At Personality Junkie® we talk a lot about the role of the individual and his or her personal path to authenticity; admittedly, most of the blog conversation pertaining to the current cultural climate typically focuses on how, as individuals, we can maintain authenticity in spite of the world around us, not thanks (at least in part) to it.
It’s an easy trap for introverts, in particular, to fall into: assuming the consummate struggle is figuring out how to elbow our way into a seat at the table as relative outcasts and loners, all while somehow avoiding the trappings of selling-out to popular culture. That struggle is further intensified by being an intuitive type in addition to being an introvert.
We all know the stereotype: the Extraverted Sensing (Se) jock and all around cool-kid vis-à-vis the Introverted Intuitive nerd and misfit. Historically, that’s been the narrative. The origin of this phenomenon can probably be traced back to the 1950s with the rise of popular television characters a la “The Fonz” and “Potsie” on Happy Days. Culturally, Se types have held pride of place as the “cool kids” for a while now. For the last half a century or so, the collective consciousness (in America anyway) has fixated on mastering the qualities defining extraversion and sensing as the primary objective… Is it possible that this phenomenon is nothing more than a reflection of the predominant personality trait defining a generation, namely the Baby Boomers?
Assuming it’s possible to characterize an entire generation by a single typological function, I think we can fairly say that Baby Boomers are the very personification of Extraverted Sensing. As beneficiaries of fortune’s tide, riding the post-war wave of economic prosperity with their collective maxim, “More, more, more!” Baby Boomers are the originators of the “keeping up with the Jones’” mantra. Among their tribe, success looks predictably like a 40-hour workweek, 2,500 square-foot home, marriage with 2.5 kids, and a sizable 401(k) account.
This isn’t a knock on Baby Boomers, just an honest assessment of the signs defining the times by virtue of what is, in all likelihood, the predominant function among their generation. Boomer themes represent the authentic aims of a dominant Se culture, one of heterogeneous material abundance (dominant Se—aka the “what”) buttressed by a homogeneous theoretical precept (inferior Ni—aka the “how / why”).
To be clear, there are anomalies in every generation, and there are more than a few Baby Boomers that don’t necessarily subscribe to Se convention. For purposes of this article, however, we’re not terribly concerned with the anomalies, but the predominant culture defining a generation. In the case of the Baby Boomer generation, we’re referring to the ubiquity of material / financial prosperity coupled with a fairly traditional or conservative worldview.
So, it is amid the popular culture of Se values established by Baby Boomers that introverts and intuitives have taken on their me-against-the-world mentality. But (and I say this with the sort of tongue-in-cheek irony that can only emerge when a generation realizes with chagrin the pertinent wisdom of it’s own once proud anthem), “The times they are a-changin’…”
Millennials: Extraverted Intuition (Ne) in Culture
Enter Millennials; somehow, while the misfits and outcasts were busy trying to find their place in the world a curious thing happened: their own kind rose up and became “the world” – perhaps without even realizing it. One UK blog article features a comprehensive list of Millennial characteristics: conscious (economical and environmental), global, entrepreneurial, flexible, progressive, transparent, authentic, diverse, multi-taskers, nomadic, adventurous, impatient…to name a few. In other words, there’s a new “cool kid” in town and it looks a lot like an NP type.
NP types (i.e., INFP, INTP, ENFP, ENTP), who utilize Extraverted Intuition (Ne) as either their dominant or secondary function, are marked by an openness of thought, acceptance of diversity and plurality, flexibility and spontaneity, consciousness and idealism, and a curiosity of spirit for non-traditional ways of doing things. Inferior Introverted Sensing (Si) influences are present as well: pragmatic idealism, frugality and finding ways to be creative with limited resources are trademark characteristics of Millennials.
Millennials have embraced the idea of quality (N) over quantity (S), creativity (N) over conformity (S), spirituality (N) over religion (S), experiences (N) over possessions (S), and a job or career that is as much about mission (N) as money (S). Consistent with the Ne credo is an acceptance of a plurality of lifestyles, sexual orientations, races, creeds, and careers. In addition, personal style, originality and individuality are valued above conventionality. It’s no longer cool to be like every other “wannabe” out there.
