INTJs, like their INFJ counterparts, are among the rarest of the personality types, thought to comprise only 2-3% of the population. More often than not, INTJs carry a y-chromosome, outnumbering INTJ females at a clip of four to one.
Like other Intuitive Introverts, INTJs try to see the big picture and look beyond appearances and superficialities. They place little stock in outside or “expert” opinions, preferring to look inward for answers. They feel they possess the inner tools and insights required to independently determine truth. When they do consult outside information, it is largely for the sake of confirming their own insights. Because of their strength of mind, will, and insight, INTJs may well be the most productive theorists of all types.
INTJs often present as austere and impassive, displaying little as far as variability of emotion or expression. Exuding an air of learnedness and erudition, they may sometimes be perceived as intellectual snobs or elitists. Perceptions of arrogance or aloofness notwithstanding, their status as intellectuals is typically well-founded. Not only do INTJs sport the highest collective IQ of all types, but they are generally well-informed, displaying broad-ranging knowledge and impressive memories.
As left-brained masterminds, INTJs wield logic and language like swords. They sport impressive vocabularies and precision in articulation. They are undeterred from directly and firmly expressing their viewpoints. At times, onlookers can be taken aback by their directness, viewing them as opinionated, dogmatic, or closed-minded.
INTJs can also be quite talkative (see this post) and witty. Some are downright hilarious. Drawing on their memory for details and strong oratory skills, INTJs can make for good storytellers. Like INFJs, they enjoy employing stories, metaphors, and examples from popular culture (Se) to help illustrate abstract concepts or ideas. This represents a point of difference from their INTP counterparts, who, while witty, are generally poor at delivering stories or jokes. INTJs who allow the inner playfulness of their Ni to shine through will enjoy better success with people, taking the edge off what can be perceived as their sometimes harsh or insensitive Te.
Overview of INTJs’ Functional Stack & Type Development
INTJs’ functional stack is composed of the following functions:
Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Thinking (Te)
Tertiary: Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
The type development of INTJs can be broadly conceived according to three phases:
Phase I (childhood-20s)
Early in life, INTJs are characterized by the development and dominance of their Introverted Intuition (Ni). As Introverts, they may also show significant development of their second function, Extraverted Thinking (Te), which can serve as a helpful extraverted tool for navigating the outside world. The Ni-Te function pair allows INTJs to make and express judgments.
Since Ni is a perceiving function, it would be spurious to classify INTJs as closed-minded at any point in their development. But during Phase I, at least when viewed from without, they may seem rigid, stubborn, opinionated, or closed-minded. Even if their judgments are precociously accurate, they may, at this stage, lack some discernment regarding if, when, and how it is best to express those judgments. Moreover, their Ni-Te conclusions are not yet being honed and tempered by their tertiary Fi, making the INTJ more reluctant to review or revise them.
Phase II (20s-30s)
Once the dominant function reaches a certain threshold of strength and dominance, the inferior function enters the picture and begins to play a more influential role. This can be confusing because the inferior is not next in line for development in the functional stack. The inferior’s undue influence derives from its bipolar relationship with the dominant function.
The inferior function seems to have its own agenda, exhibiting needs and desires that seem contrary to the dominant function. What often results is a sort of love-hate, either-or situation, in which one alternates between indulging and depriving the inferior. Less obvious, but no less problematic, is the way in which the inferior can unconsciously influence decision-making. As I’ve discussed elsewhere, the inferior function is the primary culprit in unwise career and relational decision-making. Unfortunately, its influence peaks in Phase II of type development, which happens to be the same time people are making life-altering decisions about their careers and relationships.
In addition to the increasing presence and influence of their inferior function, Extraverted Sensing (Se), INTJs’ also experience a softening of their judgments as they become more open to the personal feelings and values associated with their tertiary function, Introverted Feeling (Fi). As they utilize and become more comfortable with their Fi, they become increasingly open to exploring their inferior function, Extraverted Sensing (Se).
Phase III (30s, 40s, & Beyond)
Phase III, a phase which many individuals never reach or complete, is characterized by an attempt to understand and integrate the tertiary and inferior functions. By bringing these less conscious functions into the light of consciousness, we can better envision our path toward wholeness. Doing so requires understanding the nature of how these functions manifest within our type, including the ways they can be grandiose, selfish, defensive, and destructive. It also requires becoming more aware of our personal patterns of unconscious behavior, including ways we have avoided, indulged, or crutched our inferior function. Once these patterns have been laid bare, they can be supplanted with new and healthier thoughts and behaviors. Decisions and behaviors become increasingly wise and conscious, engendering a lasting sense of satisfaction and wholeness. For INTJs, Phase III personal growth entails a deeper exploration of the nature of and challenges associated with their tertiary Fi and inferior Se.
