Since I started reading this book I won't shut up about it to everyone I get into a conversation with more then 5 minutes. This book is a response to the psychology and anthropology work of Joseph Campbell, most specifically his work on the idea of the Heroes Journey. This further explores masculine archetypes (applicable to both male and females) categorising them into 4 main roles. The King, Warrior, Magician and Lover.
The most common of the four that I notice in most modern people is the "Magician" archetype. They specialise in creativity, innovation and transformation. Think of someone you know that at first glance might not leave an impression but after speaking through their brains or charisma can transform your perspective on them. Think of an artist or a Bill Gates type, someone that masters a skillset to utilise. Often wordsmiths in conversation, the shadow side of the magician archetype can distort perceptions completely to the point of manipulation if used distastefully.
The shadow side of the "Lover" is also a common trait I see in a lot of people and my former self since reading this book. As much as love can be great it can also be to the detriment of people. A romantic can warp their reality, to avoid actually gettin shit done. They can excuse over eating or over indulging in excess through the lens of this archetype. The addicted lover lives and dies by the things they're obsessed with, this is of course also toxic for a relationship. The healthy side of a lover is someone who can appreciate life's gifts in the right moderation and balances a healthy lifestyle with the things they long for.
What I've felt has been the most eye opening to me is the "Warrior" archetype and how that has manifested in me the previous few years. Ideally people with high aggression, motivation or discipline should channel that into work/sacrifice for an important cause. Issues begin to arise when these people choose to not pick the right cause to fight for, use it as a reason for self masochism or just channel it into the pure shadow side of the warrior, a Bully. Definitely at times over the past couple years there have been small signs of self masochism, over working myself rather then picking more sustainable and efficient options just so I could feel like I was working hard to prove something to myself. While Warrior traits are important to have when starting a business or striving for goals after reading this book I'm looking to add more King like skills to my work.
The King archetype rings true as a key aspirational figure in culture, someone worth following, someone deserving of leadership. While extremely rare interestingly you'll often find the king or the leader isn't always the best at the skill in their industry, they're simply noble and will make the right decision on behalf of his people. I think about a Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin relationship. Respectfully Trent might not be half the player Dusty is, but Dusty could never give the speech to walk into battle like Trent could. I probably don't have to iron out the shadow side of the King archetype, we are all too familiar to how people in power can end up manipulating their leadership for their own poor intentions.
If you're interested in getting a more in depth understanding of yourself and others I'd recommend pickin up the book. I've found it interesting how I can pin point times in my life where I've been on all spectrums of each archetype good and bad. Now knowing this I'm trying to utilise all the traits of my past and over the negatives with healthier versions of those archetypal skills.
Cheers, Simo