American society tends to emphasize that success comes through being highly social and outgoing (in short, extroverted) which negatively pressures introverted people (1/4 to 1/2 of the population) into being uncomfortable with themselves or their environments, which in turn stifles creativity and progress.
APPROACH
I have almost a quarter century experience as an introvert and I have recently performed extensive internet research carefully picking out the best and most popular information sources. Instead of summarizing and presenting everything in my own words, you could view this post as a presentation of my aggregation of the cream of the crop in logical progression. Let there be no mistake that being introverted is just fine - even something to be confident in - and there are and have been a lot of powerful/important people that understand this.
Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk. This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are shy. Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Myth #3 – Introverts are rude. Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people. On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.
Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public. Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.
Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone. Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Myth #7 – Introverts are weird. Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds. Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun. Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.
Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts. A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.
Albert Einstein The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.
Alan Watts I'll tell you what hermits realize. If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything.
Susan Taylor We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly... spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.
Susan Cain seems to have taken up the mantle of the leader of the "Quiet Revolution". This TED talk is a brilliant summary of her position.
Proverb Do not speak unless you can improve the silence.
Napoleon Hill Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another.
Earl Wilson If you wouldn’t write it and sign it, don’t say it.
William Penn Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be understood.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.
William Shakespeare Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
Henry David Thoreau In human intercourse the tragedy begins, not when there is misunderstanding about words, but when silence is not understood.
Blaise Pascal All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone
Pythagoras Silence is better than unmeaning words.
By now you might be wondering if you yourself are introverted or extroverted.. the following should help you figure it out:
The first pair of psychological preferences is Extraversion and Introversion. Where do you put your attention and get your energy? Do you like to spend time in the outer world of people and things (Extraversion), or in your inner world of ideas and images (Introversion)?
Extraversion and Introversion as terms used by C. G. Jung explain different attitudes people use to direct their energy. ...
Everyone spends some time extraverting and some time introverting. ...
Take a minute to ask yourself which of the following descriptions seems more natural, effortless, and comfortable for you?
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Extraversion (E)
I like getting my energy from active involvement in events and having a lot of different activities. I’m excited when I’m around people and I like to energize other people. I like moving into action and making things happen. I generally feel at home in the world. I often understand a problem better when I can talk out loud about it and hear what others have to say.
The following statements generally apply to me:
I am seen as “outgoing” or as a “people person.”
I feel comfortable in groups and like working in them.
I have a wide range of friends and know lots of people.
I sometimes jump too quickly into an activity and don’t allow enough time to think it over.
Before I start a project, I sometimes forget to stop and get clear on what I want to do and why.
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Introversion (I) I like getting my energy from dealing with the ideas, pictures, memories, and reactions that are inside my head, in my inner world. I often prefer doing things alone or with one or two people I feel comfortable with. I take time to reflect so that I have a clear idea of what I’ll be doing when I decide to act. Ideas are almost solid things for me. Sometimes I like the idea of something better than the real thing.
The following statements generally apply to me:
I am seen as “reflective” or “reserved.”
I feel comfortable being alone and like things I can do on my own.
I prefer to know just a few people well.
I sometimes spend too much time reflecting and don’t move into action quickly enough.
I sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if my ideas really fit the experience.
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Adapted from Looking at Type: The Fundamentals by Charles R. Martin (CAPT 1997)
Introversion vs. Extraversion is just one of the four personality preference spectra that are cataloged by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I personally have a leaning towards INTJ (Scientist, Mastermind), the most introverted of the 16. These questionnaires can help you figure out your set of leanings:
Thomas Neill Of those who say nothing, few are silent.
Ecclesiastes 6:11 The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?
Ernest Hemingway All our words from loose using have lost their edge.
Ausonius He who does not know how to be silent will not know how to speak.
Elbert Hubbard He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.
Abraham Lincoln Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
This video does a great job of clearing up remaining misconceptions:
English Proverb Still waters run deep.
Japanese Proverb The silent man is the best to listen to.