INTJs’ Dominant Function: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
INTJs’ dominant function is Introverted Intuition (Ni). As with all Introverts, INTJs’ first order of business is an internal one. They enjoy tinkering with ideas, perspectives, theories, visions, stories, symbols, and metaphors. Their dominant function, Ni, serves as the veritable foundation for this inner playhouse.
Since Ni is a perceiving function, INTJs often report that its workings often feel effortless. When INTJs express the need to “think about” something, this means something very different from what it might for other types. Namely, the lion’s share of INTJs’ “thinking” or processing occurs outside of their conscious awareness. In other words, their best thinking is typically done without thinking, at least not consciously. For INTJs and INFJs alike, ”sleeping on” a problem is as sure a route to a solution as any.
Because it does much of its work subconsciously, Ni can seem to have a magical quality to it. In fact, it is not unusual for INJs, particularly INFJs, to be viewed as having some degree of psychic or prophetic abilities. Despite its magical appearance, Ni can be understood on a rational basis. What seems to be occurring is that INTJs have a highly sensitive inferior function, Extraverted Sensation (Se), which gathers copious amounts of sensory information from the outside world, including subtleties that other personality types tend to miss. Their Ni then subconsciously processes this data in order to make sense of it, like assembling pieces of a puzzle. Once finished, Ni generates an impression that seems to come “out of nowhere.” But the fact is that the intuition did not come from nowhere, but from a synthesis of sensory data gathered from the immediate environment combined with information from the INTJ’s own psyche.
It is often said that human beings rely more heavily on vision than any of the other senses. This seems especially true of INJs, who often associate a strong visual element with their Ni. They think by way of images rather than words. Their intuitions often manifest in the form of symbols, images, dreams, or patterns. This is consistent with Jung’s characterization of the Ni type as a dreamer, artist, or seer. There is a distinct visual character to these notions, which is why vision-related terms—foresight, insight, seer, visionary, etc.—are invariably used in describing INJs.
Of all types, INJs are those most concerned with the “big picture.” This can be understood in terms of their Ni, which is the most abstract and forward-looking of all functions. Ni is comprehensive and holistic. Its visions, answers, and insights manifest as comprehensive wholes. Consequently, they often feel more like recipients than they do creators of their ingenious ideas.
In his memoir, On Writing, Stephen King, most likely an INTJ, describes his process of writing novels. He is adamant about the fact that he does not consciously plan or piecemeal the plot or direction of his stories. Rather his stories emerge from his unconscious as preexisting wholes, requiring little as far as conscious effort or planning. Other INJ novelists report similar experiences, feeling that once they have established the spigot to their creative unconscious their ideas seem to flow effortlessly and without volition.
Because of the inherent sense of completeness in Ni-spawned insights, INTJs often feel they have been granted a sneak preview of the future, or at least a vision of a possible future. This strong sense of foresight can serve as the driving force behind their desire to see their ideals actualized.
While not technically a judging function, Ni often functions in a convergent fashion, providing elegant answers and solutions to complex problems. As discussed above, it takes clues gathered by Se and unconsciously pieces them together toward a comprehensive solution. INTJs commonly report that the solution arrives through a single flash of insight—an “aha!” moment. This may occur while dreaming or awake, but often comes suddenly and all at once. INJ philosopher Frederich Nietzsche describes his intuitive process this way:
Something profoundly convulsive…suddenly becomes visible and audible with indescribable definiteness and exactness…There is a feeling that one is utterly out of hand…Everything occurs without volition, as if an eruption of freedom, independence, power, and divinity. The spontaneity of the images and similes is most remarkable; one loses all perception of what is imagery and simile; everything offers itself as the most immediate, exact, and simple means of expression.
yeah this is pretty accurate. However, I don’t see what you mean about hating the world? I love the earth and although i see it as flawed i realise everything is flawed.
I disagree that being INTJ entails this pessimistic approach to life, I consider myself an opportunist as opposed to a pessimist. Whatever comes my way that I like and see investment in, I go for it. I don’t NOT plan my life, but I also don’t plan everything.
