The Stitchpunks of Shane Acker’s 9 aren’t Enneagram Types. They’re Cognitive Functions.
You know that disappointing video that tries to match the cloth babies with enneagram types? Well, it made me curious and want to explore other modes of personality analysis/categorization(horoscopes, numerology, jung, socionics, etc.) to see if there was any commonality between a system and the cloth babies. I FOUND ONE.
According to Jungnian Cognitive Functions(often used in tandem with the Myers Briggs), everyone uses each and every one of eight cognitive functions. However, what determines personality type is the order in which one uses these functions. For example, everyone uses introverted sensing and extraverted thinking, but some people prefer to use introverted sensing more and others use extraverted thinking more(hence the difference between an ISTJ and an ESTJ). This theory coincides with the idea of the stitchpunks perfectly. Each stitchpunk is a part of the scientist’s soul, which means that each stitchpunk is a part of the scientist as a cognitive function is supposedly a part of the human personality. However, it’s obvious that the scientist has more in common with some of the stitchpunks than others. In his journal, he references seeing a lot of himself in 2 while being intimidated by 8.This represents how he uses certain functions more than others and that he likely has preferences for certain cognitive processes as we all theoretically do, at least according to Jung. Now, while it’s made clear how the premise and concept of cognitive functions and their relationship to the personality match with the stitchpunks and their relationship to the soul it’s important to understand which stitcpunks align with which cognitive functions.
Here are two descriptions with extremely brief(and frankly, not the best but it should give you all the gist of what the cognitive functions are) descriptions of each cognitive function. I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed how well each function seemed to represent each stitchpunk.
Now, to match up the functions to the stitchpunks:
1 is Extraverted Thinking. He is very concerned with external laws, rules, and does not hesitant to make “tough” decisions. He cares less about morals than he cares about the immediate wellbeing of himself and the whole group- “one must be sacrificed for the good of the many.” He needs the world around him to make sense and have order, and he is more than happy to be the one who brings that sense of order to his surroundings.
2 is Extraverted Intuition. 2 views everything around him as being filled with possibilities “if you know where to look, these ruins are full of riches!” He doesn’t seem to care at all about traditions, and simply wants the freedom to intellectually explore all options, paths, and people. He is ready and willing to share his ideas and inventions with passion.
3&4 are Introverted Sensing. 3 & 4 are “lost in the past” as 7 states and are obsessed with cataloguing information that the group can utilize later. They are endlessly curious and their appetite for data can never be truly satisfied.
5 is Extraverted Feeling. 5 is all about helping others, adhering to traditions, and not upsetting the social order. He is apprehensive about doing things that may be considered inappropriate and constantly occupied with making sure others feel happy and at ease.
6 is Introverted Intuition. 6 is incredibly perceptive, though his perceptions generally arise unconsciously and through the form of visions(introverted intuition is often associated with looking similar to psychic abilities). 6 is also highly creative and imaginative and will frequently get lost inside himself and wander about.
7 is Introverted Thinking. 7 is fiercely independent and absolutely must live in a world that makes sense to her logically. 7 isn’t so concerned about 1′s abuse(like 9) as she is regarding the fact that he simply doesn’t make any sense to her. She has no interest in liberating the other stitchpunks, she just wants to get away from 1′s nonsense. She feels no need and has no desire to explain herself to others. She just does what she wants and is confident in her logic.
8 is Extraverted Sensing. 8 is focused on the here and now. He’s also constantly on the lookout for physically pleasurable situations(the magnet) and thrives in battle. 8′s not also very imaginative or cerebral, and enjoys working with his hands(making weapons/sharpening his knife sword).
9 is Introverted Feeling. 9 has a very strong set of morals and values and absolutely cannot tolerate any sort of injustice. He is always standing up for others. Additionally, 9 is very emotionally driven and frequently acts without regard for the logical consequences. He is motivated by doing the right thing, even if it may not be the smart thing.
Since it’s now established that the stitchpunks are cognitive functions, we can have a little fun…by typing the scientist! Based on which stitchpunks he resonates with the most and where he derives his energy, we can determine his personality type! woo! First, the stitchpunks he resonates the most with are obviously 9 and 2. This means his two dominant functions are introverted feeling and extraverted intuition. We can narrow down his type by using the following chart:
According to the chart, the Scientist is likely either an ENFP or an INFP as these are the two types that have introverted feeling and extraverted intuition as their primary functions. Next, to determine whether the scientist is an introvert or an extravert, I’m going to type each individual stitchpunk(I’m not going to go into a lot of detail behind my reasoning, mainly because this post is way too long as is) and assume where he draws his energy based on the ratio of introverts to extraverts in the stitch-squad. Note that a lot of the stitchpunks don’t even use the cognitive functions they represent all that much. I find that somewhat amusing and it’s the one hole in my theory.
1-ESTJ
2-ENFP
3&4-INTP
5-ISFJ
6-INFP
7-ISTP
8-ISTP
9-INFJ
¾ stitchpunk personalities are introverts, and therefore it’s quite likely that the scientist is an introvert as well, an INFP.
sources:
http://www.bestfittype.com/
http://similarminds.com/personality_types.html#.Wr2qetPwa9Y
https://personalityhacker.com/nicknames-for-8-jungian-cognitive-functions/
http://www.keys2cognition.com/cgjung.htm
https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2018/02/23/introduction-cognitive-functions-myers-briggs-theory/http://similarminds.com/personality_types.html#.Wr2qetPwa9Y
http://www.personalitypage.com/html/high-level.html
http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/theory
http://mbti-notes.tumblr.com/post/149191973762/type-spotting-guide
