10 Questions: INTP vs INTJ

We thought this would be an interesting experiment showcasing the similarities and differences between INTPs and INTJs in their approach to certain ideologies and interests. Below is a 10 item questionnaire that will offer perspective on how we think personally as well as our general MBTI typing.

What motivates you?

INTP: Education. Pursuit of knowledge, and obtaining as much information as possible to store into the compartments of my squishy membrane sack.

INTJ: As vain and as shallow as it may sound, what really drives me is the fear of failure and complacency. I do not posses a stagnant nature and I must continually improve myself and my ideas in an effort to grow.

Who is your role model?

INTP: This question leads to a vast number of nominees, but I would say my inspiration(rather) would be the minds of Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Sir Isaac Newton and of course from our generation, Stephen Hawking.

INTJ: I don’t necessarily prescribe to the idea of worshiping any individual regardless of their achievements, but if I had to choose it would be a Mexican stand-off between Isaac Newton, Nikola Tesla, and Marcus Aurelius.

Why do you write?

INTP: If I am going to be completely honest, writing for me provides proof of my mental capacity and advance thought process. It’s not always easy for someone like me to control those thoughts long enough to apply them into writing. In the case that I do, however, they tend to be in a complicated, exorbitant language. What is challenging is answering questions specifically, personally or with a deadline/outline. I am extremely scatter-brained and prefer to let my thoughts flow organically, so for the most part they remain in the confines of my skull. But another thing that drives me is to be challenged!

INTJ: Writing is an easy way for me to gather my thoughts and follow the logic of my arguments in a way that I can see the potential for errors or flaws. I also think that writing is one of the truest forms of introspection and reflection — when you are faced with yourself it becomes much more difficult to lie.

Do you like being alone?

INTP: It’s essential.

INTJ: Yes.

What do you like to read and or learn about?

INTP: I very rarely enjoy reading fiction, but when I do indulge, I particularly enjoy Sci-Fi and historical fiction. I consistently find myself reading about astronomy, astrophysics, orbital mechanics and floating within the never ending realm of philosophy.

INTJ: In terms of reading literature, I enjoy Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Biographies, and historical works. Learning, however, I cast a wide net and tend to devour any and everything related to my interests at the time. A few interests of mine include computers (software and hardware) and Finance (personal and corporate).

Biggest strength and weakness?

INTP: My most prominent strength would be my ability to think outside the box and provide unexpected, yet insightful perspective. My weakness is simple, my lack in drive to share these thoughts.

INTJ: My biggest weakness is my ego. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance and I tend to tip-toe that line quite often. On the other hand, my greatest strength is being able to turn insights into actions.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

INTP: Being controlled mentally or physically.

INTJ: Lack of manners.

What is your most anticipated advancement?

INTP: Robotics; constantly improving and developing, and dependent upon our maintenance, we are provided an outlet for efficiently reaching those mysterious crevices we weren’t able to before (Curiosity the land-rover!). Or they could take our jobs making us lazier then ever, then destroy us all. Meh.

INTJ: The mission to Mars. The moment that we can reliably traverse space and become a true space-faring civilization will be one of the most defining moments in human existence as well as ensure human existence… A much shorter advancement that I aim looking forward to is the introduction of Tesla’s Model 3 as it offers cutting edge technology and a conversion to pure electric motoring that the average consumer can afford.

What do you think about the most?

INTP: I find myself cogitating most about personal growth and broadening of wisdom. Introspection plays a huge part of my day-to-day thought process. Obtaining information and observing the world around me, analyzing it, and making decisions based on what is in accordance to my personal value system. Developing this area of myself constantly not only opens the avenue to obtain other forms of knowledge more efficiently  it also helps me shed insight on what may develop others (in their lives) as well. So, in short, I think most about the improvement of my mind.

INTJ: The future. The ideal and efficient use of my time and actions on a daily basis should culminate in success in the distant future. So, I spend a lot of time meticulously cultivating myself now – regardless of how mundane it may make my daily routine – it has greatest return on investment.

Favorite Quote?

INTP: “It is paradoxical, yet true, to say, that the more we know, the more ignorant we become in the absolute sense, for it is only through enlightenment that we become conscious of our limitations. Precisely one of the most gratifying results of intellectual evolution is the continuous opening up of new and greater prospects.” -Nikola Tesla

INTJ: “I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” – Mark Twain

 

Brief Update

Some years have passed since my last visit here.

It is interesting to see this blog’s viewership increase exponentially in my absence, an almost posthumous distinction. Even such an ‘explosion’ to which I speak of is small and insignificant; it is interesting to still be writing in obscurity, just a lesser form.

