Arrogance and Temperament
How we each express arrogance in our own ways
By Keillan on 05-01-2008
Dr. Keirsey has a blog entry on the arrogance of Rationals. He sets out a decent analysis that seems to make sense. From my Architect point-of-view, I see how his hierarchy within the four Rational roles works out.
Yet I suspect that arrogance is not the exclusive realm of Rationals. Any temperament can exhibit arrogance in one way or another. I’ve been thinking about how it might be read when coming from differing temperaments. This is of course speculative and certainly open to being tossed into the refuse bin.
Rational arrogance is summerised by the statement “I’m superior.” As we are always on the lookout for Rational opinions in a sea of other temperaments, I suspect that we naturally look down on others in doing so, lest we be swept away and thus lose independence. This is not to say that Rationals are superior (even though we are 
), but that’s how our arrogance bubbles to the surface and is expressed.
For Idealists, I see their arrogance expressing “I’m strong.” By this, I mean that they too are in a sea amid other temperaments. However, the difference implicit in this statement is that others can become strong as well, a typical Idealist sentiment. After all, a teacher starts with having knowledge others do not have, but ultimately they impart this to others.
For Guardians, I perceive it as “I’m right”. As a cooperative temperament, Guardians are not exactly out to be comparative with others in of itself; they simply see it as the natural order of things. When two opinions differ, a concrete analysis will tend to exclude the possibility that both are right, so when arrogance comes from a Guardian, it is because they have the information standing behind it.
With Artisans, arrogance boils down to “I’m winning”. It’s the natural competitive nature that exudes this quality. This is quite helpful in situations where Artisans excel, from a boardroom negotiation to the athletic field. Arrogance for the Artisan is thus the result of some victory or at least some perception of victory.
As I stated, this is just my first-order analysis. I would love to get feedback on this.
Very insightful and thought provoking blog, Kellian. I get the "I'm strong" emotionally Idealist arrogance, in terms of, although we sometimes are viewed as emotionally weak because we are so expressive of our emotions. But I catch myself in a "moral self righteous" arrogance and intolerance for folks who are not able to view a subject from different points of view. Something along the lines of , "Screw the logic --> How can you not understand that this is HURTING some one, place?" The whole empathy & extenuating circumstances thing. I think a good example of Idealist arrogance can be observed in groups like the ACLU. Another good example I can think of is: try to have a conversation with an Idealist about War. There's an opportunity for Idealist arrogance. Good blog ... keep it coming.