So as far as you saying about how we are unhappy in life due to our lack of sensing or implementing our elaborate plans, I disagree. I see people who are good at elaborating plans usually have the stupidest plans ever, whereas people with super-plans who implement it slowly but very steadily to its final moment are actually more efficient.
However most of this is true. I barely pay attention to my body and when i do its either out of sexual tension, hunger or thirst. Health issues have never really come to my notice until someone exclaims that I look as pale as a wall.
Thanks for sharing your comments and experiences. By “hating the world” I was referring to INTJs’ love-hate relationship with things related to their inferior Se function. Since addictive behaviors often relate to this function, there is a tendency to treat their Se in an all-or-nothing fashion. This is why INJs are often careful to discipline themselves in certain areas to avoid potential pitfalls of Se indulgence. Take care! AJ
Hi A.J.
First I’d like to say that you have a brilliant blog… i’ll be making a small donation shortly.
Secondly, I also have a recurring dream where my jaw swells up so much that it is locked tight and I can’t open my mouth… scary stuff lol! I’ve also had a few recurring dreams about wobbly teeth.
And you’re saying these dreams are caused by me being detached from reality right? Do you have any idea how to stop them?
Thanks
Samuel
Hello Samuel, Since I’m no expert in dream analysis, I’m reluctant to do much as far as interpretation here. There does seem to be a connection between the inferior Sensing function/a relative detachment from one’s physicality and these sorts of dreams. Reducing the occurence of such dreams is also challenging, but often involves becoming more aware of your less conscious fears and working to address them. For INJs, this can include awareness of fears related to their inferior Se.
Recently I asked friends if they ever looked down at themselves and asked, “what is she doing?” They looked at me like I was crazy. But, I can see now that I am a typical INTJ.
As I am a very INTJ INTJ, I hope you realize that when I say I enjoyed this article very much and find it rather well done, that it is high praise indeed. Compliments don’t flow all that freely from me. Heh.
The teeth falling out anecdote had me chuckling aloud. One of very few re-occurring oddities I’ve had in my dreams throughout life.
I’d be interested to know how other INTJs respond to this in the dream.
For me there is mainly curiosity and very little concern about how it will affect my appearance.
I hadn’t thought of the disembodied viewpoint before, but it is certainly fitting upon reflection.
For example, I’d also be interested to hear how other INTJs reacted to taking a shot, or waking surgery if they have experienced it.
People always have found it strange that I actually like watching a needle pierce my skin – and the surgeon and nurses were REALLY surprised when I attempted to get a better view of my innards during a hernia surgery.
As discussed in the piece, for me it isn’t so much *my* body being pierced by a needle or opened and worked upon but rather *a* body that I happen to be affiliated with and have somewhat of a vested interest in.
This was the first I’ve heard of this sort of non attachment to ones body being a common trait of INTJ.
Interesting stuff and I enjoyed the read.
Hello TK, Thanks for sharing your comments and experiences. Your comments on disembodiment are fascinating and point to the “otherworldliness” of INJ experiences. I think this is partly understood by the fact that Si, which provides an inner sense of one’s body, would be the least conscious of all functions for INTJs (eighth position). Thanks again! AJ
Fellow INTJ here.
“isn’t so much *my* body” “but rather *a* body”
Sums up my thoughts exactly. I could go into further detail but it would inevitably be redundant.
Personally, I haven’t experienced any dreams similar to the ones described.
Receiving shots has never been too big of a deal for me so I can’t recall precisely whether I prefer to watch it or look away. I believe I typically watch, I think it’s mostly out of the expectation of pain.
Whereas Ni can appear “magical” in the subconscious side, I find the conscious side of Ni, controllable daydreaming and imagination, equally powerful. I can consciously use my internal space to visualize/simulate almost anything, trying different combinations for hours and on; it’s a nice, inventive workspace. However, in an intense daydreaming state like that, I no longer see and hear with my physical senses (thus you can indirectly infer why Ni-dominance is linked with Se-recession; they are neurologically competing for conscious concentration). For example, I barely hear someone calling my name to grab my attention because my whole concentration is devoted to my inner world; sometimes, after hours and hours of imaginative tinkering, even my own body will temporarily to feel foreign.
I’m not really one to readily compliment others, but I have to say, I’m very impressed.
Thank you so much for your comments. I appreciated your insights about Ni, particularly the notion of “controllable daydreaming.” When I get a chance, I hope to incorporate that into the profile. Thanks again! AJ