PersonalityJunkie INTP book

[Architect]

Drenth has been quiet recently, now we know why which is he's been working on a book about INTP's.

On sale for $7 (will go up to $9) so I bought a copy, and also to support his site. You get PDF, mobi and ePub. It's 109 pages. It appears to be expanding on the material in his web site, tailored and focused on INTP's. Probably worth the $7 if you are one.

 

[TimeAsylums]

have you read Anna Moss' book on INTPs? I found it to be good as well.

Hmm, lots of chapters listed seems worth, esp coming from Drenth, not bad.

Boo. That makes two good books on INTPs from people we know.

damn narcissists.

jk.

 

[Architect]

Nothing against Anna but I didn't find a lot to like about her book. She also compiled information, threw her own 2 cents in (which I often disagreed with) and added an amusing overtone. In other words entertaining but not especially useful.

I'm reading it now, from what I see this is par for the course for PJ which is very worthwhile. Perhaps the best INTP focused book I've seen. The focus appears to be on work and relationships to help INTP's better navigate. No wonder, INTP's are the most searching and dissatisfied in work and relationships of anybody I've seen.

Hm, getting further along, this book is quite insightful.

 

[Architect]

Yes at page 20 the book has paid for itself. It drives towards the core motivations and issues of being an INTP, along with new tidbits and insights. I strongly recommend it.

 

[Analyzer]

The section on politics, religion and philosophy sounds like he was reading my brain.

Good job.

 

[Architect]

I'm about three quarters through. This is surely the highest quality resource on INTP's that I've found. However there are some flaws in my opinion. His use of the Holland Codes for work interest is especially weak in my view, because it contradicts what he says elsewhere, which is that type can help us determine a best fit for work. For example, why discuss the arts as a possible Holland INTP choice when he talks about the general unsuitability of the arts for INTP's elsewhere? Additionally you se a relative naiveté in his understanding of technical work, which he admits is ideally suited for INTP's. His personal bias come across in how much advice and time he devotes to such practices as mediation, something I've tried (among the hundreds of things I've tried) and didn't find particularly useful.

He also drops some interesting personal bits, such as his son is an ISTP (in the same breath he mentions his son being in soccer - no surprise!) and that he likes good coffee. He also goes into some depth on the details and applicability of the psychology field for INTP's, showing his expertise in psychology. Again I don't think this field is a good fit and he seems to admit that, and concluding that Career Counseling with a writing hobby might be a good fit for an INTP seems to be poor advice. That would make sense if you were stuck in the field with degrees perhaps, but all things being equal obviously the technical fields (especially engineering and computers) are probably ideal for INTP's.

But the real value in the book is the many detailed examples of how we operate, that hit me on the head. Such as how "we have the sense that the only thing in the world we can control is ourselves". And the discussion on how we balance Ti and Ne - invaluable. So ultimately I strongly recommend this eBook to every INTP on this board.

 

[Cherry Cola]

Hopefully once psychology has developed further it will be better suited for INTPs. They are definitely not incapable when it comes to the subject matter even though they may have difficulties with the way it is practiced.

 

[Architect]

Hopefully once psychology has developed further it will be better suited for INTPs. They are definitely not incapable when it comes to the subject matter even though they may have difficulties with the way it is practiced.

Psych has a strong attraction for INTP's due to our need for self understanding (which is covered in the book). It was my favorite topic in college. What's difficult for INTP's in choosing a career is that we're interested in nearly everything, but only a few things have long term staying power for us. Psych is extremely interesting, but after one gets a degree or two in it, what is left? Certainly not helping people on an individual (Fe) level. Not research (again covered in the book). Perhaps the only thing left is philosophizing and writing, which no surprise is where Drenth ended up.

Thanks, this helped me clarify my position. INTP's are naturally interested in learning about a lot of fields in our quest for Convergent Truth. This is where the Jack of all Trades label comes from. I've personally tried Art, Music, Physics, Writing, Photography, Psych and other fields only to find that while there was initial attraction, once I roughly mastered the field it waned. Computers - programming them, using them, figuring them out, discovering new ways to use them, have been the only thing that offered consistent long term satisfaction, which is why I recommend the field.

