MBTI: NT Temperament

                The NTs are one of the most unique categories, living in a world where the others are unlike them. This will be become more obvious as we advance in our study of them. They include the INTJ, the most unusual of all the types.

                One of the things that fascinates and is highly desirable to the NT is power – not over people as much as the understanding and predicting of realities and natural things. Perhaps “power” is not so much the word to use as “competency” or some similar word. Keirsey puts it like this: “The extreme NT can even be seen as addicted to acquiring intelligence, hooked on storing up wisdom…”[1] He has a need, a desire, a MUST to be good at everything he does. This means he is strongly critical of himself and his abilities. Indeed, “the NT must be competent in whatever domain of enterprise or inquiry he chooses; he will settle for nothing less.”[2] This occasionally results in perfectionism. But because of the NT’s thirst for and pursuit of knowledge, the semi-common result is that he does indeed become an expert in the field of his choice. He often does have a greater proficiency in more areas than the average person.

                Unfortunately, the NT tends to project attitudes of expecting little of others (since they cannot usually comprehend his mode of communication and the extensiveness of his actions) and yet expecting them to at least attempt to equal him in production and effort. These attitudes result in those around NTs sometimes feeling “intellectually inadequate.”[3] Thanks to this, arrogance and pride can often be an appearance (and regularly a reality) for the NT. Indeed, it is one of their most serious issues.

                NTs tend to speak briefly, without repetitiveness, communicating concisely. Sometimes they leave things out, assuming that others know them already. For an NT, idleness is the worst thing that could possibly happen. Everything is work and knowledge and growing, whatever it may be. Additionally, randomly, NTs like word-play. They enjoy words in general, but especially when they are put together in witty or humorous ways.

                All of this combined tends to make the NT a rather unemotional person, often unaware of the emotions and feelings of others. They are not usually sensitive. Unkind remarks aimed against them do not generally phase them, but the NT is more than capable of returning with a biting sarcasm that can deeply hurt the one who is on the receiving end.

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[1] David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates, Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types, (Del Mar: Prometheus Nemesis Book Company, 1984), page 48.

[2] David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates, Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types, (Del Mar: Prometheus Nemesis Book Company, 1984), page 49.

[3] David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates, Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types, (Del Mar: Prometheus Nemesis Book Company, 1984), page 51.