Acceptance and appreciation for the unique facets of each individual experience arguably combines Ne with Introverted Feeling (Fi), meaning the prototypical Millennial would probably be an ENFP. It is within this emerging zeitgeist that intuitive types and even introverts may discover compassionate interest and appreciation that was lost on previous generations.
So do we shape the times or do the times shape us? Ultimately, that’s a ring I’m not interested in tossing my proverbial hat into—I think there’s a case to support both.
Insofar as every generation is, in some way, a reaction to the generation that precedes it, there is some measure of predictability to the turning tide of history unfolding before us. After a half-century of relatively unfettered consumerism (i.e. rampant Se)—a lack of collective consciousness about which was arguably responsible for the major economic collapse that occurred just as Millennials were coming of age—a sea-change was/is due. In a manner of only a decade or so, Ne types have come along to, shall we say, “restore balance to the universe.”
But a word of caution to Millennials before complacency sets in: it may well be that the generation that follows finds the “anything goes” mentality and lack of long-term stability of Ne unsettling enough to sway the tide of popular opinion back toward a traditional lifestyle. Such is the way of the world and, as it goes, the psyche that reflects it. As ever, we are in a constant state of flux, striving always to find balance since, without it, abiding existence would prove impossible.
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G says
Interesting and well-written article. Intelligent and fair words.
Thanks Elaine.
DiscoveredJoys says
“Assuming it’s possible to characterize an entire generation by a single typological function,” No, I don’t think so. You might just as easily characterize an entire generation by an astrological sign.
I find it interesting to characterize an individual by their psychological type, but we are already aware of how complex that is. When you apply a complex categorization of an individual into a media constructed categorization of a ‘generation’ that seems like a stretch too far. What is the mechanism? What typological test can be applied? How do we know that what is reported as news actually reflects the underlying reality?
Gregory Kozloff says
Wait another 20 yrs. before you define millenials. I’m an INTP boomer and I remember our culture being a lot more open and accepting (Ne) 45 yrs. ago. Yes there always was a corporate stricture which I was forever at odds with but I could formerly find a niche that wasn’t too uncomfortable or compromising. No longer.
Just my two cents but using MBTI to define a generation seems wrong. It exemplifies the disagreeable traits ascribed to boomers.
anonym says
hi! intp here.
very interesting article!
I would like to believe, that while the protoypical personnality might change again as you say, intuition as a personnality trait will continue to grow, because we’re heading towards automation and AI, which will progressively let us more free time and energy.
It’s a personnal intuition and hope at the same time from my part, for humanity, it’s obvious that the materialist mentality of the last century is destructive for our planet in the long term, and I wish more people will discover the personnal joy of ‘mental pleasure’, like arts and science, as well as altruism, building more moral systems etc..
for explaining further my last sentence, the connection that I make between intuition and altruism, is that intuition is more global thinking (or big image thinking) in its essence than sensing, and in the right conditions, its very beneficial for building social systems that promote individual well being.
Clare Byrne says
My son (ENTJ) and I (INTP) seem able to think through matters together through many angles and engage others too in what we privately call ‘the team brain ‘. It’s incredibly powerful in seeing through issues and solving problems.
Some INTP says
What you have described here is a hipster. Many of this qualities describe NPs, but also a hipster. And a hipster is not cool by any standard but their own. The difference is in the level of authenticity. An NP might be characterised as “conscious (economical and environmental), global, entrepreneurial, flexible, progressive, nomadic, adventurous etc.”, but he would never subscribe to that as a “lifeSTYLE”, but a hipster would, because he is fake.
Besides that generation theory has been discredited million times over. It was just a way for Strauss and Howe to earn money from lecturing and book sales.
Mena Duarte says
It seems Western culture is learning to appreciate strengths like ideation, idealism, connection, and emotional sensitivity.
It’s about time, too, because we’ve wasted enough human capital–time to tap into it!
X-er says
The Boomers were much the same way in their youth, the Se consumerism culture didn’t take off until the 80’s. It’s a typical pattern I think, young folks who have little resources and can lean on their parents are this way until they become established. The difference is that Boomers were always a culture of extremes, when they did something (Love & Peace or Yuppism) they went all in. At any rate my observations of Baby Boomers is that yes they are more tempered than their parents regardless. Much like us Xers, who earned the name (via the boomers) because we weren’t as obsessed as they were. Being more balanced they decided was indecisive.