I've gotten a little further in the book, the section on Distinguishing INTPs from other types looks good, for those that are confused as to what they may be.

 

[Ex-User (9086)]

Just started reading. The question, what kind of instrument I am is viable.
*goes back to reading*

 

[Architect]

Boo. That makes two good books on INTPs from people we know.

damn narcissists.

Yes we are rather self obsessed due to being so out of whack with the rest of the world, and the nature of Ti which is self reflecting. So you see INTP's over-represented on the web. I know you're kidding but he covers narcissism and other pathological conditions in the book, such as Asbergers and ADHD. INFJ's have it bad too, there is very little good coverage for them, but they also are people that need some insight. However they don't have the obsessive self reflection INTP's do so you see that the best material on INFJ's actually comes from INTPs, probably because we like them so much. On real narcissism the worst case I've seen is a relative who is an ISFJ and male, who has Drenth mentions predominate with this condition.

Well I've finished reading and scanning the book, I'll continue to spend time reflecting and digesting what was said here. Nothing I didn't know, but having confirmation of things I've discovered or noticed is reassuring. While self discovery never ends, I'm feeling that this finishes the chapter (for me) in discovering the INTP type basis for my psyche.

 

[TimeAsylums]

Yes we are rather self obsessed due to being so out of whack with the rest of the world, and the nature of Ti which is self reflecting.

INFJ's have it bad too, there is very little good coverage for them, but they also are people that need some insight. However they don't have the obsessive self reflection INTP's do so you see that the best material on INFJ's actually comes from INTPs, probably because we like them so much.

Bastard. didn't even bother mentioning ENTPs.

"It's all about ME, ME, ME, ME! Why don't you ever talk about me?!!"


(jk...again...just incase it doesn't cross Ti's radar)


Anyway, somewhat re-railing.

I believe in your viewpoints about Psychology & INTPs

 

[Architect]

didn't even bother mentioning ENTPs.
"It's all about ME, ME, ME, ME! Why don't you ever talk about me?!!"

Actually ENTP's get discussed in the book, in the section where he compares similar types to INTP's for comparison and contrast. If I recall there was some mention made of ENTP self absorption, which is somewhat different from INTP's self analysis obsession.

As I said, besides you, I've known one other definite ENTP (Adam Savage is a well known example too). I think "Self absorption" accurately captures your preoccupation with yourself, which is due to being an extravert dominant. All extraverts have this tendency to one degree or another.

 

[Architect]

I finished the book. This is definitely the best reference to INTPs available. The only other book devoted to INTPs is the Anna Moss one, however the problem I have with that is that it relies on studies pulled off the web, in other words synthesis instead of analysis. Thus it is prone to errors from original studies. For example, I recall her saying something to the effect of "I'm religious, and I found a study that said INTPs are often religious, so therefore unexpectedly INTPs are highly religious." I think this is wrong because MBTI studies have a huge measurement error which is how do they know that the participants accurately have typed themselves? Most frequently sensors type themselves as intuitives, and intuitives type themselves as intuitive inferiors or judging/perceiving variants. Such as the fact that INTPs often mistype themselves as INFJs, INTJs or less frequently INFPs.

On religion Drenth says

The same dynamics hold for INTPs’ religious preferences as we saw with their political ones. Namely, their first inclination is to shuck all authority. For many INTPs, this makes theism an unacceptable option, explaining why INTPs are so common among atheists and agnostics. This is not to suggest that INTPs forsake theism without some rational justifications for doing so. There are plenty of sound arguments, particularly those related to the problem of evil, against the existence of an omnipowerful, omniscient, and/or omnibenevolent god. What I want to emphasize, however, is that INTPs’ personality type makes them more prone to seeking out and embracing these arguments. If we are being honest, INTPs can be so hell-bent on being free and independent that they don’t want to be accountable to anyone or anything, including an all-powerful deity. This is not to suggest that INTPs are somehow amoral or immoral, but only that they want to be in charge of themselves.

