INTP Archetype: The Ardent | SDUF
INTPs are quiet geniuses who typically embody the stereotype of a nerd. They are the most brilliant problem solvers but still lack common sense. INTPs who are couch potatoes are no less capable than the extremely wealthy ones. The real difference is what they are comfortable with.
Examples of famous INTPs you may know include:
- Albert Einstein
- Bill Gates
- Christopher Langan
- Jordan Peterson
- Nina Simone
- Tom Holland
Expression Style
As is the case with all personality types, the INTP lies at the intersection between a specific expression style and a specific worldview. They are one of the four background types, meaning that their communication style is informative, responding, and outcome.
Informative: Often feeling guilty for telling the harsh truth, INTPs beat around the bush in communication instead of using their knowledge to boss others around. They provide all the facts so others can make informed decisions.
Responding: INTPs are the most responding of all the types. They spend plenty of time alone in their thoughts, and social settings cause them stress, as they are afraid of making others feel bad. Initiating with them shows that you are willing to risk being hurt so you can hear what they have to say.
Outcome: INTPs like to take a patient, methodical approach to life. Sometimes they are too patient, such that they make no progress at all and get stuck in less than ideal situations. They need a highly goal-oriented person to push them to succeed.
Worldview
INTPs are part of the intellectual worldview, also known as the NT temperament, meaning that they are abstract, pragmatic, and systematic.
Abstract: INTPs are drawn to hypotheticals and theory as much as anybody. Their ability to experiment with possibilities in their heads has led to some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in physics. However, it can also become a liability when they forget to be realistic.
Pragmatic: INTPs are perfectly comfortable working alone on projects because they have faith in themselves to figure things out. When they are part of a team, they often find themselves raising concerns that disturb the harmony of the group.
Systematic: INTPs are triple systematic, which means they are keen to make decisions with the greater good in mind. They often sacrifice themselves to meet this end and neglect to consider benefits to individuals.
Cognitive Functions
Ti Hero
INTPs are extremely capable problem solvers because of Ti Hero. They can ponder things for long periods of time without tiring, such that their thought processes become like large computer programs. They are aware of their own brilliance and often end up arrogant because of it. They tend to have a need to be right, where they expect other people to listen to them but won't always return the favor.
Ne Parent
Ne Parent exists to prevent poor decision-making. INTPs give warnings to people to enable proactivity. They try to frame choices in a way that will only give people the best outcomes as opposed to listing every choice available. INTPs are some of the most imaginative people on the planet. They are the biggest source of thought experiments, and these hypotheticals lead humanity to a better future. INTPs are responsible for saving humanity from problems that nobody else knew existed.
Si Child
Si Child is the purest form of attention. INTPs often appear to be distracted and off in their own world, but they remember just about everything you say to them. INTPs are at a high risk of being stuck in their comfort zone. They are creatures of habit, loyal to what they have known the longest. It takes a hard push to get them to abandon anything, so they need to make sure their obligations are healthy. INTPs derive strength from their ability to endure hardship while colloquial understandings might have people thinking INTPs are weak for putting up with everyone's demands.
Fe Inferior
Fe Inferior is what causes INTPs to carry their guilt in their pocket. They remember all the times they have let people down. They are susceptible to being treated like a doormat, as if helping others is their only purpose. INTPs can be shy out of fear of hurting other people's feelings. They struggle to find acceptance despite being accepted themselves. Fe Inferior needs to realize that giving to others should be used as a test of gratitude. An INTP who does not receive thanks for their service should take their attention elsewhere.
Te Nemesis
INTPs worry that people do not know what they are talking about. They feel a need to research things on their own to account for this judgment of others' ignorance. If they really do delve into reading through data, they will find out that there are plenty of brilliant people out there. While INTPs are generally considered to be among the least shallow of all the types, Te Nemesis throws that reputation into the dumpster when INTPs only listen to people who look credible. They may even chase titles and status to distinguish themselves.
Ni Critic
Ni Critic causes feelings of hopelessness in INTPs. They observe poor decision-making in other people and want to hold themselves to higher expectations. Their standards for good choices are too high for anybody to meet, including themselves. This leads to an action. INTPs struggle to find direction in life. They do not see potential in themselves, feeling like the only thing they can do is sit and wait.
Se Trickster
INTPs look clumsy and incompetent to others. They are oblivious to performance and mechanical practices. While most people are already aware of the impact of giving a good sensory experience, INTPs are people who need to be obligated into making sure they look, sound, and smell good. INTPs are very attentive as sensory information hits them, but they are not aware of current happenings in which they are not involved.
Fi Demon
Fi Demon is a denial of the INTP's importance. They are often found putting themselves last in decision-making. They know that the only true priority they are capable of having is themselves, so they would rather value nothing at all. INTPs are ungrateful for the help they receive. They think that they have already given enough and they hate having to show appreciation to others.
Four Sides of the Mind
ESFJ Subconscious
ESFJ Subconscious reveals the INTP's path to happiness. When we break through the fear of our inferior, it becomes aspirational, and we become strong and capable where we were previously weak and afraid. For INTPs, this means brutal honesty. A developed ESFJ Subconscious recognizes when the truth is more important than protecting people's feelings. It determines the ethical thing to be whatever helps most in the long run.
ENTJ Unconscious
ENTJ Unconscious reveals the INTP's path to wisdom. The INTP becomes wise when they have goals of their own which they pursue relentlessly. INTPs are more willing to make firm decisions when they realize the impact their indecision has on other people. This will earn them a reputation of drive and achievement.
ISFP Super Ego
ISFP Super Ego reveals the INTP's path to love. Over time, INTPs realize that they destroy their own quality of life when they give too much to others. They finally pursue what they have desired all along, which is self-acceptance. ISFP Super Ego in its Angelic form is about showing humanity what is most important. The Se Master of the INTP combines with Fi Angel to inform people how great life is and how important it is to cherish every moment.
Octagram
Subconscious Developed, Unconscious Focused (SDUF)
SDUF INTPs often face a "rude awakening" in adulthood when they realize that the attributes that were encouraged and praised in their childhood do not hold the same value in the adult world. They shift from focusing on servitude to pursuing their own interests and desires. This variant marks a transition from a service-oriented mindset to one that seeks personal fulfillment and self-respect, often through intellectual pursuits and problem-solving. They might experience internal conflict between their desire to help others and the need to pursue their own goals.
Summary
INTPs need to balance time spent in their thoughts with refreshing experiences. INTPs create incredible systems but they struggle to verify that those systems are benefiting the right people. An INTP who is full of curiosity and motivated to serve humanity is capable of unimaginable feats. Never let their imagination go to waste; it might save your life one day.
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