superman" from Nietzsche's philosophy, which he interpreted as justifying criminal acts to prove superiority over societal norms.

Personality Typologies

• Jungian Archetypes: Leopold likely embodies the Sage (due to his intellectual pursuits and desire for knowledge) and the Shadow (representing his darker, destructive tendencies and moral corruption).
• Myers-Briggs 4-Letter Type: INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) – Leopold was a strategic thinker, introverted, and focused on long-term plans and ideas, often detached from emotional considerations.
• Myers-Briggs 2-Letter Type: NT (Intuitive Thinking) – His analytical and conceptual nature aligns with this temperament.
• Enneagram Type: Type 5 (The Investigator) with a 4 wing (The Individualist) – Leopold’s intense curiosity, need for knowledge, and feelings of being different or misunderstood fit this profile.
• New Personality Self-Portrait Styles: Idiosyncratic (unique and unconventional thinking), Vigilant (hyper-aware and cautious), Sensitive (emotionally reactive to rejection or criticism), and Socially Awkward (struggling with social interactions and fitting in).
• Temperament Type (4-Humor Theory): Melancholic – Leopold’s introspective, serious, and often gloomy disposition aligns with this temperament.

Potential Personality Disorders

Leopold may have exhibited traits of Schizoid Personality Disorder (due to emotional detachment and preference for solitude) or Dependent Personality Disorder (due to his reliance on Loeb for emotional validation and decision-making).

Hierarchy of Basic Desires

1. Power/Control (desire to dominate or prove superiority, influenced by Nietzschean ideas).
2. Affiliation (need for a close bond with Loeb, almost to the point of obsession).
3. Achievement (driven to excel intellectually and distinguish himself).

Hierarchy of Basic Values

1. Intellectualism (valuing knowledge and philosophical ideas).
2. Loyalty (to Loeb, above societal norms).
3. Superiority (belief in being above others morally and intellectually).

Hierarchy of Basic Ideals

1. Transcendence (striving to rise above ordinary human constraints).
2. Individuality (being unique and distinct from the masses).
3. Mastery (intellectual and personal dominance).

Character Weaknesses or Flaws

Leopold’s major flaws include arrogance, emotional dependency, a lack of empathy, and a distorted sense of morality, which led him to justify heinous acts as intellectual experiments.

Possible Neurotic Defense Mechanisms

• Rationalization: Justifying the murder as an intellectual exercise or proof of superiority.
• Projection: Attributing his own insecurities or moral failings to societal norms or others.
• Repression: Suppressing guilt or emotional conflict to maintain his self-image as a "superman."

Possible Trance States

Leopold may have experienced dissociative states or a form of intellectual trance, where he became so absorbed in philosophical ideas that he detached from reality and moral consequences.

Big Five Personality Dimensions

1. Openness: High (creative, intellectual, open to unconventional ideas).
2. Conscientiousness: Moderate (organized in intellectual pursuits but reckless in moral behavior).
3. Extraversion: Low (introverted and socially reserved).
4. Agreeableness: Low (lacking empathy and concern for others).
5. Neuroticism: High (emotionally unstable, prone to feelings of inferiority).

NLP Meta-Programs (The Sourcebook of Magic)

• Toward/Away From: Toward (motivated by achieving superiority and intellectual goals).
• Internal/External: Internal (guided by personal beliefs rather than external validation, except from Loeb).
• Options/Procedures: Options (focused on possibilities and creative ways to prove his ideas).
• General/Specific: General (focused on broad philosophical concepts rather than practical details).

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Richard Loeb

Personality Overview

Richard Loeb was the more outgoing and charismatic of the duo, often described as charming, manipulative, and thrill-seeking. He came from a similarly privileged background and was highly intelligent, though not as academically driven as Leopold. Loeb was fascinated by crime and detective stories, and he orchestrated the murder of Bobby Franks largely for the thrill and to prove he could commit the "perfect crime." He was emotionally cold and lacked remorse, displaying sociopathic tendencies.

Personality Typologies

• Jungian Archetypes: Loeb likely embodies the Trickster (cunning, manipulative, and rule-breaking) and the Ruler (desire for control and dominance over others).
• Myers-Briggs 4-Letter Type: ENTJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) – Loeb was a natural leader, strategic, and focused on achieving his goals with little regard for others’ feelings.
• Myers-Briggs 2-Letter Type: NT (Intuitive Thinking) – Like Leopold, he was analytical and visionary, though more socially engaged.
• Enneagram Type: Type 8 (The Challenger) with a 7 wing (The Opportunist) – Loeb’s need for control, assertiveness, and desire for excitement fit this profile.
• New Personality Self-Portrait Styles: Aggressive (assertive and domineering), Adventurous (thrill-seeking and risk-taking), Self-Confident (believing in his own abilities), and Dramatic (enjoying attention and creating impact).
• Temperament Type (4-Humor Theory): Choleric – Loeb’s assertive, dominant, and energetic nature aligns with this temperament.

Potential Personality Disorders

Loeb likely exhibited traits of Antisocial Personality Disorder (sociopathy), characterized by a lack of empathy, manipulativeness, and disregard for societal norms.

