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Everything You Need to Know About the INTP Personality Type

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The INTP personality type is nicknamed The Logician and belongs to the NT Intellectual temperament. INTPs are easygoing yet private, with a colorful inner world that leaves them constantly buzzing with ideas. They are the most rational out of all the 16 personalitiy types. INTPs evaluate everything using logic. In fact, they like to figure out how things work, and they thrive on the theoretical. One of their gifts is being able to analyze complex problems thoroughly. At the same time, they do not like rigid rules and often do not abide by them. Ultimately, INTPs are independent intellectuals who strive to think for themselves.

Not sure if your personality type is INTP? Find out by taking our free personality test.

Already have your test results? Keep reading to learn all about these topics:

  • What traits characterize INTPs?
  • What are their strengths and weaknesses?
  • Which famous people are INTPs?
  • What are the best INTP career choices?
  • How do INTPs get along with other types, and what determines their compatibility in various relationships?

But first, let’s establish what the INTP personality type is like, in a nutshell.

Also called Logicians, INTPs are Introverts who direct their energy inward. They are energized by spending time alone, and they are typically more comfortable in small groups or one-on-one settings rather than in large groups. When it comes to how they process information, INTPs are Intuitive types. Their thought process can be intriguingly deep and future-oriented, and they can see endless possibilities. Being imaginative is instinctive for them. It’s always interesting inside their heads because they are filled with abstract and complex ideas, which are grounded by their preference for Thinking. INTPs make decisions primarily with their head, not with emotion. They are impersonal and objective, trusting facts and hard data over subjective feelings. Finally, as a Perceiving personality type, INTPs have a relaxed, flexible attitude, choosing to keep their options open. They avoid routines and rules, and they’re prone to improvising rather than making detailed plans.

The Logician personality type is acutely autonomous – they do not like feeling controlled. Traditional roles can feel debilitating to them because INTPs want plenty of time and freedom to focus on their intellectual pursuits. Because of their independent nature, it’s not surprising that rRelationships are on INTPs’ radar but are not always of first importance. However, they respect people who are genuine. As long as their independence is respected, INTPs are supportive and willing to make sacrifices in relationships that are important to them.

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” — Albert Einstein 

INTPs love to learn. Although they enjoy networking to exchange ideas and knowledge, spending time alone to reflect on what they’ve learned is necessary for them. Their attention can drift quickly unless the learning experience demands intellectual competence and mastery. Conceptual perfection is their ideal, from well-thought-out theorems that connect the dots flawlessly to logically sensible explanations of day-to-day things.

INTP Key Facts

INTPs are one of the NT temperament personality types (also known as Rationalists, Analysts, or Knowledge-Seekers). These types are characterized as goal-oriented and analytical people who make decisions using rationality. They’re driven to master large amounts of information, and they value competence and self-sufficiency.

Here are some key facts that will help you get to know the Logician personality better:

  • INTPs are one of the most likely personality types to study a foreign language
  • They’re also among the least likely to believe in a higher power
  • More INTPs may experience career dissatisfaction as compared to other types
  • You’ll find many INTPs working in science and technology
  • Their top personal values are freedom, independence, and autonomy

INTP Meaning

If you’re new to the concept of the 16 personality types, you’re probably curious about what the INTP abbreviation stands for.

The letters in INTP stand for the 4 Personality Preferences that this type has: Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Perceiving. Preferences are the unique dimensions that characterize a personality type, and they were coined by Carl Jung, whose psychological theories form the foundation of the 16 personalities theory.

In addition to their four preferences, personality types are defined by their stack of Cognitive Functions, which determine how they make decisions and interact with the world. As with preferences, there are also four of them, and they follow a strictly individual order for each type, with two dominant functions and two weaker functions.

Below, we will discuss how both of these important concepts – preferences and functions – relate to the INTP personality type.

INTP Preferences

Let’s take a closer look at what the four INTP preferences stand for:

Introversion is characterized by a preference to focus on the inner world. INTPs are energized by spending time alone or with a small group. Being with too many people at the same time can be draining for them, and they seek depth rather than breadth in their relationships. As introverts, INTPs take the time to process information internally. They are great listeners, and they listen before talking.