Although there are plenty of INTP non-theists, many INTPs will, to some degree, stay connected to organized religion in some way, shape, or form. This too can be explained in terms of their inferior function. ...

Here you see a level of introspection and analysis which does not make the error of using numbers as proof. Instead we see the assertion that INTPs tend not to be religious and the reasons why, but that there is a channel (through the inferior) where they can be religious. This captures it perfectly. In my struggles with religion the only reason I considered staying were (unbeknownst to me at the time) due to my inferior. I felt an inferior pull to stay connected to a community. However I chafed against the authority, lack of Ti engagement and overall illogic so I left.

Anyhow I'm using it as a reference and am rereading bits of it. My knowledge of INTPs is advanced so there wasn't anything earth shattering, but the way it was written, how it was tied together and the tidbits were powerful in total. With this I feel that I'm at an inflection point with self-understanding, and I can begin to leave aside the study of INTPs and focus more on my main work ...

Indeed, it may be an understatement to suggest that, for INTPs, work is a big deal. Unfortunately, perhaps more than any other type, the road to satisfying work can be a rough and rocky one for INTPs. As we’ve seen, INTPs often feel they must thoroughly understand themselves, as well as their talents and abilities, before settling into a career.

 

[PmjPmj]

Yes we are rather self obsessed due to being so out of whack with the rest of the world, and the nature of Ti which is self reflecting. So you see INTP's over-represented on the web. I know you're kidding but he covers narcissism and other pathological conditions in the book, such as Asbergers and ADHD. INFJ's have it bad too, there is very little good coverage for them, but they also are people that need some insight.

The above rings very true for myself - it took quite a while to figure out who I am and what I'm about; as cliche as it may sound, I was a complete enigma to myself until I discovered the MBTI and began the process of better informed self-analysis.

I have thought myself somewhat narcissistic at times, chiefly because I used to enjoy talking about myself with others. Not because I find myself particularly interesting, but because I had such a poor concept of self that it was nice to get some external input. For example, I used to think that I was warm and outgoing. In reality, some people see me quite the opposite! I've even been called (much to my surprise) a "Callous prick". Heh.

I find that the more my Ti develops, the more structured my thought processes become. From the age of 25-28 (I'm now 28) I have become a much more discerning individual, confident in my analysis of perception etc.

I digress. TL;DR = I agree with you, and all my feels go out to you INTPs struggling to connect with your core or whatever you want to call it.

 

[Philosophyking87]

Thanks for the suggestion, Architect. It was definitely worthwhile.
I also bought his book on all the 16 personality types while I was at it.
This is, along with Paul James' famous INTP profile, an INTP bible!

 

[Jennywocky]

I'll plan to read the book when I get time, but comments like that:

But the real value in the book is the many detailed examples of how we operate, that hit me on the head. Such as how "we have the sense that the only thing in the world we can control is ourselves". .

Bam. Yes. That's a CONSCIOUS thought in my everyday process, one of my guiding axioms. And not in a moralistic way like some types might hold it, but in terms of just how the world works.

In general, I agree with the comments about religion as well, although I wouldn't say for me it's some kind of compulsion to diss authority... which I do see at times in people. It's simply that no authority exists, and I have to make my own decisions in life.

I get really irked when others make what amounts to "claims of authority" while not recognizing that the authority only exists as such to them because they have designated it an authority. (IOW, they are still in actuality making their own decisions but fooling themselves into believing otherwise under the guise of some external authority that justifies their choices.)

As far psychology and therapy as a pursuit, if I became a therapist, while I do "care" about people, what would drive me is the sense of "puzzle solving," and I would also view it as an equal exchange of my experience and insight for specific details of someone's life and experience so that I could better understand the issue. I.e., it's primarily investigative for me (to build my understanding of the world), even if I appreciate the opportunity to help another and can actually help them. Psychology in general DOES pull broad knowledge from various disciplines IMO, and that complexity and interconnectiveness is what interests me about it; I also don't have to waste a lot of time in details, it seems to be about processes of development and behavior and how those processes interact. What I see happening is my gravitating toward writing, to use those insights in writing and storytelling in order to share them and show how they apply in typical situations.

