The Enigmatic INTP Psyche, Part 3

A further result of the Ti function is the concept, lived out by many an INTP, that knowledge is everything. They tend to believe that information is the key to life. All mistakes can be avoided by having the right information at the right time. This has at least a certain logic about it. Where they differ from other temperaments (especially from SP types) is that a large gap may exist between knowing and doing. To know is everything, to do is a lower order necessity, if it is necessary at all. This breeds the potential for lazy aloofness.

I resent that. ...ugh, it's true, isn't it? Crap. Something else to overcome.


The INTP is often satisfied simply by knowing that he could do something if he wished.

Ha, yeah, that's actually mostly true, though usually at the very least, a token attempt is required to test the waters.


This also leads to the danger of overestimating one's capabilities and losing a grip on reality.

Shoot. You mean I wouldn't be the best go-go dancer in the world?


Finally, the dominant Ti function means that the INTP takes his interests and beliefs very seriously.

Nah-ah. OK, yeah, usually. This is a little uncomfortable to read, I'm not gonna lie.


Honesty and directness when explaining these interests are usually displayed. INTPs detest facades and particularly dislike people who exhibit them.

Amen, preach on.


Equally, those kind of people also dislike INTPs and avoid them at all cost, for they know that the INTP will see right through them.

You know who you are.


The INTP's serious nature also makes them almost immune to mockery and being made fun of, at least when face to face with their mocker.

At least... And it's not that the mockery goes unnoticed or unresponded. I generally discard people from my life if mockery is a staple of their existence.


If someone attempts to make a sarcastic, mocking comment about an interest of an INTP, the latter will defend himself with a pure, almost naive seriousness, explaining his position with a severe exactness, wielding his words like swords.

Something I've been trying to rein in, actually, though I hadn't thought of it this way. Interesting. And yes, I think it makes me look a bit silly when I defend certain things so vigorously in response to a snide remark or playful jab. Yet it takes energy not to respond...


This almost always disarms the mocker who does not expect such a penetrating defence.

Tee-hee. Deer in the headlights. Sometimes they had it coming to them, but other poor blokes didn't mean any harm. I've occasionally felt bad for this and worked on doing it less.


The INTPs defense usually also contains a subtle but biting attack thrown back in the mocker's face,...

Sometimes subtle enough to be able to deny it, even to myself, if confronted (by someone else or by myself). Yeah...dang...


...chiefly because the INTP cannot entirely hide the fact that he believes his opponent to be stupid.

True! Who are you? Perry Mason?


Such confrontations might develop rapidly into physical ones, a danger that the INTP should be aware of. This ability to wield words with cutting precision is one of the INTP's greatest assests, but equally one of his most deadly traits. He is capable of using words creatively to penetrate deep into the understanding of a subject, but if not checked and wielded carelessly, his words can become highly destructive, especially where the Feeling function is heavily suppressed.

Words can, indeed, hurt. I've had to be careful throughout my life not to "wield" words like swords. Sometimes, I've thought it would have been better for a relationship had I punched someone in the nose rather than slice them asunder with carefully chosen words. That, however, is something I hope I've brought fairly well under control for quite a while.


Well, I think that's enough humility for one day. More to come...