One way an understanding of Temperaments can be helpful is in introducing people to Objectivism. Looking at four very broad but distinctive archetypes, we can immediately see why Objectivism does not speak equally to one and all. But we can also begin to see how gateways into Objectivism can be created to make it more accessible to all temperament types.
NT’s
Ayn Rand, both in her life and her work, is the embodiment of what Keirsey defines as an NT personality type. NT’s account for a small percent (only a little more the 5% of the population) and yet we will find that the vast majority of Objectivists are part of this select temperament. This is due to the fact that Objectivism, as it is usually presented, is perfectly suited to the NT temperament. While the Rational NT might find the SJ a conformist, the SP a concrete-bound hedonist, and the NF an irrational mystic, it behooves NT’s to accept these temperaments and communicate with these other types on their level.
NF’s
Idealists (NF's) constitute a slighty larger fraction of the population at about 8%-10% . This temperament may encounter a major stumbling block in the word “selfishness.” The NF temperament is prone to take altruist positions, and appealing to reason won’t usually work with them, as they tend to use their emotions as a means of cognition. What they have going for them is their willingness to discuss and consider abstractions. Though their Metaphysics may begin with A Does Not Equal A, they are at least able to consider things conceptually. Because of this, The Fountainhead is an excellent introduction for them, as their feelings of empathy for Howard Roark will enable them to consider the wider philosophy that applies.
SP’s
Artisans (Aristotle's Hedone) make up a whopping 35% - 40% of the population.
Unfortunately, they may not be intrigued by a discussion on metaphysics or epistemology. These concrete-bound thinkers won’t care much about the fact that Objectivism presents an integrated view of reality. What they will respond to, however, is anything that may be of practical benefit to their material lives. Unlike the NF’s, the SP Artisan will be intrigued by the idea of Selfishness being a virtue. Due to this, The Virtue of Selfishness would be a better introduction for them, although even better would be a personal introduction from a friend. This personal introduction should in the beginning steer clear of abstract philosophical discussion and focus on concrete applications of a philosophy of selfishness. SP Artisans love art, and Torres and Kahmi’s book What Art Is will also have appeal as well. In other words, with these types, instead of starting with Metaphysics and working down to Aesthetics and Politics, they need to start at the bottom of the chain and work their way up.
SJ’s
Guardians make up the largest group at 40% -45% of the population.
Like the Artisans, the Guardians will quickly get bored and irritated talking in abstractions. And unlike the Artisans, they will most likely not respond to the idea of
mere personal benefit. The SJ Temperament, however, will be enticed by tradition and rigid sets of rules. Thus, presenting Objectivism as based in Aristotelian metaphysics, with the possibility of enhancing families and communities may interest them. In addition, if they perceive the Objectivist community as having a strong unwavering code of ethics and a long history of community, they will respond positively. A great introduction to Objectivism for these folks is a video of the film Ayn Rand, A Sense of Life. Although the film doesn’t go into the philosophy as such, it does establish a sense of history that will appeal to the guardians. And the more that Objectivism takes hold as a respected philosophical system, the more the SJ Guardians will accept it. Until Objectivism becomes a mainstream philosophy, though, they will remain skeptical, as they are of anything that strikes them as iconoclastic.
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