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The Sage is nearly a mirror image of the Olympian. Although they’re also super achievers, Sages are thinkers rather than doers. Whereas the Olympian identifies with what they do, the Sage identifies with what they know. And while the Olympian and Sage both care deeply about success and prestige, the Sage defines those in qualitative rather than quantitative terms. Sages want to be recognized for their genius, marking their “wins” in respect and plaudits.
Sages have a distinct style, both socially and aesthetically. They enjoy small-scale gatherings featuring lively discourse, often with a cultural or historical focus. Sages are also highly appreciative of all things artisanal and sophisticated, such as wine, gourmet cuisine, and fine art. They delight in sharing the gifts of their experience and wisdom.
Here's how Sages would define their life's purpose, stories, and legacy:
"Purpose" – Free of anxiety, big questions, and self-doubt, the Sage wants to enjoy intellectual give-and-take and acknowledgment for their wisdom.
"Stories" – Sages enjoy passing on their wisdom and life experiences. They tell stories as much for themselves as the listener.
"Legacy" – Sages want to be remembered for their superlative wisdom, intellectual achievements, and life lessons.
Strengths
Sages are typically gifted speakers and wordsmiths. They excel at communicating even complex ideas.
Because subject mastery is their stock-in-trade, Sage leaders rarely make rash decisions or voice baseless opinions. They gather their facts and do their homework first.
Sages are unlikely to be seduced by an idea or product simply because it’s trendy or well-marketed.
Challenges
Because they’re inherently suspicious of a novel approach, Sages can be slow to embrace innovation and breakthrough ideas.
Sages typically want credit for their intellectual contributions, and if they’re insecure, they may be reluctant to share it.
Sages may be hesitant to stray beyond their areas of (considerable) expertise. They’d rather be masters of a limited domain than fumble through the early stages of learning something new.
Strengths
In keeping with their cerebral, logical nature, Sages are typically low-drama, low-maintenance friends and steady romantic partners.
As parents, Sages encourage a love of learning and appreciation for the arts.
Sages shine at cocktail parties, book clubs, academic conferences, and other settings where their conversational skills are on prominent display.
Challenges
Sages can be prone to snobbery, limiting their social circle to people they consider intellectual peers.
At their worst, Sages talk more than they listen, dominating and monopolizing conversations.
As parents and spouses, Sages sometimes struggle to appreciate and nurture achievement in athletics, finance, or other spaces beyond the intellectual and cultural arena.
Strengths
While the Sage’s self-confidence is comparable to an Olympian’s, they have a greater generosity of spirit. They will often share their knowledge with amateurs and experts alike.
Sages are born storytellers and rarely at a loss for words. They take to microphones like ducks to water.
At their best, Sages are passionate learners even in their advanced years. They can be as inquisitive as Seekers.
Challenges
Sages can become so enraptured with their own stories that they can become somewhat insular and incurious about others.
Sages risk experiencing life as “a head without a body,” avoiding physical activity and missing out on the lessons and pleasures that kind of exertion can provide.
Because Sages know what they do and don’t like, they’re typically unwilling to go beyond their comfort zone to make new friends or explore new pursuits. As a result, they can wall themselves off from opportunities for growth.
Sages can derive great satisfaction from attending conferences and mentoring, fueling both their intake of ideas and their output.
Even if they aren’t polished writers, Sages will likely benefit from R360’s partnership with Worth Books, enabling them to publish and share their wisdom.
Sages can benefit tremendously from physical activity, such as hiking, dancing, yoga, and martial arts, which opens the door to new realms of perception and experience.
Complementary R360 Archetype: Sages can benefit from friendships with Seekers whose energy and inquisitiveness can inspire further growth.
