Delta: the "boring" Quadra?

[Raver]

I feel like out of all the quadras, I'd say the delta quadra is often looked upon as the worst generally speaking by non-deltas. It's usually seen as the boring conservative quadra that has little impact on the world. The types in delta quadra are often portrayed as the least sociable and least ambitious. It's almost as if people actually view the quadras as being ranked as:

1. Alpha
2. Beta
3. Gamma
4. Delta

I thought quadras were supposed to be viewed as a circle, with no quadra being superior or inferior to the other, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, in reality I've never seen people actually view it this way. What is this nonsense? Is it some kind of contest where people see their quadra as their "team" and they're supposed to be proud of it like it means something?

[Galen]

1. Alpha
2. Beta
3. Gamma
4. Delta

I've never seen or even so much as induced any such ranking from others around here. If anything that would be totally dependent on the quadra of the person doing the ranking.

[UDP]

I feel like out of all the quadras, I'd say the delta quadra is often looked upon as the worst generally speaking by non-deltas. It's usually seen as the boring conservative quadra that has little impact on the world. The types in delta quadra are often portrayed as the least sociable and least ambitious. It's almost as if people actually view the quadras as being ranked as:

1. Alpha
2. Beta
3. Gamma
4. Delta

I thought quadras were supposed to be viewed as a circle, with no quadra being superior or inferior to the other, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, in reality I've never seen people actually view it this way. What is this nonsense? Is it some kind of contest where people see their quadra as their "team" and they're supposed to be proud of it like it means something?

You've been a member of the forum since 2005?
I wonder if you missed a lot of the 'glorious partisanship' of the last several years.
Maybe it's a joke post.

[rat1]

the rank is beta > gamma > alpha > delta

[Raver]

I feel like out of all the quadras, I'd say the delta quadra is often looked upon as the worst generally speaking by non-deltas. It's usually seen as the boring conservative quadra that has little impact on the world. The types in delta quadra are often portrayed as the least sociable and least ambitious. It's almost as if people actually view the quadras as being ranked as:

1. Alpha
2. Beta
3. Gamma
4. Delta

I thought quadras were supposed to be viewed as a circle, with no quadra being superior or inferior to the other, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, in reality I've never seen people actually view it this way. What is this nonsense? Is it some kind of contest where people see their quadra as their "team" and they're supposed to be proud of it like it means something?

You've been a member of the forum since 2005?
I wonder if you missed a lot of the 'glorious partisanship' of the last several years.
Maybe it's a joke post.

I was away from the forum for four years between April 2007 and June 2011. I guess I must of missed this glorious partisanship you speak about and no this isn't a joke thread.

[FDG]

It's because most socionics authors are Alpha, so from their own POV delta is the end of the cycle.

[Morcheeba]

I feel like out of all the quadras, I'd say the delta quadra is often looked upon as the worst generally speaking by non-deltas. It's usually seen as the boring conservative quadra that has little impact on the world. The types in delta quadra are often portrayed as the least sociable and least ambitious. It's almost as if people actually view the quadras as being ranked as:

1. Alpha
2. Beta
3. Gamma
4. Delta

I thought quadras were supposed to be viewed as a circle, with no quadra being superior or inferior to the other, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, in reality I've never seen people actually view it this way. What is this nonsense? Is it some kind of contest where people see their quadra as their "team" and they're supposed to be proud of it like it means something?

This is a huge misconception, and so many people on here say that one is more popular than another, more ambitious, etc. But I have to say the one person that seemed the most alive and vibrant in my point of view was an ENFp. I was very envious because of her ability to draw people in and find innovation and creativity in even the most mundane situations. I don't think Deltas are boring at all, I've been friends with quite a few and found them to be very engaging.

[Raver]

I feel like out of all the quadras, I'd say the delta quadra is often looked upon as the worst generally speaking by non-deltas. It's usually seen as the boring conservative quadra that has little impact on the world. The types in delta quadra are often portrayed as the least sociable and least ambitious. It's almost as if people actually view the quadras as being ranked as:

1. Alpha
2. Beta
3. Gamma
4. Delta

I thought quadras were supposed to be viewed as a circle, with no quadra being superior or inferior to the other, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, in reality I've never seen people actually view it this way. What is this nonsense? Is it some kind of contest where people see their quadra as their "team" and they're supposed to be proud of it like it means something?

This is a huge misconception, and so many people on here say that one is more popular than another, more ambitious, etc. But I have to say the one person that seemed the most alive and vibrant in my point of view was an ENFp. I was very envious because of her ability to draw people in and find innovation and creativity in even the most mundane situations. I don't think Deltas are boring at all, I've been friends with quite a few and found them to be very engaging.

