Enneagram Type 1: Moral Perfectionist

Moralist, Perfectionist, Reformer, Crusader or Critic

© 1995-2023 Katherine Chernick Fauvre

Overview

Ones want to be accurate, thorough, fair and objective. More importantly, Ones want to be respectable, to do what is right and what they feel is appropriate. Ones see themselves as rational, orderly and principled. Ones would like others to see them as reliable, responsible and ethical. Ones idealized image is that they are hardworking and do what is right.

Gifted with a strong sense of purpose, Ones have high ideals and like to follow protocol, policies and procedures.They are sincere, earnest and diligent. Ones like to excel and take pride in doing things well. Ones value honesty, integrity and objectivity. Conscientious and methodical, Ones focus on paying close attention to detail. Earnest and hardworking, Ones are particular and constantly strive to improve. Ones take action from their hearts because, for Ones, the heart is the only thing that is truly perfect.

Ones have strong internal critics that remind them of what they should and shouldn’t do. At times, they can be judgmental and critical of others, telling them what they think is right. Ones behave this way because they want to help people avoid mistakes. Privately, they criticize themselves for their shortcomings far more than they ever criticize anyone else. Ones believe that there is only one way to do things and that is the right way. As a perfectionist, they feel that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right. As a result, they are only satisfied with what appeals to their strong sense of what is moral. Idealistic, Ones naturally want to educate others to help them improve themselves. Life for Ones is about adhering to strong internal standards. Sometimes, they wish they could let go and have more fun. This can be hard for Ones to do, unless they are on vacation, because of  their strong work ethic. Ones innately recognize that in most situations there are standard operational procedures that must be followed to be responsible and to maintain a sense of order. Because Ones are so hard on themselves, they long for positive feedback, serenity and happiness.

Need

Ones need to know what is expected of them so they can act accordingly and excel. Ones want to know what is considered appropriate and to do things by the book to avoid making a mistake. They continuously strive for self-improvement and expect others to do the same. Ones always act in accordance with their high standards, moral beliefs, philosophies and principles, instead of basing their behaviors on another person’s rules.

Avoid

Ones avoid impropriety, irresponsibility, high risks and/or extremes. Most importantly, Ones avoid expressing anger, feeling that to do so is wrong or inappropriate. Underneath that is their attitude of moral superiority, the need for correctness, and a deep fear of being wrong, bad, evil or corruptible. They prefer what is practical, grounded and stable, and avoid appearing silly or frivolous to others.

Virtue

One's integrity, wisdom and adherence to sound procedure can bring clarity and guidance to a confused world. Ones are true pioneers with the ability to envision utopia, and the discipline to put in the hard work necessary to make it happen. Like a White Knight, Ones are not afraid to act according to their strong convictions— even if their actions go against the beliefs of their parents, boss or society. Ones have a special gift for teaching and enjoy helping people learn and improve.

Vice

One's vice is resentment because they work hard to repress negative emotions. They feel that showing overt anger demonstrates a loss of control, so they suppress their wrath when others are not working as hard as them and don’t feel the same level of responsibility that they do. At times, Ones can be self-righteous, overly strict and rigid. They can become irritable, nit picking and critical when others don’t abide by their lofty moral code and need for procedures. Ones should remember that people think of them as teachers, and the best teachers lead by example, not criticism.

Attention

Ones attention goes outward, to the environment, to creating improvements, correcting imperfections and righting what is wrong. In their search for what is perfect, they can become mired in details and lose sight of their original goal and intention. Often it is more important to complete a task than to wait for perfection.

Spiritual Path

Their spiritual journey is to reclaim a sense of serenity. Even flaws may have a purpose. Ones should know that true perfection and spiritual growth will come when they realize that all things are inherently perfect just as they are.

Mantra

True perfection already exists in every moment, and there is nothing that needs to be reformed or improved in the eyes of God.

Wing

• The Enneagram Type 1 with the 9 Wing desires to appear aristocratic. They see themselves as classic, casually elegant, simple, relaxed and natural.

• The Enneagram Type 1 with the 2 Wing, desires to appear cultivated. They see themselves as put together, fashionable, moody, apropos and unique.

Famous 1s

Amish, Julie Andrews, John Bradshaw, Tom Brokaw, Susan Brownmiller, William F. Buckley, John Calvin, Cesar Chavez, Ong Teng Cheong, Hillary Clinton, Confucius, Crusades, Jane Curtin, Angela Davis, Michael Dukakis, Mary Baker Eddy, Dr. Dean Edell, Daniel Ellsworth, Harrison Ford, Jodie Foster, Barry Goldwater, Al Gore, Lillian Hellman, Katharine Hepburn, Charlton Heston, Inquisition, Glenda Jackson, Peter Jennings, Joan of Arc, Samuel Johnson, Dean Jones, John Kerry, Dr. Jack Kevorkian, Ted Koppel, Dr. Laura, Laura Linney, The Lone Ranger, Martin Luther, Miss Manners, Thurgood Marshall, George McGovern, Arthur Miller, Ralph Nader, New Zealand, Leonard Nimoy, Gregory Peck, H. Ross Perot, Pioneers, Sidney Poitier, Pope John Paul II, Emily Post, Colin Powell, Puritans, Marilyn Quayle, Yitzak Rabin, Ayn Rand, Tony Randall, Vanessa Redgrave, Donna Reed, Cliff Robertson, Bernard Shaw, Singapore, Gene Siskel, Kenneth Starr, Martha Stewart, Peter Strauss, Switzerland, Margaret Thatcher, Emma Thompson, Harry Truman, Jack Webb, Joanne Woodward, Jane Wyman.

Katherine offers coaching on Zoom and Skype
© 1995-2023 Katherine Chernick Fauvre