People with Intuition live in the future, and they’re immersed in a world of possibilities. They process information through patterns and impressions. As Intuitives, INTPs value inspiration and imagination. They gather knowledge by reading between the lines. Their abstract nature leads them to gravitate towards deep ideas, concepts and metaphors.

As Thinking types, INTPs are objective. They make decisions based on facts, and they are ruled by their head instead of by their heart. INTPs judge situations and other people based on logic. They prioritize truth over tact, and they can easily identify flaws. Their strong critical thinking skills orient them towards problem-solving. Thinking doesn’t mean INTPs are without emotion – rather, they can step back from it in favor of being impersonal and unbiased.

The Perceiving preference refers to a person’s adaptability and flexibility. INTPs prefer to keep their options open, which is why they thrive with the unexpected and are open to change. This makes them spontaneous people who can juggle several projects at once. They enjoy starting a task more than finishing it. INTPs may not see why work and play should be separate concepts, and they do their best to incorporate both in their lives at the same time.

INTP Cognitive Functions

As we’ve already mentioned, every person engages with the world through four cognitive functions. Each function can be either Introverted (the energy is directed inward) or Extroverted (the energy is directed outwards). The INTP’s Dominant function is Introverted Thinking, and their Auxiliary function is Extroverted Intuition.

Let’s take a look at the full INTP function stack:

Introverted Thinking (Dominant Function)

INTPs use this function the most. While Thinking (T), INTPs make decisions based on fact and logic. The Introverted Thinking function enables them to break down concepts, engage in logical analysis, and solve problems objectively in their heads. It also strives to create an accurate internal model of the world that’s ever-evolving as INTPs make constant adjustments based on current data.

Extroverted Intuition (Auxiliary Function)

INTPs’ use of this function is somewhat high. With Intuition (N), INTPs process new information through impressions, possibilities, and meanings. Extroverted Intuition allows them to see different paths forward. When an INTP receives information, they are able to see that there is more than one way to look at things.

Extroverted Feeling (Tertiary Function)

INTPs use this function, but to a lesser degree. With Sensing (S), INTPs can take in data through their five senses. The Introverted Sensing function allows them to remember data in detail and to compare it with current information. It is the ability to link present experiences to past experiences in search of a connection.

Extroverted Feeling (Inferior Function)

INTPs use this function the least out of the four. While Feeling (T), INTPs can make decisions based on emotions and gut instincts. When developed, Extroverted Feeling enables them to adjust their behavior to the needs of others. It is the ability to relate and the desire to connect with others with warmth and consideration.

INTP Description

Hopefully by now, we’ve given you a well-rounded picture of what INTPs are like. But we still want to build a full description of this personality type. In this section, we’ll describe the prominent characteristics of INTPs, along with strengths and weaknesses that they possess. You can also check out our comprehensive and detailed article about INTP traits and characteristics.

Another way of achieving a better understanding of the INTP personality type is by contrasting it with the 15 other types. What are their similarities and differences? In what ways do they get along, and what are common pitfalls to watch out for when they interact? We wrote an in-depth analysis on how to spot an INTP compared to other personality types, which can give you further insights into this personality type.

INTP Personality Traits

Here are just a few INTP traits:

  • Logical
  • Intellectual
  • Easygoing
  • Individualistic
  • Theoretical
  • Flexible
  • Inventive
  • Curious
  • Impersonal
  • Objective
  • Analytical
  • Complex
  • Spontaneous
  • Private
  • Independent
  • Future-focused
  • Rule-breaking
  • Carefree
  • Creative
  • Perfectionist
  • Unemotional
  • Abstract

Strengths and Weaknesses

We’ve listed some common INTP strengths and weaknesses below. Of course, these can show up differently from person to person. One INTP might struggle with certain weaknesses more than others, while another INTP may learn the healthy expression of a quality as they get older. In any case, these strengths and weaknesses are among the most common in INTPs:

Strengths:

  • Laidback and easygoing
  • Handles criticism well
  • Not demanding
  • Enthusiastic about their interests
  • Imaginative and creative
  • Brilliant at analyzing

Weaknesses:

  • Not good with practical matters
  • Can be explosive
  • Uncomfortable with feelings
  • Distrusting of others
  • Prone to self-doubt
  • Struggles with committing

