Is being an INTP worth it in the end?

[Lol]

I know you don't really have a choice.. but it seems to me like that being an INTP is just not worth it
When I was in my early teenage years I realized that I wasn't like the other kids, mostly because I didn't seem to click with the majority of them, was quiet/reserved but probably a bit brighter than most of them.
I always thought that the highlight of my life would be in my adult years, where I'd make a major discovery in a scientific field or create something new and make loads of money, as some sort of compensation for being different.
But now that I edge closer and closer to adulthood, I just see myself turning out to be like any other type of adult.

It's not worth the isolation and self doubt that I had to endure during my childhood and to a degree still today.
There were times where my actions (or lack of) reduced my mum to tears... she's a really emotional person anyway what I'm trying to say that the drawbacks of being an INTP heavily outweigh the benefits.
Atleast in this society anyway.

 

[Rook]

Benefits and detractions.
Obsessing over negative aspects are sure to lessen the enjoyment of positive aspects.

Right now, I am a lazy layabout with few noticible achievements.
Yet, my knowledge on the universe is greater than that of the average human, I am less likely to let my emotions negatively impact my judgement, and I am more intelectually capable.

Possible solution to this is developing one's flaws as well as perks to the best of one's abilities.
Don't whine over how life has not been worth it as a certain personality type, find something to be passionate about, socialize more, develop yourself.
In due course life will be worth it, as you would have notably improved yourself.

 

[RaBind]

An intp is much like a haymaker. How it's used varies it's worth between having no significance, and being pathetic, to being a complete game changer.

 

[Lot]

Is living at all worth it in the end?
What good does helping other do?
What good does making choices in general do?
What good is science?
Why do you even care about anything?

I always thought that the highlight of my life would be in my adult years, where I'd make a major discovery in a scientific field or create something new and make loads of money, as some sort of compensation for being different.
But now that I edge closer and closer to adulthood, I just see myself turning out to be like any other type of adult.

That's you waiting for things to get better. Stop waiting and start living your life now. There is no promise you won't become a vegetable and spend your short adult life in a coma.

Most great discoveries are accidental. Start doing what you enjoy doing and you either will or won't discover something. And even if you do, there is a good chance that it'll become obsolete 200 years from now.

Don't get hung up on greatness. It's a lie. No one is great. You and everyone that you will or have known you will die. You'll be forgotten and eventually no one will miss you. Maybe some young man will look up to you, maybe there will be a cult around your name. What will you care, when you're dead?

It's not worth the isolation and self doubt that I had to endure during my childhood and to a degree still today.
There were times where my actions (or lack of) reduced my mum to tears... she's a really emotional person anyway what I'm trying to say that the drawbacks of being an INTP heavily outweigh the benefits.
Atleast in this society anyway.

I'm really sick of people using INTP as an excuse for feeling depressed, lonely, and lazy. It has nothing to do with your type and everything to do with you. INTP's are as thoughtful, loving, and capable as any other type.

Ditch your mother's control narrative. Ditch society's control narrative. Do what makes you happy, and when it stops making you happy do something else, or keep doing it. You don't know how much time you have. Enjoy it or don't. But stop blaming your personality type on your unhappiness.

You're unhappy because you don't have the things you value. Be those ideals, money, love, admiration. Change what you value, or achieve what you value. But don't wallow in self pity, because that'll get you nowhere. I know first hand, but go ahead and test it yourself if you must.

 

[Reluctantly]

INTPs can be wise and have a lot of knowledge about various different complicated aspects of life. There are trade offs, as you said, typically it puts you at odds with the social dynamic of the world and can lead to greater isolation. And probably more times than not, INTPs don't get recognized for their intellects or use them in a way that society would praise. For me, I think it's worth it because I like learning and understanding things about people and reality, but not so much being a center of it all.

 

[Trebuchet]

How old are you? For a lot of INTPs, their 20s aren't any easier than their teens. 35-ish is when things often come together. Speaking from my mid-40's, yeah, it is really worth it.

I haven't made any major discoveries, despite a physics degree, but I have made a happy life and a lot of good decisions. There were times, though, that I would have thought maybe it wasn't worth it, so I definitely understand. Hang in there, and don't worry too much about being different. Griping here is probably a good way to cope.

