Jewish Temperament

According to Chassidus, each of the four temperaments can be described entirely with a single overarching term, which for the Rational is abstraction. As such, when we dig deeper into the Rational’s personality, we discover that this specific term describes its every aspect. While each of the other three temperaments are described in Chassidus in three categories, the Rational is described with only one: Malchus.

The sefira of Malchus is in the center path, making its theme one of unification and truth. However, its unification method isn’t through harmony (as is the rest of the center path), rather through sovereignty: Malchus unifies opposites by looking beyond their differences. Malchus accomplishes this by existing in the beyond, or abstraction. We also see this in the fact that Malchus receives from all sefirot, considered to have nothing of its own to express. In other words, its entire existence is to examine, absorb, and re-express any information it encounters. On the other hand, we see, Malchus transforms from being a mere recipient, to being an all-powerful and unknowable creator. It is said to possess the power of the Creator Himself, and has a direct line to Kesser. This also emphasizes the tendency of Malchus to be abstract, beyond the world it is related to.

Being that Malchus comprises what it receives from the sefirot, it is considered to possess an entire path within itself. Thus, within Malchus are the three categories of intellect, personal disposition (i.e., with regard to oneself), and relational disposition (i.e., in the context of others). So, in short, if we were to categorize the Rational, we would find that his intellect, personal disposition, and relational disposition are all abstract.

The Rational’s intellect is abstract. Abstract intellect is the ability to examine a problem objectively, from all possible angles. Rationals will hardly ever approach a new idea from a preconceived perspective, nor will they involve their emotions or personal preference into the discussion. Because of this objectivity, Rationals would be the first to admit they were wrong, without any regret or animosity, if they were proven to be so. With their abstract intellect, Rationals embody the phrase of the Mishna: “Who is wise? He who sees what will become.” This is what Keirsey calls strategic intellect: constantly predicting, anticipating, and consequently engineering the results of their (and others’) actions. In this, Rationals strive toward efficiency: the most effective and immediate path toward the goal. Rationals are also not likely to believe something just because others believe so, or because they are instructed to; rather they are consistently skeptical and questioning. Rationals will likely only believe in those things that they can objectively prove to be true.

The Rational’s personal emotion is abstract. Generally, an abstract personal disposition doesn’t lend itself too well to strong emotions, which is why Rationals generally don’t display their emotions. The best way to describe the personality of the Rational is calm. Despite — and sometimes because of — what may be happening around them, Rationals will remain calm and resolute. If anything, Rationals will immediately go into problem-solving mode when faced with immediate tension or danger. And when they are questioned about past trauma or negative events, Rationals have a relativistic outlook: everything that happens to them is neither good nor bad, it just depends on what they make of it.

The Rational’s relational disposition is abstract. Rationals remain detached and aloof from other people and situations. Rationals are often seen as arrogant for this reason, and that is not an entirely inaccurate assessment. Rationals consistently believe their perspective is more correct than others, and will sometimes display open disdain for ideas — or even people — they perceive to be unintelligent. Similarly, Rationals desire to be autonomous: they eschew societal rules that seem arbitrary to them, and only live by those that have passed their scrutiny. Owing to this, Rationals do not automatically respect or bow to others just because of their seniority or rank. Rather, they will inspect others’ ideas and work before coming to respect them.

Malchus, Chassidus teaches, is closely related to, and even interchangeable with, Kesser. Kesser is known as being the power of will. This strongly applies to Rationals as well, who receive their self-confidence from their resolve: Rationals believe they can overcome any obstacle at all — even themselves — with the power of their resolve. Their worst fear is that their will power may weaken, and they will fail to carry out what they have resolved to do. Rationals will even develop phobias and irrational fears about things that are beyond their control, for example germs and filth; and of situations that they cannot control into which they put themselves, such as fear of heights or flying.

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The Rational in Judaism

Hero: Yosef Hatzadik

Symbol on the Merkavah: Eagle

Davening Meditation: The Rational is similar to the Idealist, in that they both effect fusion. The difference between their approaches, however, is great: the Idealist fuses two opposites together harmoniously, by emphasizing their mutual unique qualities. The Rational, on the other hand, fuses two opposites together by evoking a power greater than the both of them, thereby negating their differences. Similarly, in his meditation, the Rational attempts to grasp the perspective of G-d Himself, in which there is neither higher nor lower, neither physical nor spiritual; there is but G-d alone. The first step to grasping the absoluteness of G-d is to grasp the non-existence of creation. However, both are equally unattainable, save for a single fleeting moment reached in meditation, in which we can feel the power of G-d’s ultimate existence. It was during this meditation that the Alter Rebbe exclaimed, “I want nothing but You alone!”

Divine Purpose: The Rational is the voice of absolute and unwavering truth. It is the Rational who plumbs the depth and internal meaning of G-d, G-dliness, Torah, and mitzvot. Invariably, when listening to a Rational, one is struck by the truth of his approach, and cannot help but appreciate it as such. Rationals have a unique perspective on Yiddishkeit and our purpose in this world, and it behooves them to share their essential and existential ideas with others.

Learning Torah through sod: what is the essence of this piece of information. Rationals can find intrigue in many parts of Torah, including halacha, Gemara, and philosophy, but especially in the abstract (“haskalah“) parts of Chassidus. When learning halacha, the Rational will try to find the patterns and structure to halacha, and try to derive the essence of an halacha (or even better: multiple halachos) from its sources. Similarly, when learning Gemara, the Rational’s approach to resolving a sugya is to understand the essence of the idea he is learning. This includes those schools of thought that emphasize chakira, like R’ Chayim Brisker and his students. However, beware of false distinctions and erroneous applications; many people don’t recognize when they are misapplying a fine distinction, but the alert Rational will detect it immediately. Chassidus, however, is the Rational’s wonderland, as it affords them the opportunity to think entirely abstractly. The famous stories of great Chassidim becoming completely lost in thought for hours on end, to the point of not knowing where they are or where they were headed, is primarily a Rational trait. Rationals can spend months or even years on a single deep concept, constantly delving deeper and deeper in grasping its essence.

Vocation: A Rational’s career is his life, and chances are therefore good that the observant Rational’s life will become one of Torah. Generally, Rationals need to feel like they have a challenge, and they’re contributing to the knowledge or understanding of themselves and others. For this reason, Rationals are likely to publish their research and studies. Alternatively, Rationals may go into teaching, generally of older students who are capable of resolving deep philosophical concepts. This also includes teaching and consulting for adults and professionals.
Shlichus is a great place for a Rational to exercise his teaching skills. Without fail, constituents will be awed by the knowledge and keen depth the Rational brings to the Judaism he teaches. Additionally, Rationals serve as excellent leaders, with unmatched vision and strategy, to drive any organization or institution toward guaranteed success.
Rationals going into the general workforce — if they can’t enter as an executive — often find jobs in science, technology, or engineering. In today’s age, becoming a computer engineer or software developer is trivial for a Rational to master, even without going to school. It is common to find Rationals in these roles.
One thing to beware of: once a Rational feels like he has mastered a skill, including the ability to teach, he may lose interest in that particular project and move on to others. For this reason, one might find a Rational with an impressive résumé who is working on personal projects, with no paycheck in sight.