EDIT:

I just went to his website and started reading. God, this is like my issue in a nutshell, relationally:

Because of their Fe inferior, INTPs can enjoy being around people. Even if not directly engaging with them, they can feel enlivened by the background presence of others (assuming they are not perceived as obnoxious or intrusive). However, because of their dominant function’s penchant for inner control and autonomy (Ti), INTPs can be leery of making Fe commitments, which carry the potential to shackle their independence.

I like the idea of having an SO and not living in a vacuum -- of having some kind of kindred spirit around to meld with -- but I don't know if I ever will, again... primarily because of what he says here, I actually like my life being under my control and able to adapt as I go, and I just don't know if I want to compromise my world any longer to fit someone else into it. Even if I do miss having someone around.

 

[Architect]

Bam. Yes. That's a CONSCIOUS thought in my everyday process, one of my guiding axioms. And not in a moralistic way like some types might hold it, but in terms of just how the world works.

Yeah isn't it weird? I used to tell Mrs Architect that "... the only thing you really have control over is yourself ...". Those exact words. And here they show up in a book on my type, and you report same. A little scary.

I just went to his website and started reading. God, this is like my issue in a nutshell, relationally:

I like the idea of having an SO and not living in a vacuum -- of having some kind of kindred spirit around to meld with -- but I don't know if I ever will, again... primarily because of what he says here, I actually like my life being under my control and able to adapt as I go, and I just don't know if I want to compromise my world any longer to fit someone else into it. Even if I do miss having someone around.

The relationship stuff was interesting but not so applicable to me. However I did read it and recognize that in a different life it would hold true. I've managed to have a good relationship due to a set of unlikely circumstances probably.

 

[BigApplePi]

Architect. Took your advice and downloaded the book onto my Kindle. I started reading it and hope to find time to continue. I must be cursed though. I read it as if it were external Te thoughts. I see what he says like Personality Junkie ... something to center on, but fuzzy as to my own fuzzy thinking. Not sure if that is getting across. Typical INTP dilemma. I can't live with Te and must make it my own: that is, Ti. Not sure if you agree I'm using those terms correctly.

 

[Architect]

Architect. Took your advice and downloaded the book onto my Kindle. I started reading it and hope to find time to continue. I must be cursed though. I read it as if it were external Te thoughts. I see what he says like Personality Junkie ... something to center on, but fuzzy as to my own fuzzy thinking. Not sure if that is getting across. Typical INTP dilemma. I can't live with Te and must make it my own: that is, Ti. Not sure if you agree I'm using those terms correctly.

I'm sure that I have no idea what you're saying.

 

[BigApplePi]

I'm sure that I have no idea what you're saying.

The issue is acknowledged. I'll think it over. Thank you for acknowledging. Ball in my court.

 

[DIALECTIC]

Drenth has been quiet recently, now we know why which is he's been working on a book about INTP's.

On sale for $7 (will go up to $9) so I bought a copy, and also to support his site. You get PDF, mobi and ePub. It's 109 pages. It appears to be expanding on the material in his web site, tailored and focused on INTP's. Probably worth the $7 if you are one.

How much new is the material provided by this book ? What i mean is how much has already been featuring on Dr Drenth's website ?

 

[Architect]

How much new is the material provided by this book ? What i mean is how much has already been featuring on Dr Drenth's website ?

Quite a bit. The section comparing and contrasting INTP's with other types in regards to relationship is new. The ENFJ comparison was interesting, I always wondered how'd I do with an ENFJ (answer, probably not well). Beyond that the old material is presented in a fresh and integrated way that is new, and highly useful.

 

[TimeAsylums]

Quite a bit. The section comparing and contrasting INTP's with other types in regards to relationship is new. The ENFJ comparison was interesting, I always wondered how'd I do with an ENFJ (answer, probably not well). Beyond that the old material is presented in a fresh and integrated way that is new, and highly useful.

yes...I'll have my INFJ...


slightly related tangent: from the descriptions of ENFJs on here by people, I wouldn't even be able to stand them. lol. Fe judgmental noty. Ya INTPs sure do have better Fe than us. lol.

http://personalityjunkie.com/enfj-type-profile/

I mean Oprah Winfrey, wtf no ty.

