Motes and Beams: A Neo-Jungian Theory of Personality Paperback – May 21, 2020

This book is fantastic. It's now part of my "holy trinity," along with "Personality Type: An Owner's Manual" by Lenore Thomson, and "The Magic Diamond" by Dr. Dario Nardi.There is so much information that is new and refreshing, even to someone who has studied Jungian typology for a decade and read countless books, and who has also been watching the videos and reading the articles that the author has been putting out for several years. The ideas he brings to the table add new insights to the topic, rather than just being table dressing or an awkward attempt to clumsily shoehorn everything into some grand unified theory.There some smaller bits, like his connection between the 4 Noble Truths of Buddhism with Sensation/Intuition/Feeling/Thinking, that are brilliant and yet mentioned offhand with the casualness of someone suddenly remembering to add eggs to their grocery list.The writing itself is very engaging. It's hard for me to invest a lot of time in reading these days, even if it's about something that interests me, but this book is nearly impossible to put down. Michael Pierce has a certain communicative gift: explaining abstract/technical concepts without being abstruse or self-indulgent (unlike Jung, bless him), while at the same time presenting the information without watering it down into misleading soundbites (unlike many other authors on type).I will say, though, that I don't really see this as an introductory-level book. He does describe some basics of the functions and whatnot, but it's still a good idea to already have some familiarity with the topic before going in. It can be helpful to read through Jung's original descriptions, and maybe some of the basics about the more prominent philosophers.The book is printed on high-quality paper and has a nice glossy cover, especially considering how little it costs.I feel obligated to find something to nitpick about, just to balance things out, but there isn't anything that really stands out. He could maybe give himself a bit more credit every now and then; the one time it seemed like he was about to, he had to end with something like, "My theory is original, but it's similar to so-and-so's, just lacking in nuance." Also, I suppose there are a few typos and minor inconsistencies with the formatting. Whatevs!Anyway. If you're into Jungian typology, I highly recommend you get this book. I just hope Mr. Pierce has more to write in the future.

I first discovered this brilliant Soul on his YouTube channel, and decided to purchase his Book. This book meets (and very pleasantly exceeds) my expectations. It is a masterful synthesis of both rigorous textual & experiential research & insight for all with an interest in the realms of Depth Psychology & Philosophy. What sets his work apart is his unique & concise extrapolations on both the microcosmic realm of the individuated 'Soul' (& the moral imperative that we each have to explore & come to understand that of both our own & of others'), & on the 'macroscopic' realm which the 'microscopic' enacts its grande visions & will ultimately upon. The Author is indeed, an 'Old Soul' in need of more kindred spirits & readers. I made the right choice to add this work to my own personal library. I am sure that I will derive as much intellectual (& psycho-spiritual) pleasure out of reading this in the future as I am now. Thank you to the Author for your profound (and much needed) contributions to the realms of both Psychology, Philosophy...and BEYOND...

I have been a regular viewer of Michael's videos for well over a year now. I particularly enjoy his integration of major philosophical works and visual imagery in explaining how people think. This book is no exception to his unique style. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is unafraid of vivid metaphors and literary paraphrasing. There is plenty of novel content even if you have watched his channel.In contrast to David Keirsey's work, I find Michael's approach more engaging. Generally speaking, Keirsey would probably appeal more to sensors and Michael to intuitives but both are comprehensive and readable. Linda Berens's work may fit better in a corporate context where time and clarity are paramount. Host Eric on YouTube offers an impressive archive of ideational content on this topic. All of these sources have their own merits.Overall, a great synthesis of principles incrementally represented in more complex patterns supported with brilliant insights.

Such a clear and insightful walk through the foundations of the functions and the types. Great philosophic, poetic and mythological references/comparisons that really illustrate the core of both Jung's thoughts and Pierce's extrapolated theories. Very well thought out descriptions of the quadras, the function stacks, and the resulting types. I was so enthralled after the first chapter, that I burned through the whole thing in two days and am now planning on which sections to reread. Ultimately a great purchase, and a must for anyone looking for a nuanced take on the human psyche, our individual differences, and the roots from which those differences spring.

Very weak Te of Michael to sell the book for this cheap...the value is much greater! After years of hastily consuming all available typology related content on YouTube, concepts that were previously hazy are finally being clarified. Not only does this book collect insight from Jung and many other great philosophical thinkers, it also borrows much inspiration from the Eastern based Socionics theory. Don’t stop writing Michael!

Michael did an amazing job illustrating the 16 types in his book, and I enjoyed his take on Jung's theory. He references many different philosophers in it. :)

I love Michael Pierce's YouTube Channel. But the book, Motes and Beams, is awe-inspiring. I am so grateful I found this.