Irish Proverb Quiet people are well able to look after themselves.
Iain Duncan Smith Do not underestimate the determination of a quiet man.
Francis Bacon Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.
Elbert Hubbard All noise is waste. So cultivate quietness in your speech, in your thoughts, in your emotions. Speak habitually low. Wait for attention and then your low words will be charged with dynamite.
Leonardo da Vinci Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.
... Our culture is biased against quiet and reserved people, but introverts are responsible for some of humanity's greatest achievements -- from Steve Wozniak's invention of the Apple computer to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. And these introverts did what they did not in spite of their temperaments -- but because of them. ... Yet our most important institutions -- our schools and our workplaces -- are designed for extroverts. And we're living with a value system that I call the New Groupthink, where we believe that all creativity and productivity comes from an oddly gregarious place. ... In fact, we've known about the transcendent power of solitude for centuries; it's only recently that we've forgotten it. Our major religions all tell the story of seekers -- Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha -- who go off alone, to the wilderness, and bring profound revelations back to the community. No wilderness, no revelations. ...
... Instead of embracing their serious, often quiet and reflective style, [introverts] are encouraged to act like extroverts—those assertive, outgoing types that love teamwork, brainstorming, networking and thinking out loud. This, she says, leads to a “colossal waste of talent, energy and happiness.” ... “People have been waiting for the permission to articulate these things,” Cain told me in a video interview. “Now that they have it, there’s going to be a groundswell. Introverts are starting to speak out.” ... Cain believes that whether you are outwardly oriented to the world around you or inwardly oriented to the inner riches of the mind has as profound an effect as your gender. “The place of introverts in our culture today is very similar to where women were in the 1950s and early 1960s,” she said. “Half the population was discounted for something that went to the core of who they were. And it was also a population on the verge of coming into its own, like what’s happening with introverts now. We’re at the cusp of a real sea change in the way we understand this personality type.” ... “I would like to change people’s psyches,” Cain said. “So many introverts who I interviewed told me about a secret sense of shame they had about who they were and how they prefer to spend their time. I want people to have a comfort level with who they are. Secondly, I’d like schools and workplaces to rethink how they are structured and think about meeting the needs of their introverts as well as their extroverts.” ...
... Introverts may make up nearly half the population, but Cain says they are second-class citizens.
“A widely held, but rarely articulated, belief in our society is that the ideal self is bold, alpha, gregarious,” says Cain. “Introversion is viewed somewhere between disappointment and pathology.” ... It was over the last century, says Cain, that society began reshaping itself as an extrovert’s paradise—to the introvert’s demise. She explains that before the twentieth century, we lived in what historians called a “culture of character,” when you were expected to conduct yourself morally with quiet integrity. But when people starting flocking to the cities and working for big businesses the question became, how do I stand out in a crowd? We morphed into a “culture of personality,” which she says sparked a fascination with glittering movie stars, bubbly employees and outgoing leadership. ... Yet, according to Cain, it’s only worked to damage innovation and productivity. Research shows that charismatic leaders earn bigger paychecks but do not have better corporate performance; that brainstorming results in lower quality ideas and the more vocally assertive extroverts are the most likely to be heard; that the amount of space allotted to each employee shrunk 60% since the 1970s; and that open office plans are associated with reduced concentration and productivity, impaired memory, higher turnover and increased illness. ...
... Cain: In our society, the ideal self is bold, gregarious, and comfortable in the spotlight. We like to think that we value individuality, but mostly we admire the type of individual who’s comfortable “putting himself out there.” Our schools, workplaces, and religious institutions are designed for extroverts. Introverts are to extroverts what American women were to men in the 1950s -- second-class citizens with gigantic amounts of untapped talent. ... Cain: Many introverts feel there’s something wrong with them, and try to pass as extroverts. But whenever you try to pass as something you’re not, you lose a part of yourself along the way. You especially lose a sense of how to spend your time. Introverts are constantly going to parties and such when they’d really prefer to be home reading, studying, inventing, meditating, designing, thinking, cooking…or any number of other quiet and worthwhile activities. ... Cain: Yes. An interesting line of research by the psychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Gregory Feist suggests that the most creative people in many fields are usually introverts. This is probably because introverts are comfortable spending time alone, and solitude is a crucial (and underrated) ingredient for creativity. ...