That's encouraging. I think the reasons IEEs may seem boring to some because even though we have the potential to be engaging fun individuals. We can withdraw around people that don't value our and retreat into ourselves as a precaution. Usually around Betas mostly and sometimes with Gammas this happens. Around other Deltas mostly and even Alphas to some extent we open up more because they're more accepting of our wild . We are highly inconsistent with our behavior, where with other exxps this is not simply the case because they are more capable of turning the switch of extraversion on or off at will. With IEEs it happens subconsciously and we have little control over it.

[Creepy-Snaps]

The types in delta quadra are often portrayed as the least sociable and least ambitious.

I would strongly disagree with the least ambitious part. I am very ambitious, and I know many other Deltas who are incredibly hardworking, wanting to get ahead, moreso than other quadras who just want to socialize and live in the moment. However, I would generally agree with the least sociable part.

And like others said, whether it being seen as the 'last' quadra in order, or simply because we value both Si and Fi, so are not overtly confrontational or expressive, I can understand how others view us as boring. BUT............. WHO CARES? Since when did we start caring what the haters say, when we're focusing on pursuing our goals?

I mean, we perceive other quadras differently as well, but it's all just stereotypes being thrown on top of stereotypes. It doesn't really matter how we are perceived, only if it affects what we do.

And I feel anyone wise enough to know better than to stereotype, won't, and those who continue to do so, their opinion really doesn't matter. So, yeah, I'll even go ahead and tell you we're boring, think of us whatever you want, lol it doesn't matter. We don't care.

[Absurd]

I'm so ambitious I eat the bottle after drinking. That's how ambitious I am.

[Aiss]

I'm so ambitious I eat the bottle after drinking. That's how ambitious I am.

[Absurd]

I'm so ambitious I eat the bottle after drinking. That's how ambitious I am.

Mmmm

Welcome back Aiss.

[pianosinger]

and I know many other Deltas who are incredibly hardworking, wanting to get ahead, moreso than other quadras who just want to socialize and live in the moment.

I would think Deltas are more likely to work hard because we A. really believe in the value of what we're doing; or B. want to earn more money to more fully enjoy life. Pure ambition has nothing to do with it.

[Suz]

LSEs are EXTREMELY ambitious people ime.

Next up (among the deltas) are IEEs (sometimes, in spurts), but a far far second.

LSEs probably blow every other type out of the water as far as ambition goes. I mean obviously not ALL LSEs but the LSEs i know are invariably extremely ambitious.

[Creepy-Snaps]

and I know many other Deltas who are incredibly hardworking, wanting to get ahead, moreso than other quadras who just want to socialize and live in the moment.

I would think Deltas are more likely to work hard because we A. really believe in the value of what we're doing; or B. want to earn more money to more fully enjoy life. Pure ambition has nothing to do with it.

I would agree with this. I really believe in the value of what I'm doing, and helping people ultimately, and want to 'get ahead' in life financially, so that I can retire sooner and enjoy life better to relax.

I also agree with what everyone has been saying about LSEs being ambitious.

I also agree with what walker31 said, something along the lines of people being able to be respectful despite quadra differences, if they're mature. Don't have the time right now to dig up the exact post to quote, but I think that was very insightful.

[Korpsy Knievel]

Now the next question to address is exactly which different quadras you ought to be respecting. If memory serves there's only one you haven't tried.

[Creepy-Snaps]

Now the next question to address is exactly which different quadras you ought to be respecting. If memory serves there's only one you haven't tried.

Great memory! And there's no question for which quadras I should be respecting, as I respect them all. And I'm pretty confident with my LSE typing now k0rpsey, although ESE is still a possibility. Of course you're entitled to think whatever you'd like.

[pianosinger]

When it's just me, my husband (ILI), FIL (SLI) and MIL (EII) together for a long period of time, it's really...nice. Pretty low-key energy-wise, with occasional bursts of activity (mostly centered around mealtime, or something work-related-- I include my children in the "work-related" category). It's very comfortable for the most part, except for when my MIL and FIL start one of their passive-aggressive "fights."

My husband and FIL and I especially can get into some pretty good conversations-- usually with FIL providing the "hub." MY MIL is more constantly active than the rest of us, doesn't typically sit or lay down much during the day unless she's just taken one of her medications that makes her drowsy. Sometimes the rest of us will be lounging around visiting in the living room, while MIL putters around the kitchen occasionally joining in the conversation. If it's just me and my MIL, I'll putter around with her while we visit together.

