As a Sage, you will find yourself as someone who’s naturally gifted to be an intellectual. You wish to know nothing more than all of the world’s secrets, and you will not stop until you have achieved true enlightenment.

Furthermore, you also possess an analytical edge– a mind that reduces even the toughest of concepts into understandable elements. In fact, your archetype is known to accept even harsh truths while still maintaining objectivity.

Thus, you are beloved by people who seek a fresh new perspective of the world around them. Many run to you for guidance and wisdom, and as a Sage, you are all too happy to share it.

Basic Qualities

Introvert

You are:

• Perceiving
• Eloquent
• Independent
• Introspective
• Attentive

As an introvert, you are a calm, perceptive character. You do not rush into the heat of battle or allow your emotions to get the best of you. Instead, you allow yourself to perceive your environment and make careful decisions based on all available data. Thus, the decisions you make are often logical.

Aside from this, you are also more likely to think before you speak. You are aware that words have the ability to sway people or change reality. This makes you highly eloquent and capable of convincing people with your views in a passionate yet well-thought-out way.

Things to pay attention to:

• Being overlooked
• Overthinking
• Being mislabeled
• Anxiety
• Insecurity

An introvert’s strength can sometimes be their own weakness. While you take significant pride in your solitude, you are nevertheless social and aware that you make an impression on other people with each move. For this reason, you can be anxious and insecure about your own performance and image.

In addition, your own love of caution can cause you to read into situations too much. This can lead to slower decision-making, which can harm other people, especially when speed is a necessity. Truly, an introvert’s true enemy can be their very own selves, so you should watch your back.

Egocentric

You are:

• Self-regarded
• Self-aware
• Decisive
• Logical
• Professional

Most people are quick to crucify the egoist. In fact, you’ve probably been perceived as someone who looks only after yourself and your possessions. When helping others, you often do so knowing that you will benefit in some way, and people sometimes can’t help but think you’re only using them for your own advancement. In a way, you are perceived as entirely Machiavellian.

But this is a folly. Self-interested as you are, selfishness isn’t exactly a bad thing. After all, it represents the part of our instinct that tells us to look after ourselves, and in this regard, you are a pro. Because of your fundamental desire to survive, you are cunning, decisive, and always precise about what you do. You are, therefore, extremely reliable.

Things to pay attention to:

• Rudeness
• Pride
• Selfishness
• Insincerity
• Loneliness

Predictably, the egoist’s true enemy is his own friend: yourself. The irony of this is magnified in part because you are supposed to know yourself completely. However, even with your immense self-knowledge, you can still fall prey to your worst impulses, manifested in your occasional bouts of arrogance.

If you aren’t able to control the worst of your own impulses, you may end up feeling extremely lonely. This is because none of these traits can make people approach you sincerely; every last bit of these only turns people away. As such, you should try your hardest to be empathetic and understand other people’s perspectives.

Rational

You are:

• Critical
• Logical
• Persuasive
• Articulate
• Efficient

Rational people are sometimes seen as cold and calculating. Indeed, you can give this impression yourself because of how often you use your mind more than your heart. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. You are acutely aware that the world is an unpredictable place and that one needs to make sense of it to make things work for themselves and everyone else.

For this reason, you prefer the use of reason before reckless impulse. To you, there is a right place and time for unleashing one’s true feelings. In the meantime, problems should be solved first in order to facilitate the perfect outcome. This capacity for patience and wisdom makes you a valuable ally to anyone who seeks your help.

Things to pay attention to:

• Arrogance
• Condescension
• Manipulation
• Inflexibility
• Excessive criticism

Rational people often live inside their own heads. As such, while you can pull off a lot of good things and actually help others find their way with your natural grasp of logic and reason, it can also pave the way for elitism. After all, intellect is one of humanity’s most sought-after talents. Sure, you can lift your muscle and impress people, but you can destroy lives with just your own mind.

Such is the overwhelming power of the spirit that it can sometimes overtake you and make you completely unbendable in the face of critique. You may think yourself too superior to be subjected to criticism or even criticize and be sarcastic to people who are just asserting themselves. As such, you people need to keep your pride in check to prevent stagnation and conflict.