Hierarchy of Basic Desires

1. Excitement/Thrill (driven by the need for stimulation and danger).
2. Power/Control (desire to dominate others and prove his cunning).
3. Recognition (wanting to be seen as clever and untouchable).

Hierarchy of Basic Values

1. Independence (valuing freedom from rules and constraints).
2. Cleverness (prizing his ability to outsmart others).
3. Dominance (asserting power over situations and people).

Hierarchy of Basic Ideals

1. Invincibility (believing he could not be caught or defeated).
2. Mastery (control over his environment and others).
3. Audacity (boldness in defying norms).

Character Weaknesses or Flaws

Loeb’s flaws include a lack of empathy, recklessness, overconfidence, and a need for constant stimulation, which led him to commit extreme acts for personal amusement.

Possible Neurotic Defense Mechanisms

• Denial: Refusing to acknowledge the moral implications of his actions.
• Rationalization: Justifying the crime as a game or intellectual challenge.
• Projection: Blaming societal rules or others for any perceived failures or constraints.

Possible Trance States

Loeb may have entered states of excitement-driven dissociation, where the thrill of planning and executing the crime overrode any moral or rational considerations.

Big Five Personality Dimensions

1. Openness: High (creative and open to novel experiences, including criminal ones).
2. Conscientiousness: Low (disregard for rules and long-term consequences).
3. Extraversion: High (outgoing, socially engaging, and charismatic).
4. Agreeableness: Very Low (manipulative and uncaring toward others).
5. Neuroticism: Low (emotionally stable, lacking guilt or anxiety).

NLP Meta-Programs (The Sourcebook of Magic)

• Toward/Away From: Toward (motivated by achieving thrills and recognition).
• Internal/External: Internal (guided by personal desires rather than external feedback).
• Options/Procedures: Options (focused on exploring new ways to create excitement).
• General/Specific: General (focused on the big picture of committing a "perfect crime" rather than minutiae).

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This analysis is based on widely available historical and psychological interpretations of their personalities and behaviors.

Nathan Leopold: Good and Bad Relationship Matches

Good Relationship Match

Given Nathan Leopold's personality as an INTJ (Myers-Briggs), Type 5 with a 4 wing (Enneagram), and Melancholic temperament, a good relationship match would likely be with a woman who is emotionally supportive, patient, and able to provide the validation he craves while respecting his introverted and intellectual nature. A compatible Myers-Briggs type could be ENFJ (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging), as this type tends to be empathetic, outgoing, and capable of drawing out introverts like Leopold while offering emotional warmth. In terms of Enneagram, a Type 2 (The Helper) would complement his need for connection and support, helping to balance his tendency toward isolation and emotional dependency. A woman with a Phlegmatic temperament would also be a good match, as her calm and steady nature could provide stability to his often intense and melancholic disposition [1].

Bad Relationship Match

A poor relationship match for Leopold would be with a woman who is overly assertive, critical, or emotionally distant, as this would exacerbate his feelings of inferiority and social awkwardness. A Myers-Briggs type like ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) could clash with him due to their practical, no-nonsense approach, which might feel dismissive of his abstract, philosophical musings. An Enneagram Type 8 (The Challenger) might also be a bad fit, as their dominant and confrontational nature could overwhelm Leopold or intensify his dependency issues. A Choleric temperament in a partner would likely lead to conflict, as their fiery and controlling tendencies would clash with his sensitive and introspective personality [2].

Richard Loeb: Good and Bad Relationship Matches

Good Relationship Match

Richard Loeb, with his ENTJ (Myers-Briggs) personality, Type 8 with a 7 wing (Enneagram), and Choleric temperament, would likely thrive with a woman who is adventurous, adaptable, and able to keep up with his need for excitement while not challenging his need for control excessively. A compatible Myers-Briggs type could be ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving), as this type is fun-loving, spontaneous, and likely to enjoy the thrill-seeking behavior that drives Loeb, while also softening his aggressive edges with emotional warmth. In terms of Enneagram, a Type 7 (The Enthusiast) would match his desire for new experiences and stimulation. A Sanguine temperament in a partner would also be a good fit, as their lively and sociable nature could complement his extraverted and dominant personality [3].

Bad Relationship Match

A poor relationship match for Loeb would be with a woman who is overly sensitive, introverted, or rigid, as this would frustrate his need for action and dominance. A Myers-Briggs type like INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) could be a bad match due to their introspective and idealistic nature, which might conflict with Loeb’s pragmatic and thrill-driven approach, leading to misunderstandings. An Enneagram Type 4 (The Individualist) might also struggle with Loeb, as their emotional depth and need for introspection could feel burdensome to his more surface-level, action-oriented personality. A Melancholic temperament in a partner would likely lead to tension, as their serious and reserved demeanor would dampen Loeb’s energetic and assertive style [4].

Sources

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

2 Personality Plus by Florence Littauer

3 Jungian Archetypes by Robin Robertson

4 Personality Plus Revised and Expanded Edition by Florence Littauer

5 Presidential Temperament by Ray Choiniere and David Keirsey

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