... Faking it is exactly what a lot of introverts learn to do from an early age. And that masquerade covers up something primal and deep. Scientists have begun to learn that the introverted or extroverted temperament seems strongly inborn and inherited, influencing our behavior from not long after we're out of the womb. ... Caution, inhibition and even fearfulness may be healthy--and smart--adaptations for the overstimulated person, but they're still not characteristics many parents would want in their children, especially in a society that lionizes the bold. So it's common for moms and dads of introverted offspring to press their kids to be more outgoing, lest they end up overlooked in class and later in life. That, however, can be a mistake--and not just because our temperaments are difficult to change fundamentally. ... It's not just introverts who suffer when work becomes an endless series of meetings and brainstorming sessions. Anyone who has spent time in any organization knows that there is rarely a correlation between the quality of an idea and the volume at which it is presented. Defying the loudest speaker--and the groupthink that tends to build around that person--can be painful for anyone. Gregory Berns, a neuroeconomist at Emory University, has found that when people oppose group consensus, their amygdalae light up, signaling fear of rejection. The risks of groupthink are perhaps most apparent in criminal juries, where the desire for social cohesion can sometimes short-circuit justice. ...
Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice?
If so, do you tell this person he is "too serious," or ask if he is okay? Regard him as aloof, arrogant, rude? Redouble your efforts to draw him out?
If you answered yes to these questions, chances are that you have an introvert on your hands—and that you aren't caring for him properly. Science has learned a good deal in recent years about the habits and requirements of introverts. It has even learned, by means of brain scans, that introverts process information differently from other people (I am not making this up). If you are behind the curve on this important matter, be reassured that you are not alone. Introverts may be common, but they are also among the most misunderstood and aggrieved groups in America, possibly the world. ...
Edgar Allan Poe Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.
Robert Southey It is with words as with sunbeams, the more they are condensed, the deeper they burn.
Pope Benedict XVI Silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist.
William Shakespeare When words are scarce they are seldom spent in vain.
Mahatma Ghandi In a gentle way, you can shake the world.
(suspected / self-admitted) Famous Successful Introverts
Albert Einstein Charles Darwin Leonardo da Vinci Neil Armstrong Thomas Edison Sir Isaac Newton Stephen Hawking Steve Wozniak
Bill Gates Larry Page Warren Buffet
Abraham Lincoln Al Gore Barack Obama Eleanor Roosevelt John F. Kennedy Nelson Mandela Mahatma Ghandi Martin Luther King Jr. Mother Teresa Rosa Parks
The Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) Rene Descartes Socrates
Charles Chulz Emily Dickinson Frederic Chopin J.K. Rowling Sir Alfred Hitchcock Steven Spielberg Vincent van Gogh Woody allen
Angelina Jolie Barbara Walters Clint Eastwood Christina Aguilera David Letterman Diane Sawyer Harrison Ford Helen Hunt Jerry Seinfeld Jim Carrey Johnny Depp Julia Roberts Keanu Reeves Meryl Streep Michelle Pfieffer Robert de Niro Steve Martin Tom Hanks Lady Gaga
Bobby Fischer Michael Jordan Tiger Woods
Introvert-Friendly Jobs & Career Fields
Key Words in Job Title to Look For: Analyst Engineer Maintenance Researcher Scientist Technician
Minimal People Interaction: Accountant / Auditor Artist / Designer Astronomer Biologist Chef Chemist Economist Geographer Historian Librarian / Archivist Machine Operator Mathematician Mechanic Physicist Private Investigator Software Developer Tester / Sampler Transcriptionist Truck Driver Writer / Editor Zookeeper
If you can handle working with other people regularly, try looking into these: Actor Air Traffic Controller Architect Consultant Doctor Electrician Entrepreneur Lawyer Paralegal Physician Politician Police / Detective Professor Psychiatrist Psychologist Singer Taxi driver Veterinarian
Confucius Silence is a true friend that never betrays.
