Wednesday, December 9, 2015

MBTI: INTP


 An INTP is a grounded person, analytical and thoughtful. They usually prefer to work by themselves, and are more comfortable with that than in social situations. They can easily analyze those around them, but using that skill when it comes to analyzing situations in which they are personally involved is more difficult. An INTP tends to spend a great deal of time in their head, in a contemplative state. Their social struggle is no doubt due in part to the fact that they dislike rules and guidelines, especially those found illogical. They often dislike socializing, no doubt in part because they “prize intelligence.”[1]
                INTPs see the world in how it could be improved and made to run better. They are original and independent, not running by the conventions that surround them. They prefer for their leaders to be the same, proving themselves by actions rather than charisma or followers. An INTP usually acts without consulting others or planning, sometimes coming across as abrupt. They are very self-determined. Sometimes they challenge others, using their insight.
                Yet INTPs tend to worry more than the other sixteen personalities, fearing that they may forget something that should have been thought about or miss a fact that would have made it a better decision. Internal arguments are constant for them, as they often second-guess themselves. Sometimes this means that their “intellectual pursuits” interest them more than their relationships or family. Their interpersonal relationships are not helped by the fact that they have trouble describing their feelings and are naturally private. They savor solitude and value intelligence. In addition, INTPs are honest and straightforward. They “don’t go around intentionally hurting feelings,”[2] but the truth is always the most important thing in their minds and they have no compunctions about expressing that. This can make them seem insensitive.
                An INTP is generally quite open-minded, “receptive to alternate theories, as long as they’re supported by logic and facts.”[3] This helps them in their analyzation, making conclusions about what is happening around them. They are also quite objective. They enjoy having knowledge that few people are interested in or capable of understanding, which can make them almost condescending.
                INTPs can be enthusiastic, but the actual expression of this enthusiasm is rare. They are generally very reserved, and their excitement is mostly reserved for when they discuss a topic that fascinates them with someone else who knows about it well. When they’re very excited, it shows; otherwise, it doesn’t.
INTP Specs –
                INTPs – eschew obfuscation. Understand the world. The Architect.
                Real life INTPs – Solomon (the Bible – wise thinker); Albert Einstein (inventor); Charles Darwin (biologist); Marie Curie (scientist); Rene Descartes (philosopher); Jane Austen (author); Tina Fey (actress/author); Ben Stein (writer, game-show host).
                Fictional INTPs – Saruman or Gandalf (Hobbit and Lord of the Rings); Tom (Downton Abbey); Mr. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice); Jasmine (Jasmine); Hermione Granger (Harry Potter); Jane Foster (Thor); Mycroft Holmes (Sherlock Holmes); George Knightley (Emma); Haymitch (Hunger Games); Felicity Smoak (Arrow).
                Presidential INTPs – James Madison, John Quincy Adams, John Tyler, Abraham Lincoln, Gerald Ford.
                Prayer of the INTP – “Lord, help me be less independent, but let me do it my own way.”
                First impression of the INTP – Machine.
                General impression of the INTP – Mad scientist; questioning, objective; introspective, philosophical, logical, focused; seeking truth and inner understanding; puzzling.
                Honest stereotype of the INTP – That one guy hiding in their room trying to calculate exactly how much bigger the TARDIS is on the inside.
                You say potato, INTP says… “80% water, 20% solids, 100 calories per 8 ounces baked or boiled, good source of starch."
                Dessert personality for the INTP – Pumpkin pie – quiet and contained. Adaptable and flexible, but you still seek logical solutions. Red velvet ice cream.
                Quote for the INTP – “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” – Albert Einstein
                Percentage of INTP in Men vs. Women – 4.8% of men versus 1.7% of women - 3.3% total.


[1] David Keirsey, Please Understand Me II, (Del Mar: Prometheus Nemesis Book Company, 1998), page 205.
[2] “16 Personalities,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.16personalities.com.
[3] “16 Personalities,” accessed July 9, 2015, www.16personalities.com.

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