ᴘᴀʀᴛ 3: ʙʟᴏᴄᴋꜱ
ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛꜱ
Functions (in Model A) are different positions each of the eight Information Elements can occupy in a person's psyche, they are what distinguishes how each element manifests in different types. They all have different qualities that theoretically impact how we behave and process information.
Blocks are groupings containing two functions each, one introverted, one extroverted, one rational, and the other irrational. The elements in a block will either both be static, or both be dynamic. It is generally believed that the elements in each block are connected in some way and feed information to each other.
Function/Block Dichotomies apply to the functions and blocks rather than the elements themselves. For example, if an element is in the first function, it will always be accepting regardless of which element it is, because the first function is accepting.
TIM means type of information metabolism, it is essentially a synonym for socionics type.
Visual Representation of the Blocks

ᵀʰᵉ ᴹᵉⁿᵗᵃˡ ᵃⁿᵈ ⱽⁱᵗᵃˡ ᴿⁱⁿᵍˢ
The Mental Ring is the conscious, active part of the mind. The functions in the mental ring strive to verbalize information and formulate observations, they form the core of the individual’s intellectual activity. These functions are not necessarily strong or valued, but the individual has more awareness of their engagement with them. The Mental Ring includes the Ego and Super Ego blocks.
The Vital Ring is the more unconscious, passive part of the mind. Functions in the vital ring tend to manifest themselves without words, in the process of doing things or inadvertently in the form of spontaneous sentiments. Is there something you can easily do, but if someone asked you to explain how you do it, you would find it difficult? If the answer is yes, that would be an example of this kind of "unconscious information". The Vital Ring includes the Id and Super Id blocks.
ᴮˡᵒᶜᵏ ᴰⁱᶜʰᵒᵗᵒᵐⁱᵉˢ
ˢᵗʳᵒⁿᵍ/ᵂᵉᵃᵏ
Strong functions generally have a more sophisticated grasp on information, and can be used practically for the benefit of oneself and others.
Weak functions, in contrast, tend to oversimplify data, do not usually generate conclusions on their own, and depend on help from outside sources.
ⱽᵉʳᵇᵃˡ/ᴺᵒⁿᵛᵉʳᵇᵃˡ
Verbal - "The main feature of the verbal blocks is the fact that everything related to the aspects reflected by these blocks gets discussed a lot without any embarrassment. Any arguments, discussions, attacks are possible. All of this is at the level of an intellectual discussion game, or help for those who do not understand something. On the other hand, the actual realization of these blocks happens individually, i.e. preferably without witnesses, especially those witnesses who are inclined to be critical." Verbal functions are the elements which make up the core of our socionics type as the processes that compliment them, also sometimes called "valued". The Ego and Super Id blocks are both verbal.
Nonverbal - "Non-verbal blocks are the blocks of collective activity, and this is the area where people are careful with conversations and jokes. The only thing allowed here is the transfer of objective information, what one has seen or heard without one’s own comments." Also sometimes called "subdued", or "unvalued". The Super Ego and Id blocks are Nonverbal.
ᴮˡᵒᶜᵏˢ
ᵀʰᵉ ᴱᵍᵒ ᴮˡᵒᶜᵏ
Strong,Verbal,Mental Ring (Conscious)- "The Ego block is a socially demonstrative, creative block that forms the core of the type and is usually associated with an individual’s ego - their inner “I”. This is an area of conscious competence and individualism, as well as conscious and active observation and influence on the world. A person is usually the most confident, informed, and energetically active on their Ego block functions. On this block, we rarely experience feelings of remorse, doubt, and shame; neither does this block shift responsibilities or blame onto others."
- "The Ego block comprises a point of accurate self-assessment and demands social recognition that is adequate to its abilities. The activities of the functions of this block are socially directed - people easily share their experience and lend help to others from their Ego block. The functions in this block rarely “get tired”, thus a person can fill in most of their free time by activities pertaining to the functions of this block. Often people pick their primary sphere of activity and occupation basing on the functions of the Ego block."
Summary: The core of our strengths, the form of behavior which feels the most natural to us.

