incoming introvert

[Foxman49]

I really suck at introductions so please excuse the quality of this one.

I've been lurking on this forum for a little while now (as it seems a lot of people do) and I figured I should join (as I am an INTP and all). I don't remember where I first heard of the MBTI, but I decided a type myself a few months ago. The idea randomly came to me after I had been riding a few thought tangents instead of doing something important . So I get my results (tried two free tests) and came out INTP both times. (Although I was within 2% for F both times I took the test)

I was kinda skeptical at the results (and the whole MBTI) at first. How could such a test encapsulate even our core personality traits? The first conceptual break came when one of the MBTI pages I was reading said something like "If you doubt that such a test could have any validity, then you are probably an INTP. THe next break was the website personalityjunkie which gave some interesting descriptions and life advice. I feel pretty comfortable with the label at the moment.

Some things about me:

I am currently a college student. My intended major is history and I am trying to double major in either psychology or philosophy.

My ideas tend to lean toward the unorthodox side. I don't really do it on purpose, it is merely what I do. I can't really think of an example at the moment. I also have an anti-systematic bent to my thinking.

I am also probably the most depressed optimists you will ever meet!

As far as weaknesses go, I have real issues expressing myself in both speaking and writing. Does anyone have any advice in that regard?

Anyway nice to meet everyone. Feel free to ask me any random questions you can think of.

 

[own8ge]

Hey there. What do you think of me? If something at all.

 

[Foxman49]

Hey there. What do you think of me? If something at all.

I notice you are an INFJ on an INTP forum. How'd that come about? You also seem to be still looking for some higher purpose (or some raison d'etre at least). I'm in the same boat.

Thanks for the greeting.

 

[doncarlzone]

Hi, I thought it was a pretty nice introduction.

I have had a hard time deciding between Psychology and Philosophy myself, leaning strongly towards Philosophy at the moment. What have your thoughts been so far?

 

[Shut the Fe Up!]

Love history - what modules are you currently studying? Are you looking to specialise in a certain area later?

 

[Rocco]

Hello and welcome.

Does it get any easier to express yourself in writing as the ideas you are trying to get across get more cerebral in nature? ie. Is it easier to explain your abstract ideas than your personal values? (or vice-versa for some bizarre reason)

 

[Foxman49]

Hi, I thought it was a pretty nice introduction.

I have had a hard time deciding between Psychology and Philosophy myself, leaning strongly towards Philosophy at the moment. What have your thoughts been so far?

Philosophy seems to suit me much better, but I do like aspects of psychology that are related to cognition. Have you ever seen the show perception? It has a lot related to psychology.

As far as philosophy goes metaphysics and philosophy of science suit INTPs really well (although I am also interested in philosophy of language and ethics). THe writings of David Lewis are a place to start.

Love history - what modules are you currently studying? Are you looking to specialise in a certain area later?

Modules? I'm guessing that's a quirk of the U. K. university system. I'm not sure how exactly your curriculum translates to the U. S. The classes I've taken so far are: American Civil War, Europe 1917-Balkan wars in the 1990s, and a class on history theory. (which my professor described as "a graduate level class taught to second-year college students." And I'm a first year, Go figure) Next semester I'm taking a clas on Middle Eastern History (600-to 1500 ish if I recall correctly).

I don't know what field I'm specializing in yet. Do you know yours?

Hello and welcome.

Does it get any easier to express yourself in writing as the ideas you are trying to get across get more cerebral in nature? ie. Is it easier to explain your abstract ideas than your personal values? (or vice-versa for some bizarre reason)

I guess it is easier to express my personal values because they are far simpler! The abstract ideas bouncing around in my head are pretty difficult to even render into words in many cases. I find them exceptionally difficult to explain. I usually tend to resort to complex metaphors to get my ideas across.

 

[Slacker_Assassin]

Hello fellow newbie and depressed optimist!!

 

[redbaron]

Hello fellow newbie and depressed optimist!!

Don't worry, this forum will quickly cure you of your problem.

Spoiler

Optimism, that is.