Calm

You are:

• Sensitive
• Optimistic
• Good at decision-making
• Self-aware
• Disciplined

Calmness is an advantage that often shines when situations get particularly stressful. The ability to preserve one’s sense of discipline and awareness truly goes a long way when confronted with difficult situations, as you remain able to approach things your way, without being dictated by outside forces.

Ultimately, this means you are a great decision-maker. Sometimes, the people around you won’t see the wisdom of your choices, but because you are meticulous with your decisions, they often realize in hindsight that your choices are in fact superior. As such, it’s easy to see why calm people often make great leaders.

Things to pay attention to:

• Monotony
• Predictable
• Aloofness
• Rigidity
• Being seen as spineless

Being calm, however, comes with its own weaknesses. You may be extremely patient, but more outgoing people can see you as somewhat aloof and disconnected. Due to your adherence to strict and proven routines, they may think that your mind is closed to change or unable to adapt to situations.

Indeed, the latter is particularly difficult because calmness in the face of adversity can be seen as cowardice. People may clamor more for action in stressful times, so telling them to stop and think may simply drive them further into a frenzy. You will often be misunderstood as a result.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

Perception

As a Sage, your mind has an eye of its own that allows it to see reality in multiple different ways. Where most may not see the drawbacks of something that seems good on the surface, you know better– and vice versa.

This can function on multiple levels. On an individual scale, you are able to grasp certain implications in the things you read, for example, that most people might miss. This can include references or subtle lessons that, when applied in reality, can make a difference in your life, improving your decision-making.

Separating emotion from fact

The line between the truth and emotion can be extremely fragile, and it only gets worse the more complicated a situation becomes. In this regard, the strength of the Sage lies in their ability to full separate the two, giving them an enormous advantage in life.

For example, they are more likely to get to the heart of any conflict than most archetypes. Since they can think beyond their feelings– or that of others– they can cleave to the issue at hand and call out both sides for it, to the point where compromises can be reached.

Critical thinking

Rationality is the Sage’s foremost weapon, and in this regard, you have much to offer. More than just the ability to break things down into parts, you also have a critical mind that regularly asks questions.

This manifests more precisely in moments where you are in deep thought. When you need to consider multiple perspectives, you often ask questions that can seem contradictory to your own beliefs. You aren’t afraid to challenge yourself to think beyond the box of your own beliefs or ideologies.

Decision-making skills

As complete thinkers, Sages don’t just take into account the circumstances around them and make deductions based on all available information. They are also highly capable of actually making the leap from thought to decision. They may have their moments of hesitation, but only when they haven’t presented the full context.

Thus, you are more than capable of making decisions not just for yourself but also for a group of people under or with you. This naturally translates to a more straightforward career and financial path on the individual level, as you are able to make informed decisions and execute them without much hesitation. 

Weaknesses

Overthinking

Sages are right to be proud of using their minds to solve and understand everything. However, they can get a bit too philosophical or serious about the subject matter that they end up burning their own minds just thinking about possibilities or implications that might not exist.

In romance, for example, you can be quite hesitant the minute your prospective partner shows some signs because you will likely try to read into the details of their gesture. Was that hug a friendly one or a not-so-subtle attempt at saying “I like you” back? How do you know if the person you’re talking to is being serious with you or just pulling your leg?

Rudeness

Sages are lovers of truth. As such, they often have no use for anything less and will likewise not tolerate any attempt at muddling it. They will not stand for any distortion of the facts or attempt to mince words, so they will be less tactful and more straightforward when asked for their opinion.

This can be a boon in the right environment, but this can quickly turn into a nightmare in the wrong place. Like-minded people such as the Magician will overlook the tactlessness of the Sage, but more we-oriented types may think that you are unnecessarily harsh or rude.

Condescending

Sages are people of wit and pride. They are proud of their achievements and capacity to do things their way. However, this mixture of wit and pride can, unfortunately, open up a darker side to the Sage. Since they believe that their methods are highly effective, they can be quite condescending against those whom they think are lesser.

This manifests itself in the form of quick-witted, sarcastic remarks that can truly put anyone to shame. When criticizing others, you can be particularly ruthless in implying that your methods are better than theirs. This attitude can, predictably, cause a lot of tension between you and the people you are working with. This may also alienate you from friends who might think you’re way too self-absorbed to care about their views.