Publilius Syrus I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.
Napoleon Hill Wise men, when in doubt whether to speak or to keep quiet, give themselves the benefit of the doubt, and remain silent.
Arabian Proverb When you have spoken the word, it reigns over you. When it is unspoken you reign over it.
Carl Jung Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Talent develops in quiet places, character in the full current of human life.
Aristotle Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
Dag Hammarskjold Never for the sake of peace and quiet deny your convictions.
Benjamin Franklin As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence.
Victor Hugo Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.
... Seven things extroverts should know about their introverted friends:
1) We don’t need alone time because we don’t like you. We need alone time because we need alone time. Don’t take it personally.
2) We aren’t judging anyone when we sit quietly. We're just sitting quietly, probably enjoying watching extroverts in action.
3) If we say we’re having fun, we’re having fun, even though it might not look that way to you.
4) If we leave early, it’s not because we’re party poopers. We’re just pooped. Socializing takes a lot out of us.
5) If you want to hear what we have to say, give us time to say it. We don’t fight to be heard over other people. We just clam up.
6) We’re not lonely, we’re choosy. And we’re loyal to friends who don’t try to make us over into extroverts.
7) Anything but the telephone.
Seven things introverts should know about their extroverted friends:
1) Extroverts don’t understand introversion unless someone explains it.
2) Extroverts who try to get you to loosen up usually aren’t doing it to annoy you. They mean well.
3) Extroverts produce a lot of words but quantity does not preclude quality. There's often plenty of good stuff in there for those with the patience to listen.
4) Extroverts can teach us plenty about glad-handing and small talking. These are useful skills, whether or not you enjoy them.
5) Extroverts can’t read your mind and they’re not big on catching hints. Say what you want.
6) At parties, think of extroverted friends as a glider tow plane. They pull you in and get you started, but eventually you have to sail on your own.
7) Extroverts come in all different styles, just like introverts. Keep a lookout for extroverts with a quiet side, who make dandy friends. ...
I am Barrin and I'm highly Introverted. The tests (and extensive introspection/research) tell me I am INTJ which is the most introverted and one of the rarest of the 16 personality types.
I think most introverts would be the first to tell you that there are greater problems in the world than ours. Nevertheless, I would like to testify that we do indeed have often debilitating problems that are both unnecessary and avoidable.
In introverted fashion I'd rather not detail my own problems and history.. but I have been running (if you could call it that) on very low 'energy' for far too long now. Thankfully after learning what it took to make this my confidence has skyrocketed and my resolve is solid; I'm finally getting the cold certainty (borderline arrogance) characteristic of INTJ's.
Anyways, some parts from three sites I listed earlier (keirsey.com, personalitypage.com, and typelogic.com) do an interestingly good job of explaining large parts of who I am. It's like some one-time freakishly accurate & reasonably detailed horoscope.
If you're not already tired with this stuff ^^, [an extrovert?] might find it a an interesting exercise to test their iNtuition and/or Feeling by taking what they know about me(*) and trying to figure out why I think the following bolded parts apply to me. Thorough self-reflection is a highly introverted activity, but that I actually express it is distinctly extroverted. * = + Show Spoiler +
On TL I'm known for being a banling, making maps, creating mapping theories (Circle Syndrome), promoting a brighter future for SC2 (FRB), and I suppose my creation here is right in front of you.
I'm definitely Introverted. I mainly rely on iNtuition but Sensing is still second nature when I need it. A Feeling tendency didn't help me (or anyone) much when I was younger, so I've been driven to adopt Thinking which is now a little dominant. I carefully plan and am often decisive with Judging until the really big questions where I prefer to be flexible & open like a Perceiver.