I will continue to write, if sporadically, but I still have a few things left to say.

 

 

 

 

Book Run!

It’s time to create a quick list of potential purchases this Fall.

My reading style is a bit odd because even though I am in the middle of a series, I tend to intersperse books on different subjects as little breaks. Thus, I am in the middle of choosing what to get, here are my options currently:

Science!

Genius:  The Life and Science of Richard Feynman – The epitome of flamboyance and eccentricity, but one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.

Einstein: His Life and Universe – Need I really explain this option?

Isaac Newton – An in depth look into the beginnings of one of the greatest intellectual minds, ever.

Erwin Schrodinger and the Quantum Revolution –  He’s the father of Quantum Mechanics; it’s a must-read.

In Search of Schrodinger’s cat – I think my bias is showing.

Everything Else.

1Q84  – An epic by Murakami spanning a little over 1,000 pages, I welcome the challenge.

David and Goliath – I want to Malcom Gladwell, I really do, but I probably won’t.

***

My Barnes and Noble wishlist is hovering right around 100 – needless to say, I’ve left out a few – but, as I stated, this is just a quick review of the books I am considering.

 

 

 

 

How I disconnect to recharge

Are you an introvert? Me too; that means I have to get the fuck away from things sometimes. Unfortunately, being an adult, in the real world, is not a ride that you can just get off of. I find myself in awkward situations a lot, but I am persistent in trying to find a way to avoid most – if not all – social invitations.

I do not have social anxiety nor am I shy, but I have learned that being honest and blunt with the person who is extending an invitation is not the best way to avoid ‘confrontation’. You can’t just say you don’t care, well, you could, but, I’d like to keep a few social contacts available for future reference. Therefore, I am in a perpetual state of ‘busy’.

For the sake of clarity: I do not avoid obligations that I deem necessary, nor will I flake on a meeting that I arrange, but when it comes to attending your baby shower? No. I have better things to do.

Getting off the grid

In many relationships – romantic and platonic – it is difficult to explain why you have the constant urge to disappear. It can be straining on people, but it does not have to be. It was a statistical anomaly that I happened to facilitate a relationship with another intuitive, introverted thinker; however, it was still necessary to set boundaries in the beginning of our relationship.

1. I may not engage you often in conversation, but that does not mean that I do not enjoy your presence.
2. If the door to a room is closed I am either writing, reading, or doing work – knock before you enter.
3. Sometimes I go away for a walk or a drive, but I’m just thinking.
4. When I come home after work I am drained from interaction, so give me an hour to recuperate.

Those are a few of the basic mutual agreements between my significant other and I, but for platonic relationships such boundary setting can be weird. Those that I associate with I have known for nearly a decade, so they understand my tendencies, but it is important to screen relationships before they fully develop.

‘Disconnecting’ from the world is easy; turn off your phone, don’t check your email, and if you use any social media – log out. Once all of those ties are severed, stay inside. There is no need to go to the cafe on the corner to do anything; brew your own coffee.

Recharging

There are numerous avenues one can take in an effort to recharge, and I wouldn’t doubt that certain activities are efficient for some, but not others. Thus, my solitary activities – while mainstream – are what I found to work best for me; find your own :).

• Reading – I know, obvious, but the act of sitting down with a book, in an empty house, without any worries or pending obligations, is the best way for me to let myself wander. The efficiency of recharging while reading is not predicated on genre either, so I could be reading one of Murakami’s works, or that of Walter Isaacson’s and still recharge the same.
• Writing – Again, obvious, but it works. I enjoy putting things in order and writing is a way for me to express complex ideas in their most fundamental form which further enhances my ability to explain concepts. A lot of my writing has to have direction; I am not a random writer – even my stream of consciousness is operating in a specific direction. So, writing helps, but only in certain forms.
• Exercising – I am an advocate for healthy routines, and exercising is just a part of mine. I tend to focus on aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling. It helps to clear my head and simply focus on the technical and physical part of the action.
• Cooking – I don’t do it often enough, but it can be helpful as well; especially when I want to be alone with my SO.

The above is by no means an extensive list, but it works for me when I have the urge to get away from everything.

 

How do you recharge?

The Role of Art & Design at Home

Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.

Materialism versus Minimalism

I tiptoe the line between design aesthetic and practicality with caution because finding that perfect balance is difficult – and often expensive. Materialism is relative and varied depending on the normalcy of such behavior in certain cultures, but personally, I lean more toward tasteful minimalism. It is helpful that I am deliberate in the decision making process, and that I never purchase on impulse – I go in knowing or not at all.

