INTP
Temperament: NT Conceptualizer
Depth over Breadth
Quiet, curious, and deep, INTPs tend to spend a great deal of their day inside their own heads. They have one of the more highly developed “inner worlds” of any of the types and this is where they do their best thinking. Often they are SO deeply in their own head, that they miss things going on around them in the immediate external world. If a subject or problem has piqued their interest, INTPs will devote countless hours to understanding the topic fully, and achieve remarkable expertise (even at a very young age). Once they have mastered a skill or subject area, they often move on to the next area of interest, preferring to keep their learning curve at the maximum slope possible, a few topics at a time.
Complex Problem Solvers, Masters of Systems
INTPs are the world’s “big picture” problem solvers, especially problems that involve systems. INTPs thrive most when they are working independently for long stretches of time to develop a solution to a problem that is too complex and intellectually challenging for others to solve. Their specialty is designing cutting edge systems that solve a current problem, but also handle unforeseen future challenges. Characteristically independent, original thinkers, with unconventional thought patterns, INTPs analyze problems very differently than other types and therefore are often the creative genius behind breakthroughs in systems. For example, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Bill Gates, George Lucas, and J.R.R. Tolkien (all likely INTPs) created their own systems (Math, Science, Technology, Film, and Literature, respectively). INTPs are often avid science fiction and fantasy readers/writers, enjoying alternative worlds that stimulate their imagination and are much more logically systematized than ours, where it is not uncommon for an INTP to feel out of place.
Seeing Shades of Grey, Analysis
INTPs are natural skeptics and one of the types most likely to initially challenge the underlying principles of personality type. Things are rarely black and white for them, as they see all of the nuances or shades of grey in an issue. INTPs err on the side of over-analyzing a topic, considering all of the challenges that may arise way into the future. INTPs occasionally overreact with an emotional tone (much to their chagrin) if they are frustrated by the inconsistent logic of another’s position, or if their competence is questioned.
Logic-Driven, Analytical
INTPs are convinced only by logic. INTPs are a little obsessed with logical correctness. INTPs virtually never base a decision on subjective emotional considerations. In fact, they are not always in tune with their own or others’ emotional states or needs. This can occasionally get them into trouble, if they poke holes in others’ theories or bluntly point out logical inconsistencies in their position.
Bursts of Inspiration
INTPs tend to work in bursts of inspiration when they are fully engaged – but tasks they find boring can be a real challenge. INTPs often struggle with staying organized. They are most inspired at the beginning of a new project during the strategy, vision setting, and problem solving stages. Once the plan has been worked out, they’d love nothing more than to pass it off and move on to the next complex problem.
INTP's are the Type Most Likely to...
- Be highly imaginative, even as adults
- Be technologically savvy
- Gravitate towards cutting edge approaches (especially technology)
- Highly value intelligence in friendships
- Challenge the status quo
- Provide maximum autonomy as a boss
- Prefer that their work speak for itself (and avoid self promoting)
- NOT be seen as a someone who “aims to please others”
- Be a serial hobbyist
- Be seen as independent (in every way)