INTP Percentage

As previously stated, INTPs are a part of the NT temperament personality type. According to official 16 Personalities Institute data, NT types make up 10.4% of all personality types. Individually, INTPs make up 2.5% of the population in the USA. Here’s a summary of INTP demographics:

  • In a survey of the US population for all 16 personality types, INTPs made up 2.5% of those surveyed. This makes them one of the rarest personality types. Introversion, Intuition, and Perceiving are less common preferences than their opposites (Extroversion, Sensing, and Judging).
  • 1 in every 25 males is an INTP (4% of all males). 1 in every 100 females is an INTP (1% of all females). Female INTPs are the least common type-gender combination.
  • There are significantly more male INTPs than female INTPs, with males outnumbering females 4 to 1. One reason there are more male INTPs is that males tend to identify as Thinkers (T) while females more often identify as Feelers (F).

Given the distribution of the 16 personality types, INTPs can be more difficult to find, although they gravitate towards certain fields and interests. To be precise, around one in fifty people is an INTP. Male INTPs may be easier to spot than female INTPs. Aside from the difference in their numbers, female INTPs may be less expressive of classic INTP traits because of traditional gender expectations.

Other INTP Nicknames

The 16 personalities theory is becoming increasingly popular in many aspects of people’s lives (working, educational, and personal). So it should come as no surprise that different sources give their own names to each of the personality types. Here are other names associated with INTPs:

  • Rational Architect, according to David Keirsey, an American psychologist and university professor
  • Designer Theorizer, according to Linda Berens, a human and organizational development practitioner
  • Builder of Theories, according to Alan Brownsword, author of Psychological Type: An Introduction
  • Creative Logician, according to Jonathan P. Niednagel, developer of Brain Typing

And last but not least:

  •  Objective Analyst, according to the official 16 personalities website

BONUS: here are some other names you can stumble upon when reading about this personality type on the Internet:

  • Critic
  • Designer
  • Engineer
  • Expansive Analyzer
  • Expert
  • Ideas Incubator
  • Innovator
  • Logician
  • Philosopher
  • Pioneer
  • Problem-Solver
  • Qualified Leader
  • Seeker
  • Thinker

Famous INTPs

Despite their tendency to shy away from the spotlight, the INTP personality type is well-represented among famous people. This is usually because they’ve made groundbreaking contributions to their fields of interest. From science to comedy and literature, many INTPs are conceptual pioneers, pushing past convention and coming up with truly original perspectives. INTPs take pride in being competent, and they can direct extreme focus to whatever catches their interest.

As rare as INTPs can be in real life, they’re actually easier to spot in fiction, and several notable protagonists are INTPs. Whether in TV shows, movies, anime, or books, there are numerous examples of INTPs. Combining a sharp intellect with a quirky personality, fictional INTP characters typically take on the role of the voice of reason.

In case you’re interested, you can take a look at this epic list of 170 famous INTP people and fictional characters. It includes short analyses of prominent thinkers, artists, and even anime characters. Below, we have summarized some of the categories you can find there:

INTP Musicians and Artists

The INTP personality type’s experimental way of thinking lends itself well to music and art. Going beyond aesthetics, INTP artists emphasize the ideas behind their artwork, and they can be creative geniuses at their best. Because they don’t always follow tradition, their art tends to be refreshing and genre-defying. Instead of using art as a vehicle for expressing their emotions, INTPs are more likely to see it as a way of starkly conveying their observations. They’re especially drawn to incorporating science and technology in their art. On top of this, they’re versatile enough to try different kinds of mediums, making for a long-running career where their art keeps on evolving.

  • Albrecht Durer, German painter and printmaker (Apocalypse; Melencolia I)
  • Caroline Polachek, American singer-songwriter (Door; Ocean of Tears; Parachute)
  • Charles Schulz, American cartoonist (Peanuts)
  • David Byrne, British-American singer-songwriter (Strange Overtones; Tiny Apocalypse)
  • Matt Bellamy, British singer-songwriter of Muse (Tomorrow’s World; Muscle Museum)

INTP Scientists

INTPs are among the most prominent personality types in science – the list of famous INTP scientists includes iconic luminaries who have changed the world forever with their discoveries and inventions. Science is a natural fit for INTPs. The Logician personality type excels in understanding complex systems of thought and drawing logical conclusions. They’re also patient enough to absorb large amounts of knowledge and theory. One of their most useful characteristics here is their skepticism. INTP scientists are hardly ever complacent, instead constantly upgrading their knowledge and factoring in new data.