If it's me with my MIL, conversation tends towards children/child-rearing/child development, psychology/sociology, that sort of thing. We have a lot of common interests/concerns there.

Me with my FIL, it's all over the place, really. He'll often bring some idea to me that he's had, and lay it out for me in detail; then I enjoy giving him my own input, which seems helpful/appreciated by him. We also talk about health/nutrition, and he respects my knowledge in that area while also bringing things to my attention that I hadn't realized/thought about.

FIL and my husband talk politics a lot, which I listen to with interest but seldom join in unless I really think I have something constructive to add-- usually something having to do with the more ethical/social side of the issue, as both my husband and FIL are less-concerned/attuned to the more "human" side of things.

Once in a while we'll all get together and play a game, like Rummikub.

VERY Delta atmosphere. Poor hubs is the only "odd one out," being Gamma. But when he gets tired of being with the rest of us, he just goes downstairs and watches some sci-fi show on the Internet or plays a video game, or works on one of his ongoing fantasy projects.

May all sound pretty boring to some, but I like it. Though I also do enjoy the occasional Alpha/Beta interaction to shake things up, particularly when it comes to acting/theatre; *sigh* I miss performing.

[Codie]

when it comes to acting/theatre; *sigh* I miss performing.

You seriously look like my aunt (ENFp) in your pic, she gave up acting/ theatre when she had her first son. She sees alot of people she used to go to stage school with on tv now. We'll be watching a program and she'll sometimes point someone out and say I made out with him, those were the days.

[pianosinger]

when it comes to acting/theatre; *sigh* I miss performing.

You seriously look like my aunt (ENFp) in your pic, she gave up acting/ theatre when she had her first son. She sees alot of people she used to go to stage school with on tv now. We'll be watching a program and she'll sometimes point someone out and say I made out with him, those were the days.

Haha, well I never made out with anybody lol. I recently went back to my hometown and had the opportunity to see an old friend perform in the lead role of Guys and Dolls with the community theatre organization down there. Brought back a lot of memories, and it really makes me want to get involved with the theatre company up here. I am so swamped with responsibilities already (two kids and one on the way!), but someday I will get back into it-- and bring my kids along for the ride when they're old enough.

When my husband and I first moved up here, I actually talked him into trying out for Beauty and the Beast with me (I was expecting my first at the time), but then we had already committed to being in the community choir and rehearsals were on the same night, so I had to give up my dream of playing Mrs. Potts lol.

[ashlesha]

one of the cool things about not typing yourself is not feeling like you're being held accountable for the themes or behaviors of the imaginary groups called typed or quadras. i recommend it.

[Absurd]

one of the cool things about not typing yourself is not feeling like you're being held accountable for the themes or behaviors of the imaginary groups called typed or quadras. i recommend it.

You don't have to, you can always say you disagree with it keeping your self typing intact, your vote counts more when it is cast, so don't hesitate.

Who knows, maybe, you actually do have a backing, and you're not alone.

As for Aiss, where have you been ?

[InkStrider]

LSEs are EXTREMELY ambitious people ime.

Next up (among the deltas) are IEEs (sometimes, in spurts), but a far far second.

LSEs probably blow every other type out of the water as far as ambition goes. I mean obviously not ALL LSEs but the LSEs i know are invariably extremely ambitious.

Interesting. Why do you place SLEs and LIEs behind LSEs? These two extroverts sound pretty ambitious as a type.

one of the cool things about not typing yourself is not feeling like you're being held accountable for the themes or behaviors of the imaginary groups called typed or quadras. i recommend it.

I find it wise to separate theory from application. You can type yourself and others as a general "type", and even delve into it as a theoretical subject of interest, as long as you never allow it to dictate who you are, what you can do, and what you are capable of doing and becoming. It becomes very restrictive otherwise.

[Suz]

LSEs are EXTREMELY ambitious people ime.

Next up (among the deltas) are IEEs (sometimes, in spurts), but a far far second.

LSEs probably blow every other type out of the water as far as ambition goes. I mean obviously not ALL LSEs but the LSEs i know are invariably extremely ambitious.

Interesting. Why do you place SLEs and LIEs behind LSEs? These two extroverts sound pretty ambitious as a type.

Oh true LIEs are pretty ambitious too. I guess they're tied with LSEs. I just feel like LSEs are more about setting their ambitions into action perhaps, but tbh i dont know the LIE type too well.

SLEs... i often feel that yes maybe they're ambitious but they dont mind doing it at others' expense, and that makes me think that they're not capable of getting ahead on their own merits. But ultimately nobody can really get too far behaving that way, because pissing off people does not go over too well at some point. But yes true, SLEs are ambitious too.

