THE THREE instincts.

Our animal drives

These three instincts operate in all of us, but usually only one is dominant in each individual—and when the powerful biological drive of that dominant instinct is put in service of the “passion,” it fuels a more specific expression of the personality, resulting in a more nuanced character (a subtype) of the main personality type.

SELF-PRESERVATION

The Self-Preservation instinct focuses attention on and shapes behavior around issues related to survival and material security. It generally directs energy toward safety and security concerns, including having enough resources, avoiding danger, and maintaining a basic sense of structure and well-being. Beyond these basic concerns, the self-preservation instinct may place emphasis on other areas of security in terms of whatever that means for a person of a specific type (once it mixes with one of the nine passions).

SOCIAL

The Social instinct focuses attention on and shapes behavior around issues related to belonging, recognition, and relationships in social groups. It drives us to “get along with the herd”—our family, the community, and the groups we belong to. 9is instinct also relates to how much power or standing one has relative to the other members of “the group” in terms of whatever that might mean for a person of a specific type.

SEXUAL

The Sexual instinct focuses attention on and shapes behavior around issues related to the quality and status of relationships with specific individuals. Sometimes referred to as the “One-to-One” instinct, it generally directs energy toward the achievement and maintenance of sexual connections, interpersonal attraction, and bonding. 9is instinct seeks a sense of well-being through one-to-one connections with people in terms of whatever that means for a person of a specific type.