  • Albert Einstein, German physicist and mathematician
  • Charles Darwin, British naturalist
  • Marie Curie, French-Polish physicist
  • Paul Dirac, British theoretical physicist
  • Richard Dawkins, British evolutionary biologist and writer

INTP Philosophers

Even when they’re young, most INTPs turn a scrutinizing eye to the world around them, questioning everything and forming their own evaluations. This gives them an instinctive philosophical bent. More than any personality type, INTPs can get easily lost in thought, diving deep into theories and mapping out their numerous implications. INTPs don’t want to deal with mundane day-to-day details – they’re more entranced with grand ideas. Ultimately, they’re looking for an overarching mental model, painstakingly building each block of it using rigorous logic. “I think, therefore I am” is a classic statement made by Rene Descartes, an INTP philosopher.

  • Alan Turing, British mathematician and computer scientist
  • Hannah Arendt, German-American political theorist
  • Immanuel Kant, German philosopher
  • John Locke, British philosopher and physician
  • Milton Friedman, American economist

INTP Actors

Although INTPs are introverts who may balk initially at letting their emotions run free onstage, they can be excellent actors given enough motivation and passion. INTP actors who have developed Extroverted Feeling, their inferior function, can put themselves in their character’s shoes and assume a different identity. When they’re preparing for a role, INTP actors study their character analytically, breaking down their motivations and how they would act in various situations. INTP actors may lean towards comedy, and many of them are also directors and writers.

  • Bill Murray, American actor and comedian (Saturday Night Live; Meatballs; Groundhog Day)
  • Jesse Eisenberg, American actor and writer (The Social Network; Zombieland)
  • Rowan Atkinson, American actor and writer (Blackadder; Mr. Bean; Not the Nine O’Clock News)
  • Tina Fey, American actress and comedian (Saturday Night Live; 30 Rock)
  • Woody Allen, American director and actor (Annie Hall; Midnight in Paris; Manhattan)

INTP Fictional Characters

INTPs can take on numerous tropes in the world of fiction. They may appear as geniuses, mad scientists, or intellectuals – and they’re often cast as main characters in detective shows. INTP characters typically play a crucial role in the story because they can assess situations accurately and get past obstacles with their problem-solving skills. Aside from this, they can make for colorful fictional characters because of their funny, sarcastic remarks and biting wit. They may even be unpredictable, acting on their own and making intuitive leaps in their thought processes.

  • Amy Farrah Fowler, Big Bang Theory 
  • Ariadne, Inception
  • L, Death Note 
  • Neo, The Matrix 
  • Spencer Reid, Criminal Minds 

INTP Compatibility

While INTPs have a laid-back attitude around other people, they’re also very private, preferring to maintain a few close friendships instead of getting to know a wide number of acquaintances. They tend to get along with like-minded people who share their interests, with whom they can exchange their deeper thoughts. As a result, they may have smoother interactions with personality types that are similar to them. In turn, they may struggle more with personality types whose worldview is starkly different from theirs, although these relationships can give more opportunities for personal growth.

In particular, INTPs may have a difficult time seeing eye-to-eye with SJ temperament types (ESTJ, ESFJ, ISTJ, ISFJ). This is because the main preferences of SJ types (Sensation and Judging) compel them to have an opposing life philosophy when compared to INTPs. SJ types are pragmatic people who are much more concerned with the concrete and tangible rather than the abstract. Unlike INTPs, they seek out security rather than novelty, and they hold traditions, rules, and authority in high esteem.

Still, with sufficient compromise, INTPs have the potential to form a fulfilling relationship with any personality type. Let’s take a look at how they behave across different kinds of relationships:

Romance

INTPs instinctively conserve the energy that they give out to people, so the relationships in their lives are always meaningful and significant – otherwise, they wouldn’t bother to put in the effort. When it comes to romance, they can experience a push and pull between their desire to be self-sufficient and their need to form intimate connections. Given their natural shyness, they may also be reluctant to make romantic moves unless they have enough evidence that the other person will like them back.