... Complex operations involve many steps or stages, one following another in a necessary progression, and Masterminds are naturally able to grasp how each one leads to the next, and to prepare alternatives for difficulties that are likely to arise any step of the way. Trying to anticipate every contingency, Masterminds never set off on their current project without a Plan A firmly in mind, but they are always prepared to switch to Plan B or C or D if need be. ... Although they are highly capable leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once they take charge, however, they are thoroughgoing pragmatists. ... Problem-solving is highly stimulating to Masterminds, who love responding to tangled systems that require careful sorting out. ... they are more interested in moving an organization forward than dwelling on mistakes of the past. ... Masterminds tend to be much more definite and self-confident than other Rationals, having usually developed a very strong will. Decisions come easily to them; in fact, they can hardly rest until they have things settled and decided. But before they decide anything, they must do the research. Masterminds are highly theoretical, but they insist on looking at all available data before they embrace an idea, and they are suspicious of any statement that is based on shoddy research, or that is not checked against reality.
INTJs live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. They value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, and typically have high standards in these regards, which they continuously strive to fulfill. To a somewhat lesser extent, they have similar expectations of others. ... They are tremendously insightful and usually are very quick to understand new ideas. ... The internal form of the INTJ's thoughts and concepts is highly individualized, and is not readily translatable into a form that others will understand. However, the INTJ is driven to translate their ideas into a plan or system that is usually readily explainable, rather than to do a direct translation of their thoughts. They usually don't see the value of a direct transaction, and will also have difficulty expressing their ideas, which are non-linear. However, their extreme respect of knowledge and intelligence will motivate them to explain themselves to another person who they feel is deserving of the effort. ... INTJs are natural leaders, although they usually choose to remain in the background until they see a real need to take over the lead. When they are in leadership roles, they are quite effective, because they are able to objectively see the reality of a situation, and are adaptable enough to change things which aren't working well. They are the supreme strategists - always scanning available ideas and concepts and weighing them against their current strategy, to plan for every conceivable contingency. ... The INTJ's interest in dealing with the world is to make decisions, express judgments, and put everything that they encounter into an understandable and rational system. Consequently, they are quick to express judgments. Often they have very evolved intuitions, and are convinced that they are right about things. ... INTJs are ambitious, self-confident, deliberate, long-range thinkers. ... Other people may have a difficult time understanding an INTJ. They may see them as aloof and reserved. Indeed, the INTJ is not overly demonstrative of their affections, and is likely to not give as much praise or positive support as others may need or desire. That doesn't mean that he or she doesn't truly have affection or regard for others, they simply do not typically feel the need to express it. ... INTJs have a tremendous amount of ability to accomplish great things. They have insight into the Big Picture, and are driven to synthesize their concepts into solid plans of action. Their reasoning skills gives them the means to accomplish that. INTJs are most always highly competent people, and will not have a problem meeting their career or education goals. They have the capability to make great strides in these arenas. On a personal level, the INTJ who practices tolerances and puts effort into effectively communicating their insights to others has everything in his or her power to lead a rich and rewarding life.
To outsiders, INTJs may appear to project an aura of "definiteness", of self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather than a general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge systems that most INTJs start building at an early age. When it comes to their own areas of expertise -- and INTJs can have several -- they will be able to tell you almost immediately whether or not they can help you, and if so, how. INTJs know what they know, and perhaps still more importantly, they know what they don't know.
INTJs are perfectionists, with a seemingly endless capacity for improving upon anything that takes their interest. What prevents them from becoming chronically bogged down in this pursuit of perfection is the pragmatism so characteristic of the type: INTJs apply (often ruthlessly) the criterion "Does it work?" to everything from their own research efforts to the prevailing social norms. ... INTJs are known as the "Systems Builders" of the types, perhaps in part because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and reliability. Whatever system an INTJ happens to be working on is for them the equivalent of a moral cause to an INFJ. ... Anyone considered to be "slacking," including superiors, will lose their respect -- and will generally be made aware of this. ... On the other hand, they do tend to be scrupulous and even-handed about recognizing the individual contributions that have gone into a project, and have a gift for seizing opportunities which others might not even notice. ... To complicate matters, INTJs are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and misunderstand. Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that INTJs really want people to make sense. :-) This sometimes results in a peculiar naivete', paralleling that of many Fs. ...
