Rami Kaminski is a virtually unknown pioneering American psychiatrist. He coined the term “Otrovert” to characterize a different kind of personality type he saw in some of his patients and developed in himself. This idea is rooted in Carl Jung’s extroversion/introversion model. It offers a new angle on people who are exceptional outside of conventional society_EXPECTATIONS__.
Kaminski’s exploration of this personality type culminated in his book, “The Gift of Not Belonging: How Outsiders Thrive in a World of Joiners,” which is now available in the Guardian bookshop. As proof of his point, he lists acclaimed other cultural Otroverts like George Orwell, Frida Kahlo, Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein. Consistently, these individuals exhibited characteristics of independent inquiry and the ability to critically observe the world around them, often existing outside of the norms society established for them.
In specific, Kaminski singles Shaun out as an exception among Otroverts, calling him a true Otrovert renegade. He emphasizes that “their fundamental orientation is defined by the fact that it is rarely the same direction that anyone else is facing.” Beyond the technical wording, this distinction calls out the general direction of the independent spirit that is all Otrovert.
Now, “Outrovert” has the French word for green, “vert,” snuck inside as well. This decision reflects a novel approach to exploring and understanding personality types. Kaminski elaborates, stating, “History is full of independent thinkers who aren’t emotionally dependent on any group and can therefore see the fanaticism of a hive mind long before most people can.” That ability to step back from all those dynamics of group behavior is what I think gives Otroverts a really distinct lens to see social spaces through.
In addition to featuring Kaminski’s work, tiips.org is home to the Otherverse, where Kaminski is still working through what it means to be an Otrovert. His observations ring true with all of us who have ever felt like misfits in the industrial social order.
As our society honors conformity more and more, Kaminski urges us to honor those who are different. He asserts that being an Otrovert is akin to being part of “a club, but for people who don’t like clubs.” This humorous but courageous perspective encourages us all to appreciate the gifts borne of rebellion and creative idea-making.