Are you nervy and prone to overthinking, constantly optimistic that things will turn out all right, or easily angered?
These are all different ways of thinking, according to an Oxford academic – and it turns out there are 10 distinct types in total.
In a new book, Dr Marius Ostrowski, a political and social theorist and historian, has investigated why people think differently.
He said understanding how other people ‘tick’ can help make sense of seemingly baffling situations – such as how someone votes or why our partner disagrees with us.
Drawing on evidence from psychology, philosophy, sociology and political science, he has come up with 10 ‘signature thinking styles’.
He has named these Happy Camper, Jokester, Hothead, Keen Bean, Quibbler, Gloomster, Agoniser, Cool Cat, Worrywart and Reveller.
Everyone is likely a mixture of more than one, he explained, because they can all be influenced by upbringing, experiences and situations.
But which do you relate to best? Try our quiz to find out.
In his book, ‘How We Think’, Dr Ostrowski breaks down ‘thinkers’ into 10 types.
Happy Camper
A Happy Camper is the friend who ‘just lost their job but is optimistic that things will turn out all right,’ Dr Ostoski explained, adding that they are ‘joy–filled, warm and move placidly through life’.
‘Some people just seem to see life from its sunniest side,’ he wrote.
Jokester
The jokester, meanwhile, is the ‘one who throws the best parties and pulls you into another round of games – as long as they get to win’.
These people are likely gleeful, irreverent and have a flair for provocative fun.
‘Every group needs someone who knows how to bring the fun,’ Dr Ostrowski said, adding that these people tend to ‘take comfort in humour’ and play the ‘resident trickster’.
Gloomster
This type of thinker tends to be subdued, sluggish and liable to earnest brooding, the book explains.
It reads: ‘When the void comes calling, some people are readier to face it than others. Are we the sort of person who expects doom and failure to lurk around every corner? Do we have a tendency to inflate our problems into insurmountable catastrophes?
‘As Gloomsters, our main emotional state is one of sadness.’
Agoniser
Dr Ostrowski describes an Agoniser as the ‘activist mobilising for better welfare, running for council, taking all kinds of pushback on the chin’.
He said this type of thinker is ‘plaintive, outraged and looking to fix things’.
‘Society needs people who are willing to put themselves on the line,’ the book reads. ‘We Agonisers can become drawn to anyone or anything that tugs at our heartstrings, insisting we ought to care about them too.’
Hothead
The Hothead is the friend who ‘just has to be right and do things their way’. They are excitable and consumed by the problems of the moment.
‘Some of us stand by what we believe, come hell or high water,’ the book reads. ‘We are prone to a ‘red mist’ that blinds us to what is really going on and what people really think of us.
‘Not for no reason do Hotheads have a reputation for a forceful temper. We are generally angry, and occasionally extremely eager.’
Cool Cat
As a Cool Cat, you are the one who will always put someone up in a pinch and sit patiently and listen, Dr Ostrowski said.
You will go along with pretty much anything but generally hang back and let someone sort themselves out.
‘Quiet, resolute, benevolent but a little remote,’ the book adds.
Keen Bean
If you’re a creative who is always on the move, who is imaginative and enjoys meeting new people, you’re likely a Keen Bean.
These thinker types are ‘zesty, precocious and always probing for new discoveries’.
They are prone to being the first in line and last to leave, racing ahead and living in the future.
Worrywart
‘The friend who overthinks a moment of disagreement, stewing long after it has passed,’ Dr Ostrowsi said.
‘Nervy, brittle and prone to deliberation.’
These people see risk and danger everywhere they look, find their mind easily paralysed by concerns and conjure up ever more lurid worst–case scenarios.
Quibbler
As a Quibbler, you are likely to be slightly cagey and sceptical with a desire to pick apart people’s work.
‘Some people see perfection as a journey, not just a destination,’ the book reads. ‘We always ask that extra question and make it clear whenever we disapprove of the answer.
‘We may have a low bar for getting bored, shutting off and turning away. Or perhaps we cannot handle being around anybody or anything we find offensive, and protect ourselves by keeping them firmly at arm’s length.’
Reveller
Finally, as a Reveller, you are the friend that sweeps others up, gives them your undivided attention and deluges them with thoughtful gifts.
You are ‘dreamy, magnetic and overflowing, with more to give’ and ‘never hesitate to spoil others and the people dearest to you’.
‘For us, the act of paying attention itself is deeply meaningful,’ the book reads. ‘One of our strongest characteristics as Revellers is that we are highly attuned to what is happening around us.’
While our test will give you an idea of which thinker type you are, you’re actually probably a combination of several, Dr Ostrowski said.
‘I think it’s very rare for anybody to be just one thinker–type,’ he told the Daily Mail.
‘Much more common is that we’re a mixture of two or three main ones, with perhaps a few more sitting quietly in the background too.
‘So for instance, I’m mainly a Happy Camper and Worrywart mixture, with lighter hints of Cool Cat, Gloomster, and Jokester appearing from time to time.’
