INTP

INTP At A Glance

INTPs lead with Introverted Thinking (Ti), which compels them to work out problems deductively inside their own head, performing mental calculations and methodically analyzing their own reasoning and trains of thought. They are not inclined to trust what has been worked out by other people without critiquing it themselves, and they view facts and data as tools to measure the accuracy of their own logic. 

Their auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition (Ne), which means they are abstract thinkers who are good at brainstorming, may have a tendency to go on tangents, and can see multiple abstract possibilities. They usually like to explore different ideas for their own sake, focusing on whatever they find interesting, and they may have various projects or be reading different books at the same time and leave many unfinished,  although with sufficient maturity and interest some learn to be more productive and disciplined. 

Their tertiary function is Introverted Sensing (Si), which makes them more inclined to comfortable routines,  details and convention. While always subordinate to their tendency towards novelty, abstraction and  brainstorming, INTPs with age come to see the value in having part of their lifestyle revolve around  something familiar and concrete, that can be explored in more depth and that can make them feel more  grounded in the real world. 

Their inferior function is Extraverted Feeling (Fe) which is the part of the INTP that values the feelings and  opinions of other people. They are usually unaware of how other people are likely to react to their logic and  rarely take them into consideration when actually in their own mind, and they often find social norms and  conventions confusing and alien, but they nonetheless often desire to make connections and “fit in” with others and they like it when they feel welcomed and accepted. They can enjoy and benefit from the support  of those who are good at navigating the emotions of other people as well.  

INTPs are the architects of theoretical frameworks and abstract models. They move through the world with  curiosity, often preoccupied with solving complex problems and unravelling the mysteries of the universe.  As natural thinkers, they prefer to reflect and analyze, pondering the potential of various ideas and concepts. 

In their quest for understanding, INTPs are less concerned with practical applications and more fascinated  by the potential for new insights and discoveries. Their focus lies in developing principles and theories that  explain the patterns they observe, rather than getting caught up in the application of these ideas. They value  facts and data as tools to aid their intellectual pursuits, not as ends in themselves. 

INTPs are characterized by their independence in thought and resistance to simply accepting the status quo.  They tend to question and challenge, often leading to innovative solutions to complex problems. Their approach is marked by a search for underlying principles and a desire for deep comprehension. 

However, this inward focus can sometimes make INTPs appear detached or aloof, as they may struggle to communicate their rich inner world to others. They may also overlook the practical implications of their ideas, which can lead to challenges when their theories must be applied in real-world contexts. 

Overall, INTPs embody the spirit of inquiry and the joy of discovery. Their intellectual rigor and unconventional thinking often lead to groundbreaking ideas that push the boundaries of knowledge and understanding.