Even then, however, I am not spartan-esque. My space is not bare-bones nor is it borne of sole functionality, yet everything that I procure has a place and a purpose. I have a vision of what I aim to create and anything that is an outlier is removed. If you viewed your space as a tangible representation of yourself then it would make sense to eliminate that which is unnecessary.  As you can imagine, the process is slow, partly because I have expensive tastes, but not the resources to sustain them so I compromise on a lot of items. And that I am a perfectionist.

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem so consider the following my admission. I have a problem – in my world all ‘things’ are systems and systems are designed to work efficiently and effectively. Therefore when I am in control of the design of my home, within my world, I expect ‘things’ to perform as they should. No hiccups.  It doesn’t always go as planned, but when it does, all is right within my world.

The design goal of my space is to create an environment of thought, creativity, and relaxation working in unison to simultaneously engage my mind, and put it at ease. I think I live in a paradox.

Art

I am not an art snob. I do not buy expensive paintings, and I don’t care who the creator was; I just enjoy art – it doesn’t move me emotionally, but I appreciate the aesthetic. Art can transform a space, and it definitely has a place in my home. The trick is limiting the volume of a specific kind of art in open display; change it up – collect paintings, prints, miniature sculptures, books, and things that highlight your interests in a muted way.

I’m a bit eclectic, myself. I admire dark, quirky surrealism as well as  technical realism, and don’t mind creating a juxtaposition of art on adjacent walls – which I’m sure is frowned upon in some circles, but what can I say? I live on the edge. Would you consider books art? I do. I keep a few leather-bound classics out, but I tend to keep the serious material in book-shelves.

People tend to bend the spine much more than I’m used to, so I keep them tucked away.

Unfortunately, I haven’t found a suitable miniature sculpture to display though it is not for lack of looking. I’m leaning toward something robotic, or at least, reminiscent of one.

I’ve listed a few sites where you can purchase art at the end, if you are interested.

Design

Design is as much about the use of empty space as it is about filling that empty space.

Good Design is

 Innovative

Useful

Aesthetic

Understandable

Unobtrusive

Honest

Long-lasting

Thorough to the last detail

Environmentally friendly

And, as little design as possible.

~ Dieter Rams

I do not have the luxury of designing my space from the ground up, but if I did, my home would be the brain-child between Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier. I’ve always had a deep-rooted appreciation for architectural integrity and the beauty of simplicity which both master architects can deliver. It may seem trivial, but beyond the sheer amount of time you (read: I) spend in a home coupled with the fact that it is the largest singular debt a person will garner – it better be worthwhile.

However, such sentiments are insignificant when compared to the necessity that is a private library. It is my only extravagant request; a secret, modern library with a hodgepodge of furniture. A Charles Eames lounge chair and ottoman situation under an Achille Castiglioni Arco Lamp for reading (or sleeping). Tucked away in the corner would be the Aziz Sariyer Arc desk with a Tua Office chair by Estel – I’ve put too much thought into this.

Why it matters

It doesn’t; to some people anyway.

As an introvert, I spend a lot of time in my space surrounded by my things, and as an INTJ, I work best when externally everything is neat, organized, and curated. The construction of a space that is inviting, thought-evoking, peaceful, and quiet is my goal. I put art that I enjoy in a design that is functional and pleasing where I can be alone with my thoughts – no interruptions.

Plus, I hate clutter. I’m constantly minimizing; when I built a PC I went for a less is more approach with everything (almost) wireless and a small form factor case. It being orange is borderline ironic, however it was on sale. As I said, expensive tastes on a small budget.

On the other extreme I cannot complete meaningful work in a busy environment. It just won’t happen. I’ll produce, but it will be of such poor quality (INTJs hold themselves and their work to an unattainable standard) that I’ll kick myself for even using it.

Can you work in a cluttered environment?

The End

1) Society6

2) We ♥ Prints

3)20X200

On Being 20

Warning!

This will be lengthy, but worth it.

Overview

At 20, there are two fundamental things you are trying to critically balance; the short-term and the long-term. The decisions you make at this stage have the ability to impact the rest of your life. Do not underestimate the necessity of careful consideration involving paramount decisions. However, you are young and being in your twenties is a transitory experience – it will not last. As such, youth affords unique opportunities and freedoms that will decrease with age, so utilize this chance to begin building your life.

Where do you start? University. While a traditional college education is not a prerequisite for success in contemporary times, it definitely (has the ability to) hasten the developmental process. Life has a learning curve, and the acclimation process is different for everyone, but typically, the first taste of real, adult life is experienced while in University.