Architects need not be thought of as only interested in drawing blueprints for buildings or roads or bridges. They are the master designers of all kinds of theoretical systems, including school curricula, corporate strategies, and new technologies. For Architects, the world exists primarily to be analyzed, understood, explained - and re-designed. External reality in itself is unimportant, little more than raw material to be organized into structural models. What is important for Architects is that they grasp fundamental principles and natural laws, and that their designs are elegant, that is, efficient and coherent.
Architects are rare - maybe one percent of the population - and show the greatest precision in thought and speech of all the types. They tend to see distinctions and inconsistencies instantaneously, and can detect contradictions no matter when or where they were made. It is difficult for an Architect to listen to nonsense, even in a casual conversation, without pointing out the speaker's error. And in any serious discussion or debate Architects are devastating, their skill in framing arguments giving them an enormous advantage. Architects regard all discussions as a search for understanding, and believe their function is to eliminate inconsistencies, which can make communication with them an uncomfortable experience for many.
Architects are driven to find the most efficient means to their ends, and they will learn in any manner and degree they can. They will listen to amateurs if their ideas are useful, and will ignore the experts if theirs are not. Authority derived from office, credential, or celebrity does not impress them. Architects are interested only in what make sense, and thus only statements that are consistent and coherent carry any weight with them.
Architects often seem difficult to know. They are inclined to be shy except with close friends, and their reserve is difficult to penetrate. Able to concentrate better than any other type, they prefer to work quietly at their computers or drafting tables, and often alone. Architects also become obsessed with analysis, and this can seem to shut others out. Once caught up in a thought process, Architects close off and persevere until they comprehend the issue in all its complexity. Architects prize intelligence, and with their grand desire to grasp the structure of the universe, they can seem arrogant and may show impatience with others who have less ability, or who are less driven.
... INTPs live in the world of theoretical possibilities. They see everything in terms of how it could be improved, or what it could be turned into. They live primarily inside their own minds, having the ability to analyze difficult problems, identify patterns, and come up with logical explanations. They seek clarity in everything, and are therefore driven to build knowledge. They are the "absent-minded professors", who highly value intelligence and the ability to apply logic to theories to find solutions. They typically are so strongly driven to turn problems into logical explanations, that they live much of their lives within their own heads, and may not place as much importance or value on the external world. Their natural drive to turn theories into concrete understanding may turn into a feeling of personal responsibility to solve theoretical problems, and help society move towards a higher understanding.
INTPs value knowledge above all else. Their minds are constantly working to generate new theories, or to prove or disprove existing theories. They approach problems and theories with enthusiasm and skepticism, ignoring existing rules and opinions and defining their own approach to the resolution. They seek patterns and logical explanations for anything that interests them. They're usually extremely bright, and able to be objectively critical in their analysis. They love new ideas, and become very excited over abstractions and theories. They love to discuss these concepts with others. They may seem "dreamy" and distant to others, because they spend a lot of time inside their minds musing over theories. They hate to work on routine things - they would much prefer to build complex theoretical solutions, and leave the implementation of the system to others. They are intensely interested in theory, and will put forth tremendous amounts of time and energy into finding a solution to a problem with has piqued their interest.
