To kick-start this blog, we are going to do a quick review of the Wikipedia’s INTP “Type Description” section.

INTP Demeanor

Wikipedia says:

INTP types are quiet, thoughtful, analytical individuals who tend to spend long periods of time on their own, working through problems and forming solutions.

I say:

This is a very broad, generic description of the INTP – and while generally true, it glosses over the INTP who has learned to develop meaningful personal relationships.

INTP at Work

Wikipedia says:

They are curious about systems and how things work. Consequently, they are frequently found in careers such as science, architecture, and law. INTPs tend to be less at ease in social situations or in the “caring professions,” although they enjoy the company of those who share their interests.

I say:

This actually probably sums up things rather well. Occasionally I feel irritated by the common stereotype that we are all good at math, because quite frankly, I suck at math and therefore dislike it greatly. Math also happens to be a big part of science and architecture. Then I remember that while (because of these things) I tend to lean towards more fluid fields (such as psychology) and I do have a social and very caring side – I would never, ever want to work in a profession where I am constantly dealing with people’s emotions. Learning and analyzing their emotions: sign me up! Handling their emotions: no way.

Wikipedia says:

They also tend to be impatient with the bureaucracy, rigid hierarchies, and the politics prevalent in many professions. They prefer to work informally with others as equals.

I say:

This, my friends, could not be said any better. What I love about my current job is how we all get to work together and give our input. Sure, there are times where bureaucracy plays its role in important (and final) decisions, but for the most part there everything is easy going and things actually get done that way.

INTP Thinking

Wikipedia says:

INTPs organize their understanding of any topic by articulating principles, and they are especially drawn to theoretical constructs. Having articulated these principles for themselves, they can demonstrate remarkable skill in explaining complex ideas to others in simple terms, especially in writing.

I say:

Again, this is a well put statement. Organizing thoughts by principle allows us to identify and learn very quickly – by understanding the underlying purpose and meaning the details simply fall in place.

Wikipedia says:

On the other hand, their ability to grasp complexity may also lead them to provide overly detailed explanations of “simple” ideas, and listeners may judge that the INTP makes things more difficult than they are. To the INTP, however, this is incomprehensible: They are merely presenting all the information.

I say:

Reading this makes me laugh at how true it is! My friends are constantly telling me that I “think too much” or make things more complicated than they are. In reality, I cannot stand the idea that I am leaving some vital information out of the picture because that might lead the listener to the wrong conclusion. Often, I am afraid that I have missed some vital information which could lead me to the wrong conclusion!

INTP Socially

Wikipedia says:

Given their independent nature, INTPs may prefer working alone to leading or following in a group. During interactions with others, if INTPs are focused on gathering information, they may seem oblivious, aloof, or even rebellious—when in fact they are concentrating on listening and understanding.

I say:

This is one of those fuzzy logic statements: while many INTPs most likely do prefer to work alone, I would venture a guess that any INTP would find working with the right group as much if not more; depending on the reason for the group. Partly because half the fun of a group is observing it!

Wikipedia says:

However, INTPs’ extraverted intuition often gives them a quick wit, especially with language. They may defuse tension through comical observations and references. They can be charming, even in their quiet reserve, and are sometimes surprised by the high esteem in which their friends and colleagues hold them.

I say:

Another great statement, I have found that most of my humor is derived simply from making observations about whatever the particular situation is. I have an “on” mode, which usually comes out when I am with people that I feel comfortable with; otherwise I tend to be in chameleon mode, where I can quietly watch and observe.

Wikipedia says:

When INTPs feel insulted, however, they may respond with sudden, cutting criticism. After such an incident, INTPs are likely to be as bewildered as the recipient. They have broken the rules of debate and exposed their raw emotions. To INTPs, this is the crux of the problem: emotions must be dealt with logically—because improperly handled emotions, INTPs believe, can only harm.

I say:

What Wikipedia didn’t cover before this “debate” comment, is that an INTP often loves to debate simply for the sake of debating and fully exploring an idea or topic. When debating, an INTP is likely simultaneously convincing themselves of that which they are arguing for. The scenario Wikipedia is presenting is when someone steps out of bounds and hits a tender spot for the INTP, who then snaps back with a defense that can be incredibly effective. However, “effective” here is not a good thing: they can too easily wield words to seriously hurt the other person, without realizing how much of an effect their words will really have.