Granted, it is a fraction of real life, but it is the first time you have actual responsibilities, a schedule, unbound freedom, and control over every facet of your life. University is the last line of defense versus the real world, and offers brief glimpses into the reality of debt management, personal finance, and cleanliness(cleaning is important!). These glimpses are necessary for preparatory purposes, but you also leave University accomplished; hopefully with a degree in a field that is expected to have positive trajectory and barriers to entry.

Cultivation of the Mind

If you cannot explain it to a six year old, you do not understand it yourself

University is a nice segue into the cultivation of your mind. What? You thought you actually explored the depths of subjects in college? You barely scratched the surface.

Maximizing your mind while simultaneously expanding your mental skill set can be achieved through one activity – reading. Read anything and everything you can find, even if it is not in your interest; read it then critically deconstruct it. The deconstruction of text will allow you to extract the concept on a granular level to which you can then disseminate to others in a more approachable manner. One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein (a famous INTP, by the way) who stated “If you cannot explain it to a six year old, you do not understand it yourself”.

Reading enables your mind to use mental models outside of your comfort zone; an excellent way to approach problems is to use the physics model. Physics, without going into detail, offers an excellent mental framework for problem solving by reasoning from first principles rather than by analogy. Essentially, you take a problem, reduce it to it’s most fundamental truths, then reason up.

Reasoning by close analogy, or cross-referencing past experience and knowledge to solve future problems, is incremental thinking. It’s clunky, and limited by conventional wisdom. Instead, try doing so by first principles, so that by reasoning up from ground zero you can systematically dispel notions that are not congruent with contemporary and future markets/problems. Reading offers this realm of possibility – if you’re not actively studying physics that is.

***

<Obvious>Reading is not the sole approach to broaden your mind.</obvious> There are many options, but none are as economical (unless you purchase books like me…) nor are as efficient in the promulgation of information or as transportable!

P.S. Writing is an excellent way to organize your thoughts and a helpful aid in making you a better communicator… On paper. Take a public speaking class too, for the hell of it.

Personal Finance

This section will be brief, as it is important, and I will be dedicating a separate, more elaborate post in the coming weeks.

Let’s just break it down:

• Minimize debt by actively tracking your money; get text notifications of transactions.
• Start saving now! Youth is on your side, so open a high-yield savings account and put as much in it as you can.
• Make your money work for you which means investing, but for right now, set up automatic transfers to your high-yield savings account.
• Beyond minimizing debt, understanding where your money is going will help you to cut costs. Be smart and haggle.
• Personal finance is important; learn the basics.
• Live within your means.
• Money is not the goal of life, but it offers security, which enables you to have choices – choose wisely.

Disclaimer: I am not a financial guru nor do I pretend to be, my advice offered above is what helped me to advance my life, and it may work for you too. Before utilizing this advice, speak to a financial adviser.

What are your goals?

Setting goals is the battle of optimism versus realism as well as knowing your capacity for risk-taking. It is simple: do not live in others’ dogma and set realistic short, medium, and long range goals that you actively work towards every single day. Ideally, each milestone you reach is the part of a greater whole; construct your short and medium goals as bridges to your ultimate goal.

Don’t have a goal? You will in time. Patience in finding, setting, and achieving goals is of utmost importance. Failure is not due to a lack of talent, but a lack of perseverance and will-power.

Enough of that. Let’s continue, we’re almost there.

Habits

Eradicating bad habits and building positive habits early are easier to maintain, so keep that in mind throughout your twenties. Cleanliness is important, so clean up after yourself and keep a neat space. It creates a conducive environment for productivity… And keeps my OCD in check.

Other than that:

• Introduce exercise and nutrition on a weekly basis for the former and daily for the latter.
• Manage sun exposure, some is necessary for happiness – it’s an evolutionary thing – too much is carcinogenic.
• Finish what you start.
• Learn to cook! It’s instrumental to survival and it is a great way to impress your girlfriend.

Drinking is acceptable in moderation.

Smoking

All that other stuff….

Socialization

I know, I know. I’m just as misanthropic as the next guy, but we’re at the end, so hear me out. I’ve commented briefly on the misunderstanding and consequent propagation of being an introvert and social ineptitude, I’ll elaborate here.

Introversion is not defined by social anxiety, but it is the characteristic in which introverts re-gain energy by being alone. That is it – nothing more, nothing less. So in the end, introverts have the capacity to be the center of attention, for a short time. How? Survival of the fittest dictates that the most adaptable person wins and considering introverts tend to observe before acting can successfully emulate socially acceptable behavior!