Having lived in the Boomer shadow my entire life I’m glad to see them fading away. Unfortunately we still have them kicking around politics too much, and the current political climate is pure Boomerism. Regardless groups of people (families, companies, schools, countries, etc) tend take on a dominant historical personality and I suspect the Se U.S. culture isn’t going away (note that the Se aspect is more American, other cultures have their own flavors (e.g. NF/SJ combination for France, as far as I’ve seen)
Calin says
I like the change in format with this article, generational observations are so fascinating to me (I guess it’s obvious that I’m a INTP Millennial, right?). Anyway I agree with what you are saying about each generation being a reaction to the previous generation, they have discovered that the I generation have more in common with the baby boomers than Millennials or generation x….
Evelyn says
Well, as an ENFP baby-boomer, I’m excited for the future. I have noticed the swing over in society to a more NP mentality. And I have noticed it in myself as I gain peace within my own authenticity.
Michael Young says
Interesting article and I can see the point made about generational opposition, I wonder though if one of the major factors in a generation is economics like the great depression or post war prosperity if any generation after the Millinials will truly be that traditional due to the shrinking prosperity for the majority and a 24/7 world that doesn’t seem to foster traditional family lifestyles and structure? Maybe they’re the beginning of an “NP” wave in culture for a while?
Allegra says
As I recall, there was a whole generation between the two you noted with a big ‘X’ in it. The one responsible for Live Aid, Amnesty International, the Wall coming down, etc. It’s the Gen X NFs who raised the Millennial children to be accepting of themselves and others. This article seems very narrow minded IMHO.
Jethro says
I like it, but where the other half? I’d like to see Ni effect on culture as well. But definitely agree with the article. I’m divided as to whether I’m for the cultural change or not. I like that the more annoying S traits are being dumped, like devotion to tradition for it own sake, closed mindedness to change, devotion to authority and rules which are outdated or impractical; but on the other hand, a lot of bad values are being generated. A general infection of laziness, whether it’s moral, intellectual, romantic, or physical or work ethic–along with a sense of entitlement, being too open-minded and not having any real convictions, oversensitivity to anything which might be construed as oppositional or critical, and being far too emotional about everything. I’m mixed.
Sarah says
LOVE this. Very good read. ❤
Maggie says
As and INFP born after the World War 2 and part of the Jesus revolution/ hippy generation I realise we were in the minority… I always thought the previous generation of our depression / wartime parents were more sensing types but looking at it all again I can see that they were Si as opposed to Se, and the baby boomers generation have definitely become mostly materialistic since the 70s ….the revolutionaries were in the minority and their vision for change has brought that change through education of millennials into a very broad life pathway … The Jesus movement was part of that time and has not gone away but is being enhanced by an open compassionate vision for the future which does not exclude its founder the Lord Jesus Christ, whose most timely warning is in regard to the destructive nature of the broad way…. Ne needs to be reigned in by Ni in all generations .
Jeff F. says
The hope is that we’re in an upward and outward spiral rather than oscillating as a pendulum or stuck in a circular cycle. The intuitives of each generation are likely the first to suss out the proper direction for their society. It’s the role of the charismatic extraverts to disseminate and popularize the wisdom of the reclusive eccentrics. Considering the Civil Rights movement in the USA and the counterculture of the late sixties, neither would have had much of an impact without sensors lending their blood and sweat and meaningful numbers. (INFPS provided the tears :)
I look at my parents’ generation as sleep walkers. Not counting the hippies, most Boomers still seem so innocent, trusting, naive, and oblivious. Only recently do they seem capable or even interested to read what’s long been written on the wall. Writing their own children have authored by now. The Beatles might have been more popular than Jesus in their time, but how many Boomers to this day understand a song like ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’? Or understand anything someone like Jesus tried to teach over two thousand years ago? Should have been enough time to catch up, yes?
It’s always been a perilous task for intuitives to share their clear understandings, dire warnings, or inspiring visions. Wide acceptance or even adoption is great, but like all temporal trends, fleeting. It’s the nature of bell curves in the psychological domain. But I don’t think any other configuration is possible. If we were to suddenly elevate the lowest-consciousness conservative to the bleeding edge of progressive wisdom, all that would happen is that the curve would reform shifted forward a bit. We’re living longer now, and if it’s true that we become more conservative as we age, then we’re in for some interesting tugs of war as indoctrinated ideologies linger..