 

[mooncrater]

I think people who test as INTPs generally have a chance to live a higher existence compared to the general populace...at least according to what the classical philosophers wrote. I think they got it right. After classical Greco-Roman philosophy, things got all mucked up with religion and politics.

Many people's main interest in life, whether they know it or not, is to experience life primarily through their gullets, like elevated animals. I think INTPs have a greater chance to live more like gods. More godlike.

There are so many things to discover, so many ways to develop.

My life has gotten better every year since my low point in highschool, where many people peak. Many people experience a lot of social comradely and feelings of completeness in highschool and college, and recall these years as the best of their lives. Then they move on into family life, and their happiness depends heavily on those around them, and....some do okay, some not so much.

I think INTPs have an inner drive to keep developing, and as the years pass, you have a greater and greater pool of knowledge to draw from, and well...you can do some pretty incredible things. I'm 33 and I'm having FUN. Much of the fun is in the planning and realization of my dreams.

And nobody is holding you in your society at gunpoint. Go explore!

edit: This sounds facetious, but being attractive to the opposite sex (if you are straight) makes things more fun. Good news: you can make some improvements in this area using raw logic and reason, just like any other area. Gotta keep mind #1 though.

 

[Anktark]

In the end it doesn't even matter. But for now- wheeeeee!

 

[Direwolf]

In the end it doesn't even matter. But for now- wheeeeee!

So true. Live life while you can and be happy with the cards you got dealt. Make the most of it and beat the dealer.

 

[Pyropyro]

It isn't automatic just like in the movies. You got to work hard and plan like hell to actually make a dent in society. However, it feels so good when you managed to do so.

The third section of Lot's post also provides good advice.

 

[Grayman]

What do you value in life? What do you see as sucess? What gives you purpose? You don't have to answer this just think about it.

People who don't align success, purpose, and values with what they are good at or capable of are doomed to failure and unhappiness. Perhaps it is time you rearrange your priorities?

 

[Hadoblado]

People do what they prefer. People get good at what they do.

Being an INTP is likely worth it to you, because there is no alternative you've demonstrated preference for. If you would prefer to do something else, then just do it.

 

[Analyzer]

Way you put it sounds like we have all joined the INTP cult...

But I agree with a lot of the other comments on here. Also your still pretty young -17?, just chill out for a bit that's all I have to add.

 

[Polaris]

I'm really sick of people using INTP as an excuse for feeling depressed, lonely, and lazy. It has nothing to do with your type and everything to do with you. INTP's are as thoughtful, loving, and capable as any other type.

^ Agreed.

Being INTP has humbled me as I was never quite accepted by most people. This is a good thing. I have no high ideas about being INTP because I only found out about it later in life (at 37).

Until then I thought there was something seriously wrong with me.

Identifying a type to fit the weirdness that I am has helped me tremendously in understanding my childhood and early grown-up years, and why I always felt like an outsider. I finally appreciate what I am, and it has helped me in dealing with others as well.

I've also lately come to understand there is Aspergers/ASD in the family (mother and older brother), so it is highly likely I'm somewhere on the spectrum or quite affected by growing up with people who had zero people/emotional skills.

Then I got tested when I started studying for a science degree, and everything just fell into place.

Spoiler

Other types would go through struggles of similar magnitude, although of different nature. I never would assume that INTPs, or any other introverted thinker types would have it any more difficult than other type. I know an ESFJ with severe body-image issues (she nearly starved herself to death), and one who has serious issues with finding someone to share his life with. He simply cannot be alone, and is therefore always unhappy. I know an INFJ mother of three who suffered through post-natal depression to the point where she was suicidal. She never really wanted children because she is driven intellectually. She is also Christian, one of those who struggles with the guilt of thinking about her own wants more than her children's. Many conversations I have with her is about the constant guilt she feels for wanting her own life back, although she loves her children deeply. I don't envy either of these people, and see myself as somewhat lucky, that I don't have these burdens on my mind.

Being human is a struggle.