Although they may be slow to commit, they’re typically very loyal and candid when they enter a long-term relationship. Ultimately, INTPs are looking for a partner that they can have a mental connection with. They love talking about their interests and being kept on their toes intellectually. On top of this, they’re low-maintenance and undemanding, with a straightforward approach when they encounter issues in the relationships. INTPs dislike playing mind games – they’re direct and blunt with their partners because honesty is the ultimate form of respect for them. They also rarely let emotion get the best of them, doing their best to communicate reasonably. While they may not be inclined to traditional romantic gestures, INTPs can be very expressive with physical affection, and they can think of creative ways to add some fun to the relationship.

Among the 15 other personality types, there are two that are likely to give INTPs a good balance of growth and comfort in romantic relationships. Here they are:

1. INTPs and ENTJs

This pairing is interesting because they are each other’s shadow type. They share the same cognitive functions, but they’re flipped; for example, INTPs lead with Introverted Thinking followed with Extroverted Intuition, while ENTJs lead with Extroverted Thinking and Introverted Intuition. Because of this, they may find each other intriguing right away. Although these two personality types have different strengths, both of them are oriented towards logical thinking, and extreme directness rarely offends them. Typically, they can be very efficient at solving relationship issues together, engaging in discussions rather than arguments. INTPs can guide ENTJs to be more experimental and laid-back, while ENTJs can help motivate INTPs towards decisive action.

2. INTPs and ESTJs

Because they only have one Preference in common, INTPs and ESTJs may seem like an unlikely couple, but they can actually be a compatible combination once they get together. Crucially, the primary function of these two types involves Thinking. This is a good point of similarity. Both INTPs and ESTJs excel at observing the world unemotionally, and they respect each other’s use of logic. Interesting debates with a dose of dry humor will likely be commonplace in this relationship. These two personality types also appreciate being up front and have a mutual aversion to emotional manipulation. From there, the differences that they do have can be stimulating rather than grating, as ESTJs’ pragmatism can balance out well with INTPs’ out-of-the-box thinking.

These are the two matches that have the best potential for a harmonious relationship with an INTP. It’s not like they can’t get along with anyone else, however; you can read a full evaluation of their compatibility with the other personality types (including themselves) in this INTP Relationships article.

Friendships

INTPs tend to be selective when choosing their friends. In fact, if you ask them, they’re likely to say that most of the people in their lives are acquaintances and only a few are close friends. This is because INTPs don’t use the word “friendship” lightly – and they also don’t reveal much of themselves right away. However, once someone does get close to them, INTPs can be supportive, long-lasting friends who are charmingly candid.

INTPs often end up befriending people with similar interests. They enjoy quick-witted banter and thoughtful conversations that go beyond day-to-day concerns. When they’re with their friends, INTPs are much more vocal about the theories that are constantly buzzing in their heads. They’re also fond of teasing their friends, and they have a silly, random side that lightens up the mood.

While INTPs are mostly open-minded and versatile, there are a few personality types that require much more adjustment from them in order to get along:

1. INTP and ISFJ

Even though these two personality types are both introverts who need extended alone time, it’s rare for them to become friends. ISFJs are much more matter-of-fact than INTPs, and they’re more comfortable looking back on what has worked before rather than reinventing the wheel. INTPs’ passion for abstract concepts can seem like pointless overthinking to ISFJs, which can lead to unsatisfying communication between these two personality types. Likewise, INTPs can be perplexed by ISFJs’ emphasis on duty and desire for emotional affirmation. INTPs also want their ideas to be challenged every now and then, but ISFJs may avoid this because it seems argumentative for them.

2. INTP and ESFP

INTPs and ESFPs are another personality pair that can feel at odds with each other. Since they only have the Perceiving Preference in common, there can be friction between the two of them because it’s challenging for either of them to understand where the other person is coming from. ESFPs are performers at heart, and they’re very much people-oriented. Most of their interests involve high-energy events and revolve around social situations. In contrast, INTPs lean towards solitary activities that are mentally stimulating rather than physically active. The two don’t agree on conversation topics either, and ESFPs’ penchant for drama doesn’t sit well with INTPs’ detached attitude.