 

[Pizzabeak]

Function wise I'd imagine they say INFJ is a better match because the aux&tert Fe/Ti would be less annoying or easier to work with (less disappointing?) than dom&inf Fe/Ti. Seems pretty obvious when put like that.. Kinda weird I guess.

 

[paradoxparadigm7]

yes...I'll have my INFJ...


slightly related tangent: from the descriptions of ENFJs on here by people, I wouldn't even be able to stand them. lol. Fe judgmental noty. Ya INTPs sure do have better Fe than us. lol.

http://personalityjunkie.com/enfj-type-profile/

I mean Oprah Winfrey, wtf no ty.

I was on Reddit INTP one day and an ENFJ female made a post to say hello and offer to answer any questions INTPs might have....It was an onslaught of INTP males tripping over each other to try and 'get in' with her! Hilarious! Blaten Fe allure.

I think I'd have to agree with you that INFJ might be a better fit (on a theoretical basis). I keep on envisioning the charismatic ENFJ in the limelight/red carpet and the INTP sitting in the background with a book...polar opposites.

 

[Duxwing]

I was on Reddit INTP one day and an ENFJ female made a post to say hello and offer to answer any questions INTPs might have....It was an onslaught of INTP males tripping over each other to try and 'get in' with her! Hilarious! Blaten Fe allure.

I think I'd have to agree with you that INFJ might be a better fit (on a theoretical basis). I keep on envisioning the charismatic ENFJ in the limelight/red carpet and the INTP sitting in the background with a book...polar opposites.

My experience with INFJs has been overwhelmingly positive. The only unmanageable downsides were applicable to any type.

---

History Teacher
Kind, intelligent, understanding, and helpful even in my worst moments. We pipelined so well that she once wanted to yell at me, and I told her exactly what she was going to say; she fervently denied that I was right and then said exactly what I said before. I miss her.

Fierce Debating Foe
Although one might intuit that a logic-disregarding lunatic bent on proselytizing by whatever means necessary would be mean, Da Blob's Fe was quite sweet.

School Psychologist
The man is like a ghost who flutters through the school, warmly analyzing and offering insights, compassion, patience, and empathy seemingly bottomless.

Crazy Girlfriend
I still miss her. Twice out of three times she looked me in the eyes and read me cold, and her creativity and French and poetry and improvisation and warmth and knowledge and courage in debate were great, too. I wish that she were sane and in my arms.

Friend
Radiant Shadow, I will dearly miss you. You could understand and melt me. Best of luck at your Ivy League genetics program. subwayrider, the same, except I have no idea of what you're doing. Introvert, our pipelining is amazing!

---

I'm swimming in INFJs. Be jealous. Be very jealous.

-Duxwing

 

[paradoxparadigm7]

My experience with INFJs has been overwhelmingly positive. The only unmanageable downsides were applicable to any type.

---

History Teacher
Kind, intelligent, understanding, and helpful even in my worst moments. We pipelined so well that she once wanted to yell at me, and I told her exactly what she was going to say; she fervently denied that I was right and then said exactly what I said before. I miss her.

Fierce Debating Foe
Although one might intuit that a logic-disregarding lunatic bent on proselytizing by whatever means necessary would be mean, Da Blob's Fe was quite sweet.

School Psychologist
The man is like a ghost who flutters through the school, warmly analyzing and offering insights, compassion, patience, and empathy seemingly bottomless.

Crazy Girlfriend
I still miss her. Twice out of three times she looked me in the eyes and read me cold, and her creativity and French and poetry and improvisation and warmth and knowledge and courage in debate were great, too. I wish that she were sane and in my arms.

Friend
Radiant Shadow, I will dearly miss you. You could understand and melt me. Best of luck at your Ivy League genetics program. subwayrider, the same, except I have no idea of what you're doing. Introvert, our pipelining is amazing!

---

I'm swimming in INFJs. Be jealous. Be very jealous.