I actually was trying to comment mostly on delta quadra ambitiousness, and maybe went into a little bit of hyperbole.

[fen]

Why are we supposedly "boring"?
What about us is boring?

[Pa3s]

Deltas might be less likely to take risks in general. Playing safe in every aspect of life because you fear to fail/lose something isn't really that exciting.

[Creepy-Snaps]

Deltas are generally viewed as 'boring' or the 'senior citizens of the socion' because they are both 'Serious' and 'Judicious'. http://www.socionics.com/articles/mmexpl.html . That link provides a great explanation of the difference.

Basically explains that Deltas generally don't show much Fe emotion, and they take their words and promises very seriously, don't want to over-promise and under-deliver. Not showing emotion and taking your words seriously might be boring to some, but the good part about Deltas is they work incredibly hard and tend to be the most reliable, because they generally follow-through with what they say.

[fen]

Deltas are generally viewed as 'boring' or the 'senior citizens of the socion' because they are both 'Serious' and 'Judicious'. http://www.socionics.com/articles/mmexpl.html . That link provides a great explanation of the difference.

Basically explains that Deltas generally don't show much Fe emotion, and they take their words and promises very seriously, don't want to over-promise and under-deliver. Not showing emotion and taking your words seriously might be boring to some, but the good part about Deltas is they work incredibly hard and tend to be the most reliable, because they generally follow-through with what they say.

That link was really helpful. I appreciated the bullet points so I could easily compare/contrast. But I'm not sure why these traits would make someone seem boring, really.
If anything, this site suggests that gamma is more boring than delta. O.o

-Beta quadra have mature perception and childish judgment (Decisive and Merry);
-Delta quadra have childish perception and mature judgment (Judicious and Serious);
-Alpha quadra have childish perception and judgment (Judicious and Merry);
-Gamma quadra have mature perception and judgment (Decisive and Serious);

[willekeurig]

I always thought gamma was the "boring" quadra, too. Ne is like the opposite force of boringness, to me at least.

[ashlesha]

has anybody in real life called you boring? all I saw was somebody call a concept called "Delta" boring. if anybody can't tell the difference between concepts and people and is stupid enough to consider you boring for no other reason than that they associate you with a concept called "Delta," then fuck them.

boring is not a descriptor that would come to mind if I were to describe you, fen.

[Park]

Deltas might be less likely to take risks in general. Playing safe in every aspect of life because you fear to fail/lose something isn't really that exciting.

Ha! Then I'm surely Beta.

[Simon Ssmall]

Deltas might be less likely to take risks in general. Playing safe in every aspect of life because you fear to fail/lose something isn't really that exciting.

*packs his bags to another quadra*

[Absurd]

*packs his bags to another quadra*

I can't click both constructive and like for this post.

[OldPathWhiteClouds]

I only give the appearance of being boring to those unworthy of seeing (or not worth the time/energy of displaying) my layers of interestingness..

[Kill4Me]

I only give the appearance of being boring to those unworthy of seeing (or not worth the time/energy of displaying) my layers of interestingness..

jump up and down a lot

[Oaky]

There's no button pushing involved in judicious and serious.

[Narc]

There's no button pushing involved in judicious and serious.

Both Gammas and Deltas are total button pushers in my experience.

[Park]

Both Gammas and Deltas are total button pushers in my experience.

"It's all relative." ~ Einstein, the button pusher

[Beautiful sky]

Us? As in you? You're not borring.

[Chae]

Delta does deal with boredom. It requires the quadra to come up with something new again, which is orchestrated by EII and IEE. And then, the 50% of Delta that are actually bored and stuck with it despite working at this or that, LSE and SLI, pick it up. Gladly, since gets stuck in a rut, perspectiveless. The best comfort is of no use when there's no contingency and an interpersonal mess.

It's not like in Beta where things are shaken up forcefully out of sheer political necessity all the time so boredom isn't even an option! Delta's way of being bored and escaping that is different. It rather originates in human potential being completely unfulfilled. A deep dissatisfaction how our human possibilities are used in a way that are completely WRONG. That is likely the incentive to say "come on. we can do better than that old shit..." - this specific boredom with stifling social norms emerges constantly. EII deals better with it than IEE. The latter (=me) is so unsettled by it that going into complete restlessness to exhaust all new ways is a must. Don't think boredom ever came up with me So back to the point, it's more like a 50/50 divide in Delta. It'd be hard to categorize all four types into this trope.