3. INTP and ESFJ

These personality types have no shared preferences at all; in fact, ESFJs are the polar opposites of INTPs in the 16 personalities system. Although both can seem interesting to each other initially, they would have to bridge profound differences in values and interests in order to become friends. INTPs are abstract thinkers, and they deliberately devote much of their time to mental exploration. On the other hand, this can seem like wasteful theorizing to ESFJs, who would rather be out and about with people. ESFJs also base their decisions on other people’s emotions and social norms, which can seem irrational to INTPs.

Parenthood

INTP parents tend to be relaxed and accepting, and they emphasize the intellectual development of their children. They consider it their responsibility to help broaden their child’s thinking. While some parents might discourage constant questioning from their children, INTPs welcome this, actively cultivating their children’s curiosity. Many INTPs are happy to teach their children, whether by helping them out in school or introducing them to new interests. An INTP parent may also play devil’s advocate in a good-natured way, and they will rarely coddle their children intellectually, exposing them to complex topics early on.

Since INTPs dislike being controlled themselves, they are far from controlling as parents. They prefer to give their children ample space to make their own decisions. In fact, what INTPs ultimately want is for their children to be independent thinkers. Traditional considerations such as who to marry and what career to pursue aren’t as important to INTPs. They care more about whether their child can thoroughly assess choices based on their own goals, rather than simply following social norms. Personal freedom is a closely held value for INTPs, and they strive to instill this in their own children.

Because of this, INTP parents aren’t nitpicky about small mistakes. They can also be remarkably patient and calm, rarely ever taking out their emotions on their child. In addition, INTP parents are often very good listeners who sincerely hear their child out without imposing judgment right away. This high degree of tolerance makes their children feel accepted for who they are and safe to speak out openly. However, INTP parents may be unsure about how to handle intimacy and how to pay attention to their children’s emotions. They can also be distant occasionally, and they may find the practical chores and routines involved with raising a child demanding.

INTPs at Work

INTPs contribute formidable critical thinking skills, ingenuity, and logical rigor to the workplace. Out of all the personality types, INTPs are the most well-suited to analyzing intricate theoretical systems. Problem-solving in their fields of interest excites them, and they can be engrossed for hours in a project, eventually emerging with an efficient solution that wouldn’t occur to most people. Since they can spot inconsistencies quickly, they’re also excellent at troubleshooting.

Aside from their keenly rational minds, INTPs are very imaginative and even visionary. They often do well when put in charge of brainstorming and idea generation. INTPs perceive multiple possibilities, and they delight in pushing past conceptual boundaries and into innovative territory. Instead of handling routine tasks, INTPs tend to follow where inspiration takes them, even leaping from idea to idea as they chase their train of thought.

Because they put most of their energy into thinking, they’re the happiest when they can mostly work alone, with plenty of autonomy in the workplace. Although INTPs can collaborate well with others, they do their best work when they have the time and space to reflect on their own. Given their high standards and emphasis on competence, INTPs frequently garner respect in the workplace.

The work habits of INTPs, as well as INTP career matches and INTP careers to avoid, is an extensive and interesting subject. Considering one’s personality type, preferences, and traits can be illuminating for a job search, so we have laid out a small overview of some career paths INTPs are likely to enjoy and be especially good at.

INTP Careers

INTPs thrive in unstructured environments where they can be intellectually engaged. Diving deep into ideas energizes them, and they may end up at the cutting edge of their industry, leaving the details of practical implementation to other people. INTPs naturally prefer being self-directed, with the freedom to pursue what they find the most interesting at the moment. Bureaucracy and excessive workplace rules are extremely stifling for them. Because they would rather focus their attention on getting the job done, they occasionally see meetings, small talk, and unnecessary social interactions as distractions. Many INTPs are attracted to flexible, open-minded workplaces where they can focus on their own projects as opposed to strict corporate settings.

Below we have listed several careers in which an INTP type can particularly excel and remain intrigued for a long time.

