The INFJ and INTJ personalities are among the rarest of all types. They rely on a dominant function—Introverted Intuition (Ni)—which, to other types, can seem deeply enigmatic. As Carl Jung observed in his description of Ni in Psychological Types:
The intensification of intuition often results in an extraordinary aloofness of the individual from tangible reality; he may even be a complete enigma to his immediate circle.
Jung viewed Ni as a function of perception, and thus considered perception the main concern of Ni types (i.e., INJs):
Perception is his main problem, and—in case of the creative artist—the shaping of his perception.
Images are the currency of choice for Ni, the means by which it communicates to INJs. As children, INJs often discover sketching or drawing to be a natural way of exploring and expressing these inner images. Many build on this propensity by developing lifelong interests in the visual arts, architecture, or related fields. Jung was well aware of the visual / imagistic bent of Ni, characterizing Ni dominants as your quintessential “artist” type.
INFJ / INTJ Functions
Dominant: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Auxiliary: Extraverted Judging (Fe / Te)
Tertiary: Introverted Judging (Ti / Fi)
Inferior: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
To be sure, INFJ and INTJ types can experience deep meaning by immersing themselves in the world of imagery and percepts. Drawing on Ni, in tandem with its perceiving partner—Extraverted Sensing (Se)—INJs enjoy exploring and refining their aesthetic sensibilities. At some point in their development, however, INJs feel compelled to explore alternative modes of being. This includes extending beyond mere perception and employing their auxiliary and tertiary judging (J) functions.
Developing judgment requires a willingness on the part of INJs to subject their intuitions to the more rational and analytic side of the brain—the left hemisphere—which also happens to be the epicenter of language. This requires designating energy and resources to translating their visual (or otherwise non-verbal) intuitions into words via their auxiliary judging function, either Extraverted Feeling (Fe) or Extraverted Thinking (Te).
Visual (Ni-Se) → Verbal / Analytic (Fe/Te)
Like other introverted types, INJs are in many respects forced to develop their auxiliary function for the sake of interpersonal communication. For some (especially those of higher IQ) this unfolds quite early and naturally, with the INJ exhibiting both verbal and visual (or spatial) precocity. Others may require additional time and development to feel at home with verbal expression.
In addition to aiding INJs’ expressive repertoire, development of the judging functions may reflect a shift from a purely perceptive attitude toward a moral or problem-oriented focus.
Perception-Oriented (Ni-Se) → Problem-Oriented (Fe/Te)
No longer is perceptive absorption sufficient for the INJ, who is now concerned with improving the world. This change-agent mindset is reflected in the Enneagram type 1, which many INJs resonate with. While still appreciating elegant art and design, those taking this path may assign aesthetics a lower priority, focusing instead on harnessing Ni insight for the sake of personal, moral, technical, or theoretical development.
Development of the judging functions also contributes to INJs’ capacity for convergent cognition, as their intuitions are funneled and streamlined via their Fe or Te. This convergence, expressed outwardly in the form of a direct and candid communication style, contributes to INJs’ classification as Myers-Briggs judgers (J).
“From the Inside Out”: Understanding the INFJ / INTJ Process
The INFJ/INTJ process is twofold. INJs must first gain insight into—an understanding of—a given problem or phenomenon. Second, they must communicate that understanding in ways that others can understand and utilize. Let’s now take a closer look at how this process unfolds.
Initially, INJs may experience only a vague sense or gut feeling that something is wrong, that a problem exists. They therefore need more information or clarity to understand what is happening. Achieving greater clarity may require the acquisition of additional internal (Ni) or external (Se) data, as well as extra time for Ni to chew on things.
There’s also the challenge of translating Ni’s symbolic imagery and intuitions into words, which can be particularly difficult when dealing with unusual or arcane insights. Put differently, how can INJs make sense of, and translate a holistic non-verbal experience, into words?
Occasionally I encounter a writer whose work seems unusually cryptic or otherworldly, and my first suspicion is that they’re an INJ. This may include writing peppered with perplexing riddles or paradoxes, or with mythopoetic or archaic imagery, as seen, for instance, in some of Nietzsche’s works. Non-INJ readers typically get the sense that they have encountered a very different sort of mind, one whose inner landscape is strikingly different from their own. They may be unsure whether they are reading the work of a crank, a genius, or a psychedelics aficionado. They may also wonder if the writer “has a point,” or even grasps the meaning of his or her own writing.
All of this is to say that translating Ni perceptions into something relatable or sensible is not always easy. As J.H. Van der Hoop observed, “There is peculiar difficulty, where this inner knowledge is concerned, in finding even approximate expression for what is perceived.”