-Duxwing

Goodness! That's a lot of INFJs! I have to say that INTPs are one of my favorites. I don't know many irl but they amuse me to no end. Their child-like Fe makes me want to hug them. There is nothing so endearing as their pure (and often hilarious) expressions when they have a bit of romantic feeling. Then there is their lovely thinking process...so serious, analytical and sometimes profound. The Ne just stimulates my Ni and we ping-pong off each other. I think that's one of the reasons I joined here. The INFJ forum leaves me without a challenge and this forum has the most interesting perspectives that sometimes makes me want to debate ya'all but has me learning non-the-less.

 

[Duxwing]

Goodness! That's a lot of INFJs!

I collect them!

I have to say that INTPs are one of my favorites. I don't know many irl but they amuse me to no end. Their child-like Fe makes me want to hug them. There is nothing so endearing as their pure (and often hilarious) expressions when they have a bit of romantic feeling. Then there is their lovely thinking process...so serious, analytical and sometimes profound. The Ne just stimulates my Ni and we ping-pong off each other.

Awww. Yay! My child-like Fe makes me want to be hugged, especially by you melty FJs, and yes, my romantic expressions almost always are pure: figuring out what my feelings are (and to whom they are) and what to do about them is hard enough without having to careful about how to express them. I wonder if I ought to be more careful and socially aware... it feels phony. I just want to feel!

I think that's one of the reasons I joined here. The INFJ forum leaves me without a challenge and this forum has the most interesting perspectives that sometimes makes me want to debate ya'all but has me learning non-the-less.

I hope that you debate us. You could thereby learn about your tertiary Ti, courage, determination, skepticism, humility, honor, valor, wit, psychology, and the debated topics.

-Duxwing

 

[paradoxparadigm7]

I collect them!



Awww. Yay! My child-like Fe makes me want to be hugged, especially by you melty FJs, and yes, my romantic expressions almost always are pure: figuring out what my feelings are (and to whom they are) and what to do about them is hard enough without having to careful about how to express them. I wonder if I ought to be more careful and socially aware... it feels phony. I just want to feel!



I hope that you debate us. You could thereby learn about your tertiary Ti, courage, determination, skepticism, humility, honor, valor, wit, psychology, and the debated topics.

-Duxwing

Thanks Dux (hope you don't mind me calling you that). I feel the virtual hug and my Ti thanks you and the forum for the exercise!

 

[Duxwing]

Thanks Dux (hope you don't mind me calling you that). I feel the virtual hug and my Ti thanks you and the forum for the exercise!

It's perfectly alright. Awww. You're welcome.

-Duxwing

 

[Pizzabeak]

More.. I was going to say some other negative things about enfj such as how they might require too much attention and get mad when you don't share stuff, but it seems like after a reset things can be well but can also quickly turn sour if they get too involved. The same issues will probably inevitably arise, which of course wouldn't be a bad thing if the party members involved were attached to each other enough that they couldn't let interactions cease for whatever reason, hypothetically. Again, it might be too much energy to invest and it might be kind of weird to finish living a life knowing what could have been. Ultimately, I can't really say much without a larger sample size, but you know.. I always thought doing more "research" would be interesting but it doesn't really seem too ethical.

That being said, I always thought it'd be cool to see how interactions with female entp would go, but it seems as if enfj-entp would be more compatible, particularly maybe female entp & male enfj. My main concern would be boring them by not being exciting enough after a while. Regardless of gender, it would also seem as if either of them would be more willing to participate (put up with?) in any more spur of the moment binges - which could be 'good' or 'bad', with overindulgence being more of a negative thing, so one could see how an enfj could find Ti attractive and annoying.. They would 'learn' from it but would find any criticism and unwillingness due to whatever logical conclusion to be mean or annoying. Same would probably go for inferior Fe... Too much of it (dom Fe) would definitely be more annoying, if anything, after a while as it would never seem to end, leaving little time for investing in various projects - as if that were the most important thing to focus on. Then they get mad when you start to be quiet and don't share any thoughts. With esfj there could be 30-45 minute "conversations" then when you don't say anything for 25 seconds they get super offended and come up with all these reasons for why you may be sad or upset - despite the fact that a semi decent conversation had just occurred no more than 30 seconds ago. It literally just never ends.

