One Understands Only In Proportion To Becoming Himself That Which He Understands.

“Detachment is not that you should own nothing, but that nothing should own you.”

— Ali Ibn Abi Talib

Case of INTP: Dumb until Smart

It has come to my attention that INTP (especially) have to deal with this issue: being dumb until they suddenly become smart.

What do I mean by this?

I look to introverted thinking (Ti) dominance in the INTP to answer this peculiarity in the INTP to answer that question.

The INTP’s Ti is always running. It is always building and correcting one’s internal framework, looking at different facts, figures, concepts, and arguments (even if contradictory) to create the most accurate build of whatever Ti user is interested in (could be anything from fashion to math, by the way).

Now, that sounds really cool. I admit it. However, there’s a caveat to that: internal. Unlike Te dominant people (extraverted thinkers: ENTJ/ESTJ), the thinking process in the INTP is introverted, meaning the INTP uses a subjective categorizing system to identify, sort, and store the data they observe and obtain. Te users use the external data itself to make decisions, while Ti user must have a framework in which to put that data into, otherwise it’ll likely have no relevance and therefore, be forgotten.

Thus, an INTP is only as smart as the model one has built in one’s head, and equally, as dumb as the model one has built. If that model is inaccurate in some way (whether due to lack of due diligence in Ne and Si or unconscious Fe), the INTP individual will have trouble identifying problems and and coming up with adequate solutions. INTP will struggle, not with the delivery of thought or idea, but rather, with the reception or lack thereof.

Because the subjective Ti model is incorrect or inaccurate, the Ti using INTP will not be able to figure out where the disconnect is. Then it’s the familiar pattern; confusion, frustration, and finally, decision that everyone else is dumb for their inability to comprehend or understand. Because Ti is a rational judging function (even if introverted), INTP will actually believe the self is right and even be able to convince themselves that they’re not the problem, even if others point out flaws or differing viewpoints.

That’s how you have a dumb INTP.

However, with enough failures, some dumb INTPs stop thinking that they’re 100% correct. They start to question their presumptions and conclusions. They question the model. Some of them may question themselves (could lead to depression or other instability during this phase). They realize that the model they have in their head might be incorrect and start research to verify that their “deductions” are correct.

This is how you have the typical, average INTP.

Then, the INTP begins to seek out more objective observations. They talk to people, asking for input. They share their thoughts, not with the goal of arguing, but for clarification. And when they’re in this “exploratory mode,” they will likely tap into their unconscious inferior Fe function, which will prevent them from coming across as crass, cold, or like a jackass. In the process, INTP will likely find many consistent but also inconsistent information, they’ll find different but potentially equal and valid points, and seek to integrate it to the Ti model. As the INTP actively turns and twists the model within oneself, INTP will finally be granted their “Eureka” moment, when everything finally clicks into place. Of course, through this process, their model is going to be potentially immense and complex (yet at the same time, incredibly simple for the Ti user) due to the amount of Ne-Si data collection that will have likely gone into it.

INTP will find that their model is perfectly suited to understanding many areas, but also to actually solve important real life problems, … this will make the INTP very happy. This allows the inferior Fe to come out more as well, due to the relaxation resulting from an accurate understanding. The INTP will then continue looking at new things to incorporate and change their models to be even more accurate and applicable in even broader areas of life, and this will make a very excited INTP. This also helps those around them, and they’re more likely to come to the INTP for advice, which the INTP will more than likely be happy to help with (depends on the problem).

And that’s how you finally have the smart INTP.

Not saying it’s easy to be any other type, but being smart INTP takes a lot of determination and work for sure. So keep at it, INTPs. You’re always going to be a work in progress, but that’s when you’re “smart.”

I love the moon

The Penguin and the Egg

Different intelligences

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: ESTP, ESFP, ISTP, ISFP Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence.

Linguistic intelligence: ESTJ, ENFP, ISTJ, INFP, INFJ, INTP Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers.

Interpersonal intelligence: ENFP, ENTP, ENFJ, ESFJ, ESFP, ESTP, INFJ Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives.

Intra-personal intelligence: ENFJ, ESTJ, ISFJ Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life. Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition.

Logical-mathematical intelligence: ENTJ, ENTP, INTJ, INTP, ISTP, ISFJ, ISTJ Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations. It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic thought; sequential reasoning skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns. Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives. 

Spatial intelligence: ENFP, ISFP, INFP, INTP, ISTP Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination.

Existential intelligence: INFJ, INTP, INTJ Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here. Curiosity and broad mindedness are pronounced.

Road Trip! 

“You must go on adventures to find out where you really belong.”

— Sue Fitzmaurice

2018-10-07

“As soon as it comes to the point where the crowd judges what is truth, it will not be long before decisions are made with fists.” – Soren Kierkegaard