If you’re on a quest to discover yourself, then understanding your Enneagram personality type and your wing type can give you a great insight into your personality, behavior and loads of other things that always make you wonder why you are the way you are.
If you are drawn by all things abstract, impossibly curious about everything around you, and put them to the test (to make sure that they’re not duds) but you’re also reserved and prefer to be by yourself to reflect on things, then you’re probably Enneagram 5 wing 4 or “The Mad Scientist.”
Now, if all this has made you curious about the personality you really are, read all about the 5w4 Enneagram.
Enneagram 5 w 4 Description
The 5w4 Enneagram or the Enneagram type 5 wing 4 is the Enneagram type where wing 4 is more dominant, which means that this type will display the characteristics of both Type 5, as well as Type 4.
The Enneagram 5 w 4 is part of the Head Triad, which means that all their decisions are very thoughtful. They are known as “The Mad Scientist” for good reason.
The 5w4s are keen observers and are very imaginative. They are highly intellectual, love doing their research and are keenly motivated by their eternal quest for knowledge, especially focusing on abstract concepts and making sense of them.
But they are also people who love their privacy and have an “I don’t care attitude” when it comes to what the world thinks of them. These eccentric geniuses are true rebels in their own right!
It’s no wonder that some of the greatest works of art, literature and philosophy have been contributions of 5w4 Enneagrams. But often, the 5w4s are held back by their reserved nature that prevents them from sharing their work with the world.
Enneagram 5w4 vs 4w5
When you consider the Enneagram 5w4 vs 4w5 or “The Mad Scientist” vs “The Misunderstood Genius”, is essentially the clash of the titans.
The Mad Scientist cares only about everything intellectual but they like to reflect over and ponder about things that intrigue them and they like to do this all by themselves in a quiet place. This may make the 5w4s seem aloof, distant and guarded against others.
But this does not mean that they are in any way averse to gaining knowledge and new skills. They are open to this at all times!
The 4w5s on the other hand want to be unique and stand apart from the crowd. The Misunderstood Genius is not one to be concerned or worry about what others think about them.
They are more focused on understanding themselves and the world around them better.
They may seem to be distant but this is not because they don’t want to interact with others around them, it’s just that they’re quite busy introspecting. And this may make them seem unapproachable or unfriendly to people.
They are also very creative as a result and like to focus on their perception of their environment.
Enneagram 5w4 vs 5w6
The 5w4 or “The Mad Scientist” is independent, analytical and calm, but has an inquisitive mind that is always on the quest to learn more.
Dr. LaHue puts this issue to rest in a great, detailed video:
They are quirky, unconventional and creative. They typically have a detached and blunt demeanor but are rather sensitive to criticism.
On the other hand, the 5w6 Enneagram type or “The Prepper” is typically self-confident and their entire focus is on being self-sufficient and capable. But their cautious nature makes them seek safety before anything else.
And, present and future stability are most important to The Prepper. Their main focus is on gaining resources and knowledge that will ensure their stability. An extrovert compared to 5w4, the 5w6 is a problem solver and a loyalist to a large extent.
Enneagram 5 wing 4 Relationships
Relationships are not of utmost importance to The Mad Scientist, who is always out and about in the quest for knowledge and wisdom. They like people alright, but they are not a priority.
5w4s like a quiet type of love and like their partners to be a part of their journey or be interested in whatever they are doing currently.
They don’t believe in doing conventional things like showing affection or being overly lovey-dovey. But when in a relationship, 5w4s can be quite attentive and even devoted to their partner.
And, when they are in love or a relationship, they are quite willing to prioritize them over the mysteries of life (that matter the most to them).
They are even prepared to change their quest for knowledge and their schedules to make time for the person they love.
5w4 Enneagram Characters
If you’re a 5w4, then you’re sure to agree with me that you share your Enneagram type with some of history’s geniuses and greats including:
- Albert Einstein
- Vincent Van Gogh
- Stephen King
- Tim Burton
- Emily Dickson
- Friedrick Nietzsche
- Kurt Cobain
- John Lennon
- Albus Dumbledore
- Peter Parker aka Spiderman
- The beautiful Suga from BTS
- Sherlock Holmes (Elementary, my dear Watson!)
Enneagram 5w4 Careers
At their core, 5w4s are quiet, imaginative and intellectual people who think creatively and prefer abstract thoughts, fantasy and fiction to real world problem solving.
They do very well in creative environments where they are encouraged to think creatively and where they have personal space to think and do things independently.
You can see 5w4s in jobs such as being a/an:
- Author
- Composer
- Engineer
- Professor
- Inventor
- Scholar
- Auditor
- Accountant
We hope that this article has given you some understanding of what it is to be Enneagram Type 5 wing 4 and helps you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and look for ways to grow and be successful in your relationships, career and other aspects of life.