 

[Pizzabeak]

I guess you are?? I was going to add it's possible to envision reasons why that configuration wouldn't work, or be "perfect" nonetheless, but didn't really bother to do so apparently. I was also probably thinking of a specific thing.. In accordance with male intp & female entp probably not 'working' the enfj would be contrastingly suitable but then again I more than likely have no idea how those would work.

The same would go for male entp & female enfj.. They'd probably be good partners in crime but the entp could possibly find the enfj to be annoying after a while. I might also be being kind of sexist.

 

[JennaSayQuoi]

I finished the book. This is definitely the best reference to INTPs available. The only other book devoted to INTPs is the Anna Moss one, however the problem I have with that is that it relies on studies pulled off the web, in other words synthesis instead of analysis. Thus it is prone to errors from original studies. For example, I recall her saying something to the effect of "I'm religious, and I found a study that said INTPs are often religious, so therefore unexpectedly INTPs are highly religious." I think this is wrong because MBTI studies have a huge measurement error which is how do they know that the participants accurately have typed themselves? Most frequently sensors type themselves as intuitives, and intuitives type themselves as intuitive inferiors or judging/perceiving variants. Such as the fact that INTPs often mistype themselves as INFJs, INTJs or less frequently INFPs.

On religion Drenth says



Here you see a level of introspection and analysis which does not make the error of using numbers as proof. Instead we see the assertion that INTPs tend not to be religious and the reasons why, but that there is a channel (through the inferior) where they can be religious. This captures it perfectly. In my struggles with religion the only reason I considered staying were (unbeknownst to me at the time) due to my inferior. I felt an inferior pull to stay connected to a community. However I chafed against the authority, lack of Ti engagement and overall illogic so I left.

Anyhow I'm using it as a reference and am rereading bits of it. My knowledge of INTPs is advanced so there wasn't anything earth shattering, but the way it was written, how it was tied together and the tidbits were powerful in total. With this I feel that I'm at an inflection point with self-understanding, and I can begin to leave aside the study of INTPs and focus more on my main work ...

I agree about Drenth's book as well as Anna Moss'. She seemed to me to have very little experience, but I enjoyed and respected her casual disclaimer-style introduction. Also, it was fun just to see the results of different studies all compiled, with the idea in mind that they couldn't be taken to mean too much. Also, at the time I was starved for self-description :P, with the drought in new posts on Personality Junkie, so it kind of held me over.

I'm with you, also, about the unreliability of tests, as well as people's opinions of their own type, a lot of times. I had to teach myself everything I could find before I really felt sure, and still now sometimes I re-examine, but it's the functions that really made me certain. Every time I've taken the test I come out INFP. :/ I think it has something to do with my two biggest influences, 'til recently, being INFJs- dad and sister. Or my relative age being the worst time for my inferior Fe. :/ Maybe, too, it has something to do with what he wrote about gender differences. That really made a lot sense to me.

God, I love A. J.'s writing! And, he always seems to read my mind about what I want to know next and writes something up for me. ;D

 

[JennaSayQuoi]

I always thought doing more "research" would be interesting but it doesn't really seem too ethical.

I have thought that same thing. Just to know all the possibilities.

That being said, I always thought it'd be cool to see how interactions with female entp would go

I've known multiple female ENTPs, although the most influential one when I was young, and I have had really bad clashes with them.. I have wondered whether it happens in a situation where they have jumped the stack to their aux Te and me to my inferior Fe. :/ It was NOT pretty. They can have a really strong desire to teach lessons with their Te- for example Amy Poehler's Youtube series of advice for kids- which is difficult for my narcissistic Ti brain to stomach. I find that I like better in some circumstances than others. Overall, I think some can be overbearing to the point where I either feel like I have denied my true self by bending to their will, or I try to stand up and express myself, and I am a clumsy retard (no offense to other, and probably more functional, retards. I really think I am literally retarded, sometimes).