Human Design
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Profiles and lines

Six lines and twelve profiles — the role you play in life.

What a profile is

A profile is the role, the costume, a person wears through life. It is made of two numbers — the lines of the conscious Sun (Personality) and the unconscious Sun (Design), for example 3/5. The first number you know and recognise in yourself; the second works more deeply and is often more visible to others.

What lines are

Every gate has six lines, and each line is its own level of expression: 1 Investigator, 2 Hermit, 3 Martyr, 4 Opportunist, 5 Heretic, 6 Role Model. Lines 1–3 are more about your own process, 4–6 about relationships with others. There are twelve profiles in all.

The six lines

1 — Investigator: Needs a solid foundation: studies a subject in depth until feeling secure. Not knowing brings anxiety; knowing gives support.

2 — Hermit: Naturally gifted, but not always aware of their talents. Needs time alone, while the world “calls” them out when it notices the gift.

3 — Martyr: Learns through trial and error. Bumping into things isn't failure — it's how they find out what works and what doesn't.

4 — Opportunist: Lives through a network of relationships. Opportunities come from friends and acquaintances, so a stable circle of people is their main resource.

5 — Heretic: Others project expectations onto them: people see a savior with a practical solution. When the solution works — praise; when it doesn't — judgment.

6 — Role Model: Lives life in three stages: until about 30 — experience through their own mistakes, then — observing “from the roof”, after about 50 — becoming an example for others.

Profile 1/3

Investigator / Martyr

Investigator-Martyr. You build a foundation of knowledge and test it in practice. Mistakes are part of the path: each one shows what is truly reliable. A strong need for security and verified information.

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Profile 1/4

Investigator / Opportunist

Investigator-Opportunist. You study a subject deeply and then share that knowledge with your circle. A stable foundation and trusting relationships are the two pillars your whole life rests on.

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Profile 2/4

Hermit / Opportunist

Hermit-Opportunist. You have natural talents that others notice before you do. You need time alone, but opportunities come through acquaintances who call you out into the world.

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Profile 2/5

Hermit / Heretic

Hermit-Heretic. Gifted and private, yet others project big expectations onto you. People see you as the one who'll save the situation — it's important to respond only to a genuine call.

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Profile 3/5

Martyr / Heretic

Martyr-Heretic. You learn through experience and mistakes, and then become the one who offers others practical solutions. You live in a world of experiments — and that's exactly how you find what works.

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Profile 3/6

Martyr / Role Model

Martyr–Role Model. The first half of life is intense experience and testing; then wisdom and calmer observation arrive. Over time you become an example, because you've been through it all yourself.

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Profile 4/6

Opportunist / Role Model

Opportunist–Role Model. You live through a network of relationships and with age become an authority for your circle. After thirty you step back from the “game”, and later return as a wise example.

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Profile 4/1

Opportunist / Investigator

Opportunist-Investigator. A rare fixed-path profile: you have your own path and hold to it steadily. You build a firm foundation and influence people through your close circle.

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Profile 5/1

Heretic / Investigator

Heretic-Investigator. People come to you for solutions, and you have them thanks to solid knowledge. It's important that your solutions are practical and well grounded — otherwise your reputation suffers.

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Profile 5/2

Heretic / Hermit

Heretic-Hermit. Others project the role of savior onto you, while you yourself are drawn to solitude. You respond only when the call is genuine — and then your natural gift shows.

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Profile 6/2

Role Model / Hermit

Role Model–Hermit. You live through three stages of life: experience, observation, example. Naturally gifted, you need space for yourself and with age become someone others look up to.

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Profile 6/3

Role Model / Martyr

Role Model–Martyr. Life is a constant blend of learning from mistakes and a wise view from above. You keep learning all your life, and that is what makes you a living, unconventional example for others.

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Type and profile