9takes, a meeting place
for curious minds

My name is DJ

Philosopher at heart, technologist by trade, Enneagram enthusiast by passion.

I'm creating 9takes as a space where ancient wisdom of understanding different perspectives meets contemporary technology.

Three Modern Challenges

• Our digital spaces have lost their purpose.

  The promise of social media — to connect minds and hearts across distances — has diminished into shallow engagement and surface-level interactions.

• Authentic expression carries too much risk.

  The serendipity, playfulness, and genuine dialogue that characterized early social platforms has been replaced by performative behaviors and fear of judgment.

• User wisdom is secondary to advertiser demands.

  When platforms prioritize engagement metrics over meaningful connection, the quality of discourse inevitably declines.

The path to fulfillment lies not in algorithm-driven conformity but in embracing our differences

9takes creates a space where practical wisdom emerges through honest dialogue, balanced with the safety of thoughtful structure. We optimize for revealing truth through conversation rather than mere engagement.

The Modern Paradox:
When Autopilot Thinking Prevents True Understanding

In a world designed to keep us moving without reflection, we've lost our capacity for meaningful dialogue.

My moment of clarity came during a difficult transition leaving military life. My wife and I found ourselves in conflict that seemed irresolvable. We loved each other deeply but couldn't bridge the gap between our perspectives. The turning point came through discovering the Enneagram.

The revelation was profound. The Enneagram illuminated aspects of myself I had always felt but never articulated. Beyond self-understanding, it created a bridge of comprehension between my wife and me, allowing us to resolve our conflicts through mutual understanding.

If understanding the emotional foundations of personality could transform my marriage, what might it do for our collective dialogue?

The Essence of 9takes: A Thoughtful Gathering

9takes is a question-and-answer platform that reimagines online dialogue through the lens of the Enneagram — an ancient system of understanding human motivation that bridges psychology and philosophy.

Our approach rests on two key principles:

• Reveal Through Response: Comments become visible only after you contribute, fostering original thought and preventing the bias that comes from seeing others' opinions first.
• Type-Illuminated Dialogue: Your identity remains anonymous, but your Enneagram type provides crucial context for understanding your perspective's emotional foundation.

Together, these principles create a harmonious structure for the kind of productive dialogue that philosophers have valued throughout history — one where understanding precedes judgment.

The Philosophy of the Nine Perspectives

"Curiosity Before Consensus" ✨

We intellectually acknowledge human diversity, yet we operate as if consensus were the natural state. When confronted with disagreement, we instinctively assume that with the right information, others would surely adopt our viewpoint. This overlooks a profound truth: people can possess the same facts, equal intelligence, similar experiences, and still arrive at fundamentally different conclusions.

9takes embraces these differences as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to overcome. In the space between our perspectives lies the potential for expanding our understanding, becoming more empathetic, and developing greater wisdom.

Technology should serve as a bridge between different worlds of understanding, not as a mirror that merely reflects our existing beliefs. 9takes opens the gates between these worlds, allowing fresh perspectives to flow freely.

The Enneagram: Our Compass for Understanding

The Enneagram stands at the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary psychology. Unlike systems that categorize by behavior or traits, the Enneagram illuminates our emotional foundations — the core motivations and fears that shape our perception of the world. It bridges philosophical insight with psychological understanding.

Each of the nine types represents a distinct emotional lens through which the world is perceived — a different "take" on reality itself. These aren't arbitrary categorizations but reflections of how early emotional experiences shape our core responses to life.

We don't presume to tell you your Enneagram type; that discovery is part of your journey. Through dialogue and reflection, patterns emerge that illuminate not just who you are, but why you see the world as you do.

Questions as the Path to Wisdom

The act of formulating questions is the foundation of growth. When we question, we acknowledge the limits of our knowledge — the first step toward expanding it. When questioning ceases, so does our capacity for hope and discovery.

Consider what different types might naturally ask:

• "Why can't people adhere to principles that ensure justice?" (Type 1)
• "Why don't others appreciate the care and support I provide?" (Type 2)
• "Why isn't my achievement and effort recognized?" (Type 3)
• "Why can't others understand the depth of my unique experience?" (Type 4)
• "Why don't people respect boundaries and independence?" (Type 5)
• "Why can't people be more dependable in uncertain times?" (Type 6)
• "Why isn't there more joy and spontaneity in our interactions?" (Type 7)
• "Why don't people speak their truth directly and honestly?" (Type 8)
• "Why is finding common ground and harmony so difficult?" (Type 9)

The universe of questions is infinite, matched only by the diversity of perspectives that can address them. Some will resonate with your viewpoint; others will challenge it fundamentally. Both have value.

9takes celebrates these nine distinct ways of seeing and questioning. Through meaningful conversations across perspectives, we connect not just with ideas but with the full spectrum of human understanding.