Someone above had mentioned AI. Perhaps that’s where consciousness finds its next expansive leap forward. But what will then serve as evolutionary pressure when the fetters of ego and mortality have been transcended??
Henry (INTP) says
I think you’re exactly right about Boomers being Se. Interestingly, I think we’re seeing inferior Ni come out in a lot of negative ways right now. The biggest believers in the many conspiracy theories that are floating around on the left and right are Boomers. It’s the stereotypical Boomer uncle who sends around chain letters or posts crazy half-baked theories to Facebook. And Trump, now the symbol of Boomerdom, seems to me to be an ESTP.
As far as Millennials being Ne, I agree with a lot of what you said. However, I’m having a hard time squaring this with how restrictive Millennials seem to be about *ideas.* While they are open to a variety of lifestyles, they are very conformist when it comes to what you’re allowed to think. I’m thinking about campus disruptions of speakers, Twitter mobs, calls for speech restrictions, etc. I think this is important enough to be a defining feature of the generation. In my experience ENxPs really like exploring ideas, ambiguity, uncertainty, etc.
Now, maybe we are just focusing on different features of a generation that can’t fully be captured by one function. From my perspective, I see a LOT of Fi, with inferior Te. Politically, Millennials’ priority seems to be expressing dissatisfaction with the system (Fi) while not putting forward practical plans that would reform it (Te), but rather calling for the state (or corporation or college administration) to deal with the problem through overly strong regulations or dramatic actions (inferior Te).
Anyway, great article and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Nach says
There is a HUGE caveat to this article: the fact that NOT all Millennials are born in a culture that allows the Ne to thrive. There are still a lot of Millennials (especially the ones born in between 1980-1990) who never really cared about the Se nor the Ne. They are more Si-driven, just like Generation X elders, because they have experienced the world before the dot.com boom and September 11th blasts. The events have convinced them instability/randomness are something to dread and keep at bay.
Another point is, NP might seem to be the archetype of the Millennial, but it is only that. No reality behind it. IF anything, most people show a certain taste for explorations in their youth, regardless of generational divides. For Millennials, the opening of all frontiers (Internet, Low-cost flights, TV channels, interracial relationships) pushed the boundaries of what used to be defined as “Exploring” by previous generations. So, the taste for NP might have a lot to do with growing up in a globalised World, rather than being an intrinsic characteristic of Millennials.
As a commenter said above, you will need to wait for Millennials to hit their 40s before defining what they were as a generation. Although, I would say that Millenials are definitely more entrepreneurial and creative (Ni-Te and Ti-Ne) than sensually rebellious Baby boomers (Se-Fi and Fi-Se) <== Facebook/Google Vs Woodstock.
As for Generation X, they appear to be invisible kid: swallowed by their obsession with belonging and being a "good citizen"…
Shalom says
This is an interesting point, and I resonate with a lot of it. But I’m curious how we’d factor in the hippy 60s and 70s movements, which supposedly displayed similar traits. Was it more of a counter-culture while millennial are more conventional? I feel like this is an important dimension from the not-so-distant past that was glossed over.
RedWell says
I want to expand on Gregory Kozloff’s point above. As an INTP somewhere between these generations, I strongly feel that the author is on to something, but I’m not sure if I think the analysis is quite right.
Specifically, the author may be conflating youth with some characteristic NP traits. That’s pretty common in broad generational observations. I mean, how many former hippies are now voting for Trump’s GOP?
On the other hand, growing up in a culture dominated by boomers, I felt like a complete alien. But then, at some point in the 2000s, I realized that pop culture and lots of status signifiers were looking like the kind of thing that had always made sense to me. To be clear, I still feel like an alien, but there are just a lot more aliens.
My theory is that the internet, for lack of a better term, makes a huge difference. All of a sudden, articulate creative people are able to wield far greater influence through a medium dominated by images and text. In the past, you went to you local library or watched TV to link up with similar people. Now, there are no barriers to connecting or finding culture that suits you.