B. INTP = the thinkers

Belonging to the INTP type means that people from that type do not live in a realistic world but rather in a world of theories and possibilities. INTPs are synonyms with independence, originality and unconventionality. They are capable to see how to improve existing systems and how to modify everything. INTPs tend not to see the objects as such but rather as potentials to turn them into something different.

INTP’s minds prevail. INTPs have the ability to analyse challenging problems, identify patterns and come up with logical explanations. Clarity, Knowledge and Logic are the key elements for people belonging to the INTP type. INTPs are also sometimes described as « absent-minded teachers-professors» who follow their logic, value intelligence but who live in their own inner world.

The external world is not what matters to an INTP. What is important on the contrary is their minds and they might feel a personal responsibility to bring knowledge for the whole society. INTPs can seek patterns and logical theories for anything as long as it interests them. INTPs will tend to ignore rules and others’ opinions if these don’t serve their enthusiastic and skeptical approach to problem solving. Routine bores them, INTP people would rather think about new concepts and theories. Brightness is what defines most INTPs. An asset INTPs possess is that not only can INTPs get enthusiastic with new ideas, INTPs can also be critical in their analysis.

Because the external world is not INTPs’ priority, leading people or managing them is not their priority either. In their social life, they might appear « daydreaming », shy with new acquaintances but they are also extremely self-confident when surrounded by people they know well. INTPs are also prolific when talking about theories they master. Anything related to tradition, past and convention will bore them and as a consequence they will avoid mundanity. In their professional life INTPs can come up with bright and unconventional new ideas and most of the time they will work on their own. INTPs car clearly future orientated but not really interested in the practical application of their theories.

When given the appropriate environment to develop their theories, INTPs can prove to be geniuses. INTPs are indeed the pioneers in the development of societies. However, as INTPs are quick to grasp concepts and ideas easily they will not make the effort to explain clearly their theories to others which might lead to unexplored theories and inventions. If working as part of a project, the leader in charge of the project has to make sure that the INTPs express themselves clearly so that projects don’t abort prematurely.

Dealing with people is not INTPs’ cup of tea as they prefer logic to feelings and emotions and they will find it difficult to understand that sometimes emotions can prevail on reason. Since INTPs don’t grasp the concept of feeling and emotions very well, they might find it complex to build intimate relationships and they might appear sarcastic and cynical to some extent.

Here is a list of the possible career paths for INTPs : Scientists (Chemistry and Physics especially), Mathematicians, technical writers, photographers, engineers, university professors, computer programmers or systems analysts, judges, lawyers, attorneys etc.

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