1. Technology

INTPs are among the most well-represented personality types in technology. The fast-moving nature of the technology industry makes it a promising field for INTP careers, as these personality types are always eager to learn something new. Technology companies also tend to have a laid-back culture that promotes innovation. INTPs are unlikely to get bored – from advancements in AI to new app ideas, there’s unlimited ground for their imagination. Some INTPs would also rather work with systems and data or conceptualize products instead of interacting with people for most of the day. Whether as developers, data scientists, or machine learning engineers, INTPs in technology combine logical analysis with creativity.

Here are some examples in this area of work:

  • Software developer
  • Web developer
  • Database administrator
  • Data scientist
  • Information security analyst
  • Computer network architect

2. Science

From Albert Einstein to Marie Curie and Charles Darwin, INTPs have made a significant impact on science. Given the sheer number of famous INTP scientists, it’s not surprising that science can be a great career path for INTPs. Science essentially consists of a vast body of knowledge that’s built up using logic – a perfect fit for the INTP’s observant and inquiring personality. As scientists, INTPs pursue the deeper questions, relentlessly asking “why” and looking for logical explanations. Instead of devising practical applications for a concept, they may take on research roles instead where they can test out theories and potentially make groundbreaking discoveries.

Here are some examples of ideal INTP careers in this field:

  • Neuroscientist
  • Physicist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Biochemist
  • Mathematician
  • Microbiologist

3. Arts and Humanities

The arts and humanities are another field in which INTPs can have a satisfying career. Autonomy is a must for INTPs, and the arts can provide them with unparalleled freedom to carve out their own path. Art positions are also much more supportive of non-conformity and unconventional thinking compared to other jobs. INTPs can explore their ideas in full force, eventually creating original works of art. In addition, they have more leeway to decide what to work on next, and they can block out significant amounts of alone time for their creative projects. This complements the INTP’s natural tendency to work in bursts and to improvise rather than making rigid plans.

Here are some examples of INTP careers in the arts and humanities:

  • Writer
  • Musician
  • Multimedia artist
  • Game designer
  • Video editor
  • Animator

INTP Humor

The more you get to know an INTP, the more you will experience their unique sense of humor. INTPs often have an ironic perspective of the world, and they lean towards dark humor, with sarcastic or absurdist undertones. They notice social conventions, norms, or figures of speech that are widely accepted but don’t actually make sense when examined rationally. Making fun of their observations is one way that they express their sense of humor.

INTPs have a way with words, so they’re fond of clever wordplay as well as jokes that make people pause and think. They also tend to deliver their jokes in a deadpan manner, allowing the content of the joke to speak for itself. Although INTPs may be reserved initially, their sense of humor is apparent to people that they’re close to. Because of their Extroverted Intuition, INTPs can actually be quite unpredictable and quirky, quickly spotting connections between two topics that seem unrelated. This can take conversations in a wild direction when they’re in a playful mood. INTPs also like devising inside jokes among their friends, making up their own on the spot instead of turning to formulaic punch lines.

INTP Jokes

INTPs’ bluntness shows through in their jokes, which are generally concise, sharp, and straight to the point. They’re also typically unafraid to poke fun at more serious topics. This is one reason why INTPs can be great at making people laugh using satire – they tell it like it is. At the same time, they might make self-deprecating jokes too. With all of the thoughts running through INTPs’ heads, they rarely run out of things to find humor in. Here’s a sample of some typical INTP jokes:

  • If you need so much space, there’s always NASA.
  • A clean desk is the sign of a cluttered desk drawer.
  • Best friends: ready to die for each other, but will fight to death over the last slice of pizza.

This is just a small sample of the kind of humor INTPs have, though; they have much more than this to offer.

INTP Quotes

Although INTPs are individualistic, they do have people that they look up to, such as those who achieved great success in the fields that INTPs are passionate about. Intellectual exploration, a commitment to the truth, and independence are among INTPs’ prominent values, so they respect people who exhibit these traits. The following are some quotes by notable people that INTPs may find particularly inspiring. They also capture the life philosophy of this personality type very well.

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.”Isaac Asimov

“If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.”Rene Descartes 

“Nobody ever figures out what life is all about, and it doesn’t matter. Explore the world. Nearly everything is really interesting if you go into it deeply enough.”Richard Feynman