INTPs do not like to lead or control people. They're very tolerant and flexible in most situations, unless one of their firmly held beliefs has been violated or challenged, in which case they may take a very rigid stance. The INTP is likely to be very shy when it comes to meeting new people. On the other hand, the INTP is very self-confident and gregarious around people they know well, or when discussing theories which they fully understand. ... For the INTP, it is extremely important that ideas and facts are expressed correctly and succinctly. They are likely to express themselves in what they believe to be absolute truths. Sometimes, their well thought-out understanding of an idea is not easily understandable by others, but the INTP is not naturally likely to tailor the truth so as to explain it in an understandable way to others. The INTP may be prone to abandoning a project once they have figured it out, moving on to the next thing. It's important that the INTP place importance on expressing their developed theories in understandable ways. In the end, an amazing discovery means nothing if you are the only person who understands it.
The INTP is usually very independent, unconventional, and original. They are not likely to place much value on traditional goals such as popularity and security. They usually have complex characters, and may tend to be restless and temperamental. They are strongly ingenious, and have unconventional thought patterns which allows them to analyze ideas in new ways. Consequently, a lot of scientific breakthroughs in the world have been made by the INTP.
The INTP is at his best when he can work on his theories independently. When given an environment which supports his creative genius and possible eccentricity, the INTP can accomplish truly remarkable things. These are the pioneers of new thoughts in our society.
INTPs are pensive, analytical folks. They may venture so deeply into thought as to seem detached, and often actually are oblivious to the world around them.
Precise about their descriptions, INTPs will often correct others (or be sorely tempted to) if the shade of meaning is a bit off. While annoying to the less concise, this fine discrimination ability gives INTPs so inclined a natural advantage as, for example, grammarians and linguists.
INTPs are relatively easy-going and amenable to almost anything until their principles are violated, about which they may become outspoken and inflexible. They prefer to return, however, to a reserved albeit benign ambiance, not wishing to make spectacles of themselves. ... Mathematics is a system where many INTPs love to play, similarly languages, computer systems--potentially any complex system. INTPs thrive on systems. Understanding, exploring, mastering, and manipulating systems can overtake the INTP's conscious thought. This fascination for logical wholes and their inner workings is often expressed in a detachment from the environment, a concentration where time is forgotten and extraneous stimuli are held at bay. Accomplishing a task or goal with this knowledge is secondary.
INTPs and Logic -- One of the tipoffs that a person is an INTP is her obsession with logical correctness. Errors are not often due to poor logic -- apparent faux pas in reasoning are usually a result of overlooking details or of incorrect context. Games NTs seem to especially enjoy include Risk, Bridge, Stratego, Chess, Go, and word games of all sorts. ...
All 16 personality types have their strengths and weaknesses, and all of them are valuable to society. Introverted or not, the best way to attain your full potential is to reach out to your fellow humans and use their strengths to complement your weaknesses. Indeed, the smarter you are the more you should realize that you really don't know much.
Yes, I sacrificed several hours of hang-out time with friends to make this. Was it worth it? Yes. BTW <3 everyone at TL - many smart people, I dare say many introverts - I've often been able to draw energy from (rightfully earned) appreciation of my works here which has actually helped me significantly.
You guys are awesome, thanks for reading. Gogo Dec 21, 2012 new beginning / awakening / intellectual and spiritual revolution!!!
"It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong." -Voltaire
decado90 United States. December 21 2012 08:58. Posts 480
Being introverted is cool. I know some people whose lives come to an end when they have nowhere to go on a Friday.
I appreciate the effort you put into making that ginormous post. Anything to increase awareness would be cool. I'm tired of people thinking that introverts are psychotic time bombs waiting to go off.
On December 21 2012 09:01 Barrin wrote: Could you elaborate on what you mean by myth?
i assume the 10 myths listed in the OP...?
as an introvert myself, i'd say those describe me pretty accurately as well. long, but nice read
On December 21 2012 09:05 SnipedSoul wrote: Being introverted is cool. I know some people whose lives come to an end when they have nowhere to go on a Friday.
