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Social (SO)

Bound by destiny, forging alliances to unite realms in harmony.

Description

The Social (SO) instinct emphasizes contact, communication, and a relationship with the larger world, often focusing on groups, hierarchies, cultures, and values. Those with a dominant SO instinct seek belonging and validation through group success, often idealizing themselves and adapting to social roles and authorities. While they excel in social relations, this drive stems from a neurotic fear of exclusion, making the sphere of groups both a strength and a source of internal instability.

Further Description

The primary focus of the Social (SO) instinct lies in fostering interaction, building connections, and engaging with the broader world beyond personal or familial boundaries. Those driven by the SO instinct often direct their energy toward understanding and navigating large groups, societal systems, cultural dynamics, and the structures of authority that define them. They seek inclusion within communities, striving to establish their value through collective accomplishments. This instinct often fosters a desire for recognition and admiration, leading individuals to align themselves with an idealized version of who they are. In many cases, this pursuit can result in an elevated sense of self-importance and a preference for outward-facing engagement with their surroundings. At its core, their primary need is to feel connected to and accepted by the world at large. Among the three instincts, the SO is the most oriented toward intellectual pursuits—not necessarily in terms of innate intelligence, but through its emphasis on understanding cultural norms and societal authority. As a result, even individuals who are typically labeled as non-intellectual may develop a stronger inclination toward knowledge and intellectual engagement when this instinct takes precedence. When the SO instinct dominates, the domain of relationships and group dynamics often becomes the most volatile area of an individual life, as they compensate heavily in this sphere. However, this volatility does not equate to weakness, as these individuals are often exceptionally adept at social interactions. They have an acute ability to recognize and adapt to group hierarchies and authorities, as well as to exclude others when necessary. Ultimately, their deep desire to belong stems from an underlying, often unconscious, fear of rejection and exclusion.