Growing as an Enneagram Five: The Thinkerনমুনা

Your Objectivity Is a Strength

Those of us who are not Fives think of objectivity as logical thinking or being unemotional. But it’s more than that. Objective thinking is not about having no emotions or biases—it’s knowing when to listen to them and when not to. 

Fives are deep people who love connection and have a vivid inner world. You have feelings (inside impression) but don’t always express them as emotion (outside expression) in ways the rest of us recognize.

In emotion, a lot of us say things we don’t mean, hit first and ask questions later, or make big decisions that outlast what we felt while making them. But in objectivity, Fives ponder their path and take steps accordingly—even when it’s a hard decision emotionally.

The great news for all of us is that we serve an objective, unbiased, and fair God. He does not create us on unequal footing with regard to Himself; we are all deeply loved, and He died for us all. (See 2 Corinthians 5:15.)

In Ephesians 6, Paul is writing to masters about their treatment of their slaves. The context of slavery can rightfully make us uncomfortable, but unfortunately, this discomfort can distract from the beautiful truth found in these guidelines. “He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him” (Ephesians 6:9). There is no favoritism in God. He doesn’t regard wealth, beauty, or fame. He created us all, and that’s where our worth lies. 

As an Enneagram Five, you reflect this beautiful nature of God. We know how hard it is to be truly unbiased as humans, and even you as a Five are not completely free of bias, prejudice, or privilege. However, your ability to lay aside emotion when needed is a reflection of God’s perfect, unbiased character.

When others see you put truth before feeling, choose something that’s right instead of something that serves you, or give objective advice, they’re experiencing the just nature of God, and this brings glory to Him.

Sometimes people may not view your objective thinking as kind, but we don’t always understand the kindness of God until after the fact either. Your family and close friends might especially be taken aback when you are not completely biased in their favor, but that doesn’t mean you need to remain silent. We need your voice, we need your thoughts, and we need your reflection of God here.