 

[gypster]

i have nothing new to add at the moment, except my own affirmation about INTP being worth it.

Way you put it sounds like we have all joined the INTP cult...

But I agree with a lot of the other comments on here. Also your still pretty young -17?, just chill out for a bit that's all I have to add.

wait, so this isn't a cult? i had all my hopes up!

 

[StevenM]

You'd be amazed how much of an impact that just a small amount of effort can do. When an INTP puts a little energy towards something, I think people can be quite genuinely amazed.

Comparing myself to other people of different types, I'm glad I am how I am. Being self-critical can also be a good virtue, as long as you don't use it to beat yourself up, but use it to guide you into making wiser decisions.

The ability to face an event or topic, and having an accurate and appropriate interpretation of it, better than most, is an awesome skill to have. Grasping and applying information correctly, making critical decisions and reflectively thinking about what you are saying or doing is actually one of the top things an employer is looking for. You'd be surprised how many have trouble doing this.

 

[Jennywocky]

^ Agreed.


Being INTP has humbled me as I was never quite accepted by most people. This is a good thing. I have no high ideas about being INTP because I only found out about it later in life (at 37).


Until then I thought there was something seriously wrong with me.

Identifying a type to fit the weirdness that I am has helped me tremendously in understanding my childhood and early grown-up years, and why I always felt like an outsider. I finally appreciate what I am, and it has helped me in dealing with others as well.


I've also lately come to understand there is Aspergers/ASD in the family (mother and older brother), so it is highly likely I'm somewhere on the spectrum or quite affected by growing up with people who had zero people/emotional skills.


Then I got tested when I started studying for a science degree, and everything just fell into place.

Spoiler

Other types would go through struggles of similar magnitude, although of different nature. I never would assume that INTPs, or any other introverted thinker types would have it any more difficult than other type. I know an ESFJ with severe body-image issues (she nearly starved herself to death), and one who has serious issues with finding someone to share his life with. He simply cannot be alone, and is therefore always unhappy. I know an INFJ mother of three who suffered through post-natal depression to the point where she was suicidal. She never really wanted children because she is driven intellectually. She is also Christian, one of those who struggles with the guilt of thinking about her own wants more than her children's. Many conversations I have with her is about the constant guilt she feels for wanting her own life back, although she loves her children deeply. I don't envy either of these people, and see myself as somewhat lucky, that I don't have these burdens on my mind.

Being human is a struggle.

Awesome post (thank you)... especially that last line.

Everyone has stuff to work through. It's because we're human. Type only helps contribute to what the specifics of our struggles are.

---

Like Tmills notes as well, I've found that people can be amazed by what I produce when I finally stop cycling through self-doubt and just actually get something done. Even if it doesn't particularly perfect to me, it can have a profound impact. I wonder how much time we waste and how often we derail our own efforts, getting on that train to nowhere.

---

As far as my personal feelings go towards myself, sometimes I wish I was "more something else," but at the same time I don't. Because I'd just have OTHER issues to deal with, not any fun either. And I like who I am in a lot of ways, even though it brings some baggage with it, so... it is what it is. I just need to find my own particular way through any setbacks, and not succumb to self-defeat or unproductivity.

 

[Lol]

What do you value in life? What do you see as sucess? What gives you purpose? You don't have to answer this just think about it.

People who don't align success, purpose, and values with what they are good at or capable of are doomed to failure and unhappiness. Perhaps it is time you rearrange your priorities?

The main aim of my life back then was making a scientific discovery or achievement through something work related. I'd make the discovery then be content for the rest of my life.
I think it was because I didn't really understand the importance of relationships with other people.

But lately I've been thinking a lot and redefining success as happiness. Yeah you could have made a discovery but I think I'd be unfulfilled because of a lack of meaningful relationships. I don't think happiness is purely relationships though, just I've concentrated less on the work aspect of it.
So now success would probably be a career I enjoy, pursuing hobbies and developing relationships with others.

But then again maybe my idea of success will change again in a few years time... who knows

 

[Lol]

And I'm not depressed/bitter if that's how the OP came off

 

[Grayman]

And I'm not depressed/bitter if that's how the OP came off

Disadvantaged.