The Magic Diamond: Jung's 8 Paths for Self-Coaching

This book has opened up a realistic approach to Jung's shadow functions that I didn't know was possible. This is all about understanding how the tension of opposites opens opportunity for development. One can spend time going through interesting theories and rabbit holes on the topic, but I truly appreciate the applicable approach and 'roadmap' for personal growth that Dario Nardi introduces - and his work is based on science.There is much to learn and Dr. Nardi takes the theories and makes them practical for each person to apply individually and uniquely. The readers can choose the pace and approach that works for them and then take the knowledge in several directions that is the best fit for them.For me, I have read and re-read chapters to get deeper understanding of what he is explaining. Each time I glean more. I greatly appreciate his approach to personality as being one of development rather than just having a static way of being. The writing on the transcendent function and alchemy is fascinating and I feel gratefully enlightened.I am already focusing on the Magic Diamond mandala and making it 'my' Magic Diamond mandala, meaning I am focusing on my areas of one-sidedness and seeing where my pain points are. I already am becoming more conscious of my functions and how they are showing up. Using The Magic Diamond book as a reference and map is keeping me on a better self-growth path. I prefer the idea of self-coaching and this honors my pace, readiness and autonomy.Personal development through Jungian psychology and Myers-Briggs can be quite a lot to take on - I feel excited to finally have an approach that works and is meaningful.

After reading Neuroscience of Personality, I knew I had to soak up everything Dario Nardi had published. Using neuroscience to understand the human mind and the differences between us is absolutely fascinating. Also, despite being a researcher first, perhaps an author second, unlike some other books of similar topic area, he does quite an amazing job of writing the material at an incredibly interesting pace. After reading 8paths, I feel I've learned a lifetime's worth of data about people's different motivations and types, without any heavy lifting at all. In fact I read this book yesterday & today in a 6 hour span, and finishing up all of my workbook activities as well. As an ENFP, the deeper understandings of shadow work really hit home and although as an adult, I've mastered some of it through time, the steps to continue moving foward and what to specifically work on is life changing.I personally would read Neuroscience of Personality first before reading this, especially if you aren't familiar with Jung's work. If you are then, jump right into this one! Prepare to be mind blown.

This is a book for anyone looking to use MBTI/Jungian cognitive function theory for personal growth, especially if you are looking to move beyond the top 4 functions in your stack. I have been using the 4-function model to understand myself on a deep level and optimize my life for about 5 years now. There is a huge amount of utility just in doing that, and this book absolutely covers it.And, this book goes further! It offers a roadmap for how to navigate a lifetime of self-directed reflection and expansion with this model. It has very clear pathways for maturing from a one-sided way of being, and exercises to work with for that maturation process.Dr. Nardi's language is direct and clear, and he offers plenty of commentary from Jung directly and then a guide to understanding what it means in a practical way. This book could function as an introduction to the Jungian functions which underpin MBTI "personality types" but can also stand as a serious next-level expansion of the theory and how to use it.

I have aways appreciated Dario Nardi’s (and Linda Berens’) work. I love the accessibility of this book and am learning a lot from it. Lots of relevant material for anyone exploring their own type development. I love the resources and references. This book has helped my understand myself and my development trough the Jungian type model better than any other single book. And I still have some section to read and have plenty of self coaching exercises to do. If you are curious about what your MBTI type preference means, then by all means read this book and do the coaching exercises. - MAJ (inFp)

I am really enjoying how approachable Dr. Nardi has made three very complex topics - the theories of Carl Jung, neuroscience, and the psychological practice of shadow work. The book is very readable (although the grammar geek in me has noticed some typos, which I always find annoying), with thoughtful analogies to help explain tricky concepts as well as very practical exercises and applications. I haven't had the book long, but I've already experienced three or four important "aha's" in my personal life from my reading and the exercises I've tried. Anyone who is interested in personal growth and development, personality type, or Jung needs this book! I can't recommend it highly enough.

This book was magnificent from start to finish- I read it in its entirety in one day. If you are looking for a thorough but accessible dive into the cognitive functions with a growth-mindset approach, this is for you!!

Did not know what to expect...but was surprised to discover insights on family members that have baffled me for decades. Also, learned a thing or two about my behavior that I hope to correct. Depending on my mindset, I sometimes have to read paragraphs over several times to get the full meaning of what is written. And, then reflection doesn’t always come easily. This is definitely a book that requires thought yet provides insightful reflections. I think a must read.

Excellent for those fascinated by combinations of Jung, Bettendorf on Jung Personality type but added limitless to earlier publications on thinking patternsLittle to our understanding of tune neuroscience of thinking that was not better covered in the Neuroscience of Personality's

This is a a fantastic book for those who are struggling in life, feeling like a round peg in a square hole or wondering why everyone is coping and they aren't. It gives great insight into the workings of the mind and how and why we may be receiving the world in a different way to our peers and how to get more out of the life experience by understanding how we tick. Dario looks at our mental strengths and weakness and their "shadows" and has exercises to strengthen our weaknesses and temper our strengths so they can be more effectively used. I have found the exercises in the book really useful in my own life and it also helps with explaining to others about their cognitive strengths and weaknesses and how they might help themselves. I highly recommend it.

I have really enjoyed the authors work. Faithful to Jung's theory on psychological types, the Magic Diamond gives a clear roadmap for self improvement and integration of less preferred functions. It has also helped me to understand my shadow and blind spots , as well as my family's and loved ones.