ᵀʰᵉ ˢᵘᵖᵉʳ ᴱᵍᵒ ᴮˡᵒᶜᵏ
Weak,Nonverbal,Mental Ring (Conscious)- "This block is known as the block of “social control”. It can be likened to the “social conscience” of an individual: this block’s activity is directed primarily at fulfillment of norms and standards that other people set for the individual. Any evaluations and instructions on this block the individual seeks external to themself, from other people who surround them; here the individual “surrenders”themself to the direction and control of society, consciously admitting own weaknesses on this block. The absence of “painful irritation” on 4th vulnerable function is considered to be a sign that the individual satisfies and meets the expectations of others; each person wishes that their understanding of the 4th vulnerable aspect would coincide with the “public opinion”. According to interpretations of some socionics sources, this is the block through which a society controls a person."
- "Direct influences on Super-ego block are typically the most consciously discomforting to a person. At the same time, the person is consciously aware of his or her weaknesses in this area, and realizes that they must make up and react somehow. This reaction, as a rule, comes from the strong functions of their Ego block. Thus, influences on the Super-ego block make a person mobilize and consciously activate the functions of his or her Ego block for a response."
- "The Super-ego block never argues; it only reasons not adding anything new but only tallying up all that is known to the individual on its aspects. This block is “omnivorous” and readily absorbs all information that pertains to its aspects, at the same time showing a subpar differentiation of information."
Summary: An area of weakness that we do not see the point of and do not aspire to be, but feel pressured to conform to.

ᵀʰᵉ ˢᵘᵖᵉʳ ᴵᵈ ᴮˡᵒᶜᵏ
Weak,Verbal,Vital Ring (Unconscious)- "This is the block of weak unconscious functions on which it is difficult to engage in active, conscious, purposeful activity. A person most often is a “consumer” of information on this block, readily absorbing any related information from others, and even provoking others to produce such information, which is best accomplished by their dual TIM. At the same time, a person poorly discerns information on this block, and tends to be overly trusting of the arguments and evaluations provided by others. This is especially descriptive of the suggestive function, which has been called “suggestive” because a person is too suggestible, malleable, and easily directed on this element, having weak ability to evaluate incoming information on this function."
- "In general, people need extensive advice and support on the aspects of their Super-id bock, which they typically receive from others who have these information aspects as part of their Ego block. To think for oneself and resolve problems independently on this block the person “hasn’t the time” and little understanding of own wishes and needs; thus a person usually gives a lot of freedom to others, including their partner, over these aspects."
Summary: An area of weakness that is also an aspirational area of growth. It is generally seen as desirable and seeks outside support.

ᵀʰᵉ ᴵᵈ ᴮˡᵒᶜᵏ
Strong,Nonverbal,Vital Ring (Unconscious)- "Passive skills - a person is quite capable on this block, but these skills are directed at prevention of negative moments and dangerous developments rather that active and conscious self-realization. The person has little awareness of what they are capable of on this block and little interest in it. The main function of this block is watching out for potential dangers and pitfalls, satisfaction of one’s base level of needs, and ensuring one’s own survival and survival of close people. Other types of activities on this block are usually of no interest to a person and don’t bring results of high social value and merit. A person is typically unable to constantly work on the aspects of this block, since this requires placing restrictions on one’s Ego block, constant self-scrutiny and self-criticism."
- "The Id block is a "strong", block same as the Ego block. These are the blocks of of decisive and persistent activity that don’t know shame and uncertainty - unlike the blocks of Super-ego and Super-id which are "weak” blocks on which a person often experiences doubt and worries."
Summary: An area which we have capability in, but do not see the point of. Utilized when needed, but otherwise consciously rejected.

you made it to the end :D!
Next Section⇨