In attempting to convey the content of their intuitions, many INJs (especially INFJs) will turn to metaphor. Since metaphors evoke images through words, they can be seen as a bridge between the visual and the verbal, the right and left sides of the brain. In the words of author and psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist, metaphoric thinking links “language (left hemisphere) to life (right hemisphere).” He goes on to say that the word metaphor literally means “something that carries (pherein) you across (meta-) an implied gap.” Not only is metaphor a great tool for conveying insights to others, but it can also help INJs better understand and interpret their own intuitions.
Finding the right metaphor isn’t always easy, however. Indeed, because of the effort that can be required to interpret and translate their intuitions, some INJs may shy away from expressing them, especially if they get the sense that they’re constantly being misunderstood. If they feel like the bulk of their intuitive understanding is getting lost in translation, they may resort to an introverted safe space where they can function as private observers of Ni. There they can take refuge in the comfort of Ni perception, sans the frustrations of explicating or applying it.
That said, giving up on attempting to communicate their insights or convictions can leave INJs feeling aimless and dissatisfied, as doing so amounts to a rather one-dimensional existence. To feel more whole, INJs, like other introverts, must find ways of “turning what’s inside out.” This requires employing and developing their auxiliary and inferior extraverted functions.
As discussed in my book, The 16 Personality Types, INJs who emphasize the expression of Ni through Se will often do so through arts and design. Their focus is largely aesthetic—aimed at manifesting Ni ideals in physical form (Se). Those with a stronger judging (Te/Fe) bent will translate Ni verbally or analytically, perhaps taking up work as writers, scientists, theorists, or therapists—careers that require ample use of both sides of the brain.
Learn More about INJs in Our Books:
The 16 Personality Types: Profiles, Theory & Type Development
Beyond Rare: The INFJ’s Guide to Growth & Self-Awareness
Unsure if You’re an INJ?
Take our type clarifier tests:
The INFJ-INFP Type Clarifier | The INTJ-INTP Type Clarifier
Jaden says
As much as I feel called out on this one, it’s true that I’d rather say nothing than fumble around with an explanation for what I think or feel. Operating like that truly does feel lonesome so I try my best to explain, but I’m still misunderstood in the end. I find that it’s either because I did a horrible job explaining, the person I’m talking too doesn’t really care, which hurts the most, or the person can’t seem to find an understanding in what I said, they can’t seem to relate to it or relate it to something they know.
A.J. Drenth says
Thanks so much Jaden for sharing your experiences with feeling misunderstood. I hope you keep trying to express yourself. It’s only a matter of time before you find someone who better understands and appreciates your inner life.
Jubilant says
Really well described. -INFJ
A.J. Drenth says
Thanks Jubilant. Glad you enjoyed the post.
lai says
“finding the right metaphor isn’t always easy”
so true. I feel like using metaphor to express my thoughts is a double edged sword sometimes.
warwick neville says
Previous explanations that I have read have been somewhat disappointing when people have tried to explain Ni to me but this has been incredibly helpful. The notion that we take in nonverbal cues and information not by choice but as our primary source of data and then having to translate that into dialogue with the intent then to make our outside world better is both a blessing and a curse. This observation naturally makes us feel unique and distant in a public setting. Our social positioning consequently can therefore appear unintentionally awkward and we can easily lose the flow of conversation as we are interpreting the constant barrage of data. We have great satisfaction when people understand what we say as our prime motivation is to be understood but also a propensity to withdraw when we cannot orally articulate our ideas and observations which possibly leads us to be better writers than natural orators unless we are reading what we have written. Imagine a 500 piece jigsaw being thrown at you in slow motion and then trying to piece it together. An intended metaphor. Warwick/INFJ-T 2w1.
A.J. Drenth says
Great insights here Warwick. Thanks so much for sharing, including the “intended” metaphor:).
Svane says
I’m amazed that you are able to verbalize this so well. I feel like sharing it with everyone I know so that they can understand me better :) Unfortunately I doubt most would understand even then.
Keith says
I find a lot of what you said applies to INFP/ INTP as well (in regards to the difficulties expressing visions verbally). When I try to explain something I’m feeling, whatever I say never really gets to my point and I’m all over the place often enough. When I write down what I want to say though I’m able to collect my thoughts and say what I mean.
My experiences with INJ’s is they have no problems expressing themselves verbally, they are able to stay on topics and make their point. They don’t seem to have to turn to metaphor too often (at least with me?).
I on the other hand (INFP 9w8 I suppose…), when I’m trying to make a point it’s almost a necessity to turn to a metaphor to get a concept across. Otherwise I’ll explain 4 or 5 different things, interrupting myself all while trying to make my point. The problem is I’m bad a picking a metaphors too! Then you just don’t feel like talking anymore and want to escape.