Is your mind blown yet?

In essence, you can boil social dynamics down to a simple, linear progression model with specific check points along the way. Unlike games though you cannot restart from that check point if you fail. This is not a ground-breaking idea, and can easily be achieved through the first principles model, but the beauty is not in the complexity of the theory, but in the simplicity of it’s execution. Either way, do not be afraid to try *gasp* new things.

Get into a long-term relationship.

Edit your friends; seek out useful, active, interesting people and facilitate those relationships.

Surround yourself with older, vastly more intelligent individuals to learn from.

I understand. INTJs and INTPs and anyone introverted is ‘stuck’, but you are not. Evolution is the key, and we must all evolve if we are going to survive. Just use your window of amiability effectively. Then retreat when the full moon reveals itself – it always works 😉

Postlude

As your responsibilities to external factors increase it will simultaneously decrease your ability to be spontaneous, and take calculated risks.

Few commitments equals a higher risk capacity which leads to life experience, so I would implore you to travel as it will lend a new perspective. Start a business, begin to invest, and build passive income streams so money can work for you, and you can afford to expand your boundaries. Get outside your comfort zone. As INTJs, we are virtually designed to plan to the nth degree, so that can leave us wanting, and our ability to simply experience the world, absent. 

The above goes double for INTPs who are predominately inside their heads.

Allot time to explore the world, yourself, and your place within it. This is a difficult task, for us to live in the moment, but it is possible. Ironically enough, through all of this, it is of paramount importance to have a overarching plan where this is a critical step to achieving a predefined goal – preferably a life one.

 

 

 

Processed Information & INTs

INTPs and INTJs are designed to store and process information about ideas rather than people. Generally, it is a worthwhile trait that is used in thought-provoking endeavors, but in personal interaction? Forget about it, literally. The probability that I will erase every single iota of information about the person I just met is abnormally high. The INT brain is hardwired with an automatic format script that enables itself after certain conditions are met, which are not many.

As such, a plethora of ‘conversations’ that I endure on a regular basis are gone within fifteen minutes. It’s simple really; INTPs and INTJs are introverted, hence socializing is much to our chagrin, therefore confusing to the majority of others. However, it is not impossible to keep an INTP’s attention, nor an INTJ’s – it just takes basic competency and interesting subject matter. Unfortunately such parameters are rare, so when an acquaintance attempts to engage me in small talk and the interaction falls flat in under 10 seconds, is it my fault that you’re uninteresting?

I am not intentionally terminating a conversation when unnecessary topics rear their ugly head, but neither am I trying to resuscitate it. Little is said, things get awkward, and the stream of “uhs”, “ahs” and, “ums” progress to a complete change in their physiology. Externally, my eyes are focused intently on them, but internally I’ve been exploring the applicable potential of theories.

It happens far too often – my inescapable glare seems to elicit odd behavior from people.

Social interaction is an odd paradoxical cataclysm sans the violent tendencies… Sort of. It’s natural for INTs to feel more in their own element when they are facing information that must be just absorbed and analyzed (INTP) as well as synthesized for application (INTJ). An INTJs cognitive stack focuses on pure thought analysis and application with my mind working almost subconsciously. However, an INTP makes conscious connections and builds relationships between two seemingly unrelated points and turns them into beautiful theories.

Our brains are used as vehicles for important information, and does not have room for superfluous bullshit. Thus, to the hundreds of people I’ve forgotten, it’s not you, it’s me, really – it’s just not in my nature to care enough to remember you.

Introverted Actuality

Introversion is a simple concept; introverts regain energy by partaking in solitary acts, and is not mutually exclusive, but can be associated with, social anxiety, shyness, and the complete inability to hold a conversation. It is a common misnomer, but ultimately incorrect as many introverts – while are not innately wired to be extroverted – can masquerade pretty well as such until their  social meter is running on fumes. In which case we are forced to withdraw, either physically or mentally, from our surroundings in order to recharge. So, I tend to avoid social functions that focus on pure socialization.

I’m uncomfortable around anything that is not acting on behalf of a particular goal or the progression of an idea. Introversion, essentially, allows me to operate within a small window of time to which I need to spend wisely. In short, I need advancement of some nature to justify my inclusion in taxing social environments.

It may seem odd to those using a different OS, so to speak, but introverts are those whose system is proprietary. Introverts, on average, work well with other introverts, and while cross-platform communication and collaboration is possible it is not standard functionality.