INTP
Introverted Thinking with Intuition
People with INTP preferences use their thinking to find the principles
underlying whatever ideas come into their awareness. They rely on thinking
to develop these principles and to anticipate consequences. As a result,
they are logical, analytical, and objectively critical. They are likely
to focus more on the ideas than the person behind the ideas.
They organize ideas and knowledge rather than situations
or people, unless they must for the sake of their work. In the field of
ideas they áre intensely curious. Socially, they tend to have a
small circle of close friends, and like being with others who enjoy discussing
ideas. They can become so absorbed with an idea that they can ignore or
lose track of external circumstances.
INTPs are somewhat quiet and reserved, al- though
they can be quite talkative on a subject to which they have given a lot
of thought. They are quite adaptable so long as their ruling principles
are not violated, at which point they stop adapting. Their main interest
lies in seeing possibilities beyond what is present, obvious, or known.
They are quick to understand and their intuition heightens their insight,
ingenuity, and intellectual curiosity
Depending on their interests, INTPs are good at
pure science, research, mathematics, or engineering; they may become scholars,
teachers, or abstract thinkers in fields such as economics, philos- ophy,
or psychology They are more interested in the challenge of reaching solutions
to problems than of seeing the solutions put to practical use.
Unless INTPs develop their perception, they are
in danger of gaining too little knowledge and experience of the world.
Then their thinking is done in a vacuum and nothing will come of their
ideas. Lack of contact with the external world may also lead to problems
in making themselves understood. They want to state the exact truth, but
often make it so complicated that not everyone can follow them. If they
can learn to simplify their arguments, their ideas will be more widely
understood and accepted.
INTPs may rely so much on logical thinking
that they overlook what other people care about and what they themselves
care about. They may decide that something is not important, just because
it isn't logical to care about it. If INTPs always let their logic
suppress their feeling values, their feeling may build up pressure until
it is expressed in inappropriate ways.
Although they excel at analyzing what is wrong with
an idea, it is harder for INTPs to express appreciation. But if they try,
they will find it helpful on the job as well as in personal relationships.