I appreciate the effort you put into making that ginormous post. Anything to increase awareness would be cool. I'm tired of people thinking that introverts are psychotic time bombs waiting to go off.
haha, i remember in my AP psych class in high school, my teacher said (sort of jokingly, but i sensed a hint of seriousness) that i'd wind up being a serial killer or something along those lines 'cause i'd always just sit in the corner not talking to anyone and just doing my own thing. not sure if i should've been insulted or not
Last edit: 2012-12-21 09:11:33
jdseemoreglass United States. December 21 2012 09:06. Posts 3773
INTJ/P high five Barrin. Nice long write up, I think I'm going to enjoy reading this.
Not so sure about the myths though. I do dislike most people for one thing
"If you want this forum to be full of half-baked philosophy discussions between pompous faggots like yourself forever, stay the course captain vanilla" - FakeSteve[TPR], 2006
CrispyTender Canada. December 21 2012 09:09. Posts 163
I'm very introverted (a very strong INTP), but I've also learned that if you aren't social you won't excel in life. You need to be extroverted at times to accomplish great things. You can be content as an introvert, but learning how to be extroverted when the situation calls for it is very important.
On December 21 2012 09:11 Eppa! wrote: I have a lot of friends, i like small talk and I am comfy in groups. I am introverted according to every test i take.
Chef and Architect are very social jobs.
Depends on where chef works I guess. Ya I really wasn't sure about architect >.<
"It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong." -Voltaire
BluePanther United States. December 21 2012 09:21. Posts 2669
ENTJ here, I think a lot of this stuff is generalised bullshit... you can't just group people into these broad categories, people have a variety of introverted and extroverted qualities.
Proud INFJ here, but I don't really have a problem expressing myself since I'm studying engineering right now and so most of my friends are also introverts so we understand each other. However I always find myself becoming nervous when I have to make a phone call and deal with strangers
Last edit: 2012-12-21 09:25:54
Tracking treasure down
Barrin United States. December 21 2012 09:28. Posts 4196
On December 21 2012 09:24 Larkin wrote: ENTJ here, I think a lot of this stuff is generalised bullshit... you can't just group people into these broad categories, people have a variety of introverted and extroverted qualities.
I did try to convey that where possible. I'll pick out all the parts where I do if you'd like (when I listed Lady Gagy as an introvert I thought this mix of qualities was crystal clear). Keep in mind I didn't make most of this stuff, I'm just presenting it.
Last edit: 2012-12-21 09:32:56
"It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong." -Voltaire
Belisarius Australia. December 21 2012 09:34. Posts 1765
I'm sorry, I had to laugh at "almost a quarter century of experience being an introvert".
There was a poll a while ago that asked for the Myers-Briggs types. Something like 90% of TL turned out to be INTP/INTJ, which I found both surprising and apt.
I'd take any of those personality things with a grain of salt, though. People are complicated, and it's easy to go a bit far in identifying yourself as "an introvert" and intentionally letting that rule your life. I also don't agree with a lot of the job things.
Last edit: 2012-12-21 09:34:53
My_Fake_Plastic_Luv United States. December 21 2012 09:34. Posts 69
What if I'm really shy thus statistically matching me with introverts. Yet in my bleeding tender heart I believe I'm really an extrovert. Am I being delusional; should I suffocated this line of thinking with a mattress?
Its going to be a glorious day, I feel my luck could change
Myles United States. December 21 2012 09:35. Posts 4073
On December 21 2012 09:24 Larkin wrote: ENTJ here, I think a lot of this stuff is generalised bullshit... you can't just group people into these broad categories, people have a variety of introverted and extroverted qualities.
I did try to convey that where possible. I'll pick out all the parts where I do if you'd like (when I listed Lady Gagy as an introvert I thought this mix of qualities was crystal clear). Keep in mind I didn't make most of this stuff, I'm just presenting it.
I've seen these type tests in the past that give you a percentage of what you are rather than a absolute type. I'm certainly an introvert(always score like 75% on that) but the others would be a lot more moderate(~60%).
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decado90 United States. December 21 2012 08:58. Posts 480
Myles United States. December 21 2012 09:35. Posts 4073