Inflexibility

Although Sages can be extremely open-minded, they can also be quite inflexible, especially on their own attitudes toward others. This is because of the fusion between the rational and the introverted traits: their rationality allows them to be open to ideas, but such openness may stop the moment we enter the realm of the self.

Predictably, this means that Sages may encounter some stark opposition from people who might otherwise be more outgoing such as the Hero. This is because these characters serve as the effective counterpart of the Sage: where the Sage is master of themselves, extroverted archetypes like the Hero are masters of interaction.

Romantic Relationships

Over-assertiveness

Due to your rational nature, you tend to believe in the supremacy of logic. Whereas other archetypes tend to be passionate and forgiving, you are inclined to follow your inner logician over your own partner.

When you are in a relationship, this tendency will bring heated discussion. As such, your relationship may be somewhat fragile on a daily basis. When important matters are actually happening, you will likely have your own opinions, and the pushback could be just as severe depending on your partner.

Uncertainty over feelings

Looking at the core qualities of your archetype, we’ll see a Sage who wants nothing more than certainty. Even in romance, Sages can take time to process their feelings as they often ruminate on what it means for them.

This trait is consistent with your own cautious introversion. You might behave like this in romantic contexts because when a Sage falls in love, it means they are inviting someone into their own introverted world. Everything about a Sage’s individuality matters, so you would not want to waste that on a partner who would not last.

Friendships

Respected

One key trait of your archetype is the respect you often gain from other people. This is because you are often the sort of person who works their way up into a position of authority and acclaim. You want to embody the strength of knowledge– and as such, you are looked up to.

For instance, when your friends have a particular problem that they need solving, you are the person they turn to for advice. Furthermore, because you are well-equipped, you can address their concerns in various topics, including romance, friendships, or even just intellectual matters.

Decisive

Sages are decisive people who analyze things critically and logically. However, their capacity to reason is directly married to their sense of pride in their own decisions. As such, they are often hard to persuade because they will see any argument against it as something that needs to be destroyed thoroughly.

This is perfectly true to your own rigid nature. It isn’t that you aren’t capable of change, it’s just that you are too sure of yourself at times that you might not realize that even your judgments, however incisive and thoughtful, are not infallible in any way, shape or form.

Workplace Habits

Likes a quiet work environment

In the workplace, Sages love to have quiet. Naturally inclined to be alone and introspective, they tend to dislike the idea of working with noise around them. As a Sage, you are likely to try and mind your own business most of the time.

However, this could also be a sign of weakness on your part in that it requires immense concentration to even get anything done at this juncture. This means that when put under pressure, you may sometimes lag behind. Alternatively, it could also be a sign of a social lack, which can be problematic in situations where you are forced to deal with noise.

Prefers competence

Sages are proud people with immense expectations of themselves. This natural propensity to expect high performances also translates into them preferring more competent coworkers. With these people around, they are often able to amplify the Sage and make them better.

Of course, it doesn’t end with just competence. Due to the Sage’s introverted behavior, you are often best when paired up with other Sages who likewise think that being quiet in the workplace is better. For people like you, no needless rhetoric should be spoken other than the rhetoric of value and victory alike, and until both are achieved, work should be a paramount priority.

Structured

Structure is the Sage’s greatest comfort zone. The idea that one can live an orderly life based on all available knowledge is all too appealing, to the point where they look for the same organization within the office.

In other words, you want everything to be clear-cut and exactly consistent with their job description. You want to take jobs where you aren’t taken by surprise, and where the schedule actually works to your advantage and not against it. You also like it when your employers aren’t interested in workplace drama, since as with your introverted nature, the least you want is to be in the spotlight for pointless reasons.

Manages time well

Consistent with the Sage’s love of structures and control over their individual lives is the fact that they are able to manage time so well. Each Sage is often different in managing their time to account for their unique individual circumstances, but one thing you will notice quite commonly is the fact that they are able to work and still have enough time for fun and rest.

In terms of performance, for example, this means that you are able to produce more output at a faster rate, due to your even distribution of time throughout the day. If you’re a writer, for example, you are able to calculate how much they can do within an hour, then within 8 hours, up until you’re spent for the day. As such, you are never tired– if at all, and when working in a crunch, you’ll be the last to be stressed out.