INTP: The Logician, Between Genius And Strangeness

What exactly is an INTP?

Before taking a closer look at the personality of INTPs according to the MBTI test, let’s first decipher these four little letters:

• I for Introverted
• N for Intuitive
• T for Thinking
• P for Prospecting

An INTP is both a logical and creative thinker, who tends to keep to themselves, preferring the world of his thoughts to that of the social tumult 🙉. Imagine a Bengal tiger lounging under a tree, eyes closed, but mind as sharp as lightning. That’s why they’re called logicians. They can’t stop thinking about the mysteries of the Universe. Welcome to the world of Sherlock Holmes 🕵️ and Albert Einstein!

More specifically, INTPs base their ideas and theories on observation and intuition. Their perceptions give them great flexibility, and they like to explore all possible options before making a decision. You know, a bit like being faced with an all-you-can-eat buffet and wanting to taste everything before making up your mind. Well, that’s how their intelligence works, they want to understand everything, experience everything, and then they debate within themselves, prey to a thousand thoughts, a thousand questions. 🤔

👉 Here’s an article that might enlighten you: What if I was gifted and didn't know it?

The strengths and weaknesses of INTPs

Let’s not stop there, let’s dig a little deeper and unearth the hidden treasures of this logistician of thought.

The strengths of INTPs

• 👉 Excellent analyst: INTPs can break a problem down into a thousand pieces and solve it with disconcerting ease. They’re masters of chess, the king of problem-solving.
• 👉 Overflowing creativity: Despite their love of logic, INTPs are capable of generating innovative ideas that can change the world. Hello, Mr Einstein! 👋
• 👉 Insatiable curiosity: INTPs are always on the lookout for new things to learn. They’re like knowledge sponges, soaking up everything they can.
• 👉 Autonomy: INTPs need a lot of freedom to work in their own way. They don’t like being controlled and can work effectively without supervision.

The weaknesses of INTPs

• 👉 Social withdrawal: INTPs can sometimes lose themselves in their thoughts and neglect their social relationships. They can often come across as introverted people. Feel like the odd one out?
• 👉 Tendency to procrastinate: As they like to consider all the options, they can find it hard to make a decision. Making choices can be a real headache for them!
• 👉 Hypersensitivity: INTPs take criticism very much to heart and can find it hard to manage their feelings. Although their shell may seem tough, they’re tender on the inside, and that’s good because hypersensitive people are full of superpowers.
• 👉 Tendency to forget: INTPs are sometimes so absorbed in their thoughts that they can forget everyday tasks. A bit chaotic, these logicians! What if the car keys go missing again? You know who to blame! 😏

INTPs, those awkward romantics

In love, INTPs are like hidden treasures. They may seem a little distant and awkward at first, but once you gain their trust, they turn out to be faithful and devoted partners. They like depth and complexity and seek an intellectual connection with their partner, and this is very important to them because nothing stimulates them more than the possibility of exchanging and debating. At first sight, they may appear reserved, unpleasant, and uptight, but it’s mainly because they’re quite uncomfortable with the way emotions and feelings influence others. Indeed, they may find it difficult to express their feelings traditionally, but they show their love through their actions and devotion.

What professions are there for solitary geniuses like INTPs?

INTPs are often comfortable in careers that value their autonomy, creativity, and analytical skills. They excel in fields that require strategic and innovative thinking. You can find INTPs in professions such as 👇:

• Researcher,
• Systems analyst,
• Computer engineer,
• University lecturer,
• Engineer,
• Philosopher.

These professions allow them to work independently while using their analytical minds to solve complex problems. They can immerse themselves in their inner world while making significant contributions to the outside world.

In fact, the main thing to remember is that INTPs are discreet geniuses. Being an INTP is like being a diamond in the rough. You may seem a little off and hard to understand, but once you’re polished, and you’ve found your calling, you shine bright. So, if you’re an INTP, never forget that your uniqueness is your strength. You’re the architects of the world of ideas, and without you, our world would be far less rich and interesting. So keep dreaming, inventing, and analyzing. You have the cape of intelligence and the shield of logic!

Be sure to check out these articles too;

• What does the cube test say about your personality?
• The big 5, the trait test to identify your personality
• Am I a toxic person?