What is the INTP Personality Type?

The INTP personality type is also known as the Thinker, as these individuals are guided by logic above all. This logic doesn’t necessarily follow conventional standards and norms—it’s their own consistent system for making sense of the world.

However, INTPs are more than their logic and analytical skills. This personality type is widely regarded as creative and original, with a unique ability to view every problem from multiple angles and develop a solution that most people wouldn’t think of.

Unfortunately, INTPs are notorious procrastinators and absent-minded individuals who can start ten projects at the same time and finish none of them. In this, they perfectly fit the stereotype of a scatter-brained scientist—a brilliant scholar, no doubt, but unable to ever get his affairs in order.

What is the Meaning of INTP?

The meaning of the INFJ personality type is:

• Introverted. INTPs prefer to spend time alone or in the company of their loved ones; they find no joy in large social events and tend to avoid them when possible. Generally, they consider such gatherings stressful and draining.
• iNtuitive. When observing the world, INTPs focus on patterns and possibilities rather than perceivable reality. As a result, they may appear to mostly live in their heads.
• Thinking. In decision-making, Thinkers rely on their heads rather than hearts, preferring to logically weigh their options. They also tend to be uncomfortable with their own and other people’s feelings.
• Perceiving. INTPs don’t enjoy structures or strict plans, often finding them overly restrictive and suffocating. Instead, they enjoy flexibility and are usually quite adaptable, no matter the circumstances.

How Rare is the INTP Personality Type?

The INTP personality type is relatively rare, with only 3.3% of the US population identifying with it.

The majority of Thinkers are men—approximately 4.8% of male Americans receive this result on the personality test. Women with the INTP personality type are, on the other hand, quite difficult to come across, making up only 1.7% of the population.

5 Must-Know INTP Personality Characteristics

The key INTP personality characteristics include the following:

Creativity

Though creativity is often linked to more artistic and emotional types, INTPs are usually regarded as highly imaginative and original. Their highly logical and analytical approach may not fit the stereotype of a creative person, but their ways of self-expression speak for themselves.

For instance, many INTPs choose careers in physics, engineering, or programming—fields that require a great deal of thinking outside the box. They are excellent at examining concepts from new angles and discovering viewpoints that no one has considered before.

That’s not to say Thinkers can’t be interested in art, writing, or other traditionally creative pursuits. On the contrary, many thoroughly enjoy them, finding such mediums to be perfect conduits for their thoughts.

Aloofness

INTPs tend to keep everyone at arm’s length, allowing only a select few into their inner worlds. To everyone else, they may appear cold, distant, and unexpressive, rarely showing their feelings or thoughts. This can make them seem unapproachable, although, in reality, INTPs are quite easy-going and tolerant.

Open-Mindedness

Societal restrictions, conventions, and expectations don’t mean much to INTPs, who consider them arbitrary, pointless, and often illogical. As a result, they are welcoming to those who don’t fit in (often finding themselves among them) and willing to accept the most outlandish ideas as long as they have a solid logical basis.

In fact, in INTP’s eyes, differences should be celebrated, not eradicated. After all, isn’t the world with variety far more interesting to explore?

Quirkiness

Caught up in their own heads, INTPs often forget about the outside world and come across as unconventional both in their appearance and behavior. They may, for instance, completely disregard social niceties or show up at a formal event wearing casual attire—their brains may simply not register these things as important.

Ultimately, they may seem slightly odd due to their unique way of thinking and interacting with the world. That’s not necessarily bad, though, as this quirkiness can make the INTP personality types charming characters.

Insensitivity

Like most thinking types, INTPs struggle with being tactful, often paying little attention to how they phrase their thoughts when they speak them out loud. This can be troubling for their relationships with more sensitive types, who may feel hurt by their words even when that’s not their intention.

What Are INTP Personality Type’s Cognitive Functions?

The INTP personality type’s cognitive functions determine how Thinkers make decisions and process information. All types on the 16 personalities test have a stack of four, ordered from the most developed (dominant) function to the least developed (inferior) one.

In the case of INTP, the cognitive function stack is made up of the following functions:

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

INTPs are guided by their introverted thinking (Ti), which helps them evaluate information and make decisions. They do so by relying on their internal systems of logic that are independent of any outside influences. In other words, Thinkers are original thinkers who don’t put much stock in widespread, conventional ways of thinking.

Instead, high Ti users like INTPs love to obtain knowledge and broaden their horizons to, eventually, come to their own conclusions about the world. To them, no information is useless or unnecessary—they absorb it all, eager to refine their internal systems.

However, because they rarely let external thinking norms and conventions influence their logic, INTPs can often stubbornly hold onto their opinions. This is usually the case with immature types, though—healthy Thinkers aren’t as reluctant to reassess their thoughts when faced with solid enough evidence that their viewpoints are wrong.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

As the auxiliary function, extraverted intuition (Ne) supports Ti and supplies it with information it gathers by perceiving the outside world. Ne is a function of possibilities, connections, and theories, one that helps its users find links and associations where no one else would.

In other words, Ne is creative, fun, and exciting, and high Ne users tend to be quick-witted, original, and open-minded. To them, even the most impossible scenarios are worth entertaining simply for the sake of mental stimulation, if nothing else.

Personalities with Ne as a dominant function tend to be scattered, enthusiastic, and excitable, always eager to explore new trains of thought. INTPs possess similar traits, but they are somewhat subdued since their Ne is auxiliary, not dominant. Still, they surface when Thinkers are particularly excited about an idea.

Introverted Sensing (Si)

Tertiary functions typically take the pressure off the first two functions, manifesting during times of rest and relaxation. In other words, most types turn to these when they feel playful or particularly comfortable.

In INTP’s case, the function that plays that role is introverted sensing (Si), which is focused on the past, tradition, and stability. INTPs aren’t likely to place high value on any of these, but they can become nostalgic or seek out their comfort places, people, and media when they want to relax.

However, since Si isn’t as developed as the first two functions, overreliance on it can have significant adverse effects.

For instance, INTPs who let their Si run unchecked risk getting stuck in the past, repeatedly mulling over their mistakes, and further decreasing their communication with the outside world. Therefore, it’s important to use it carefully and never neglect Ne in favor of the comfort that Si provides.

Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

Finally, extraverted feeling (Fe), the INTP personality type’s inferior function, is the most suppressed one of the stack. Typically, INTPs have trouble understanding and controlling their Fe, so they choose to completely neglect it instead.

Fe is a function concerned with social dynamics, empathy, and emotional intelligence, allowing its users to smoothly navigate group settings and quickly grasp other people’s feelings.

However, when Fe is at the bottom of the stack, its users struggle with these particular aspects, coming across as insensitive, blunt, aloof, or dismissive of emotions. This is undoubtedly the case with INTPs, who find socializing and bonding with others particularly difficult and confusing.

Still, having Fe in their function stack means they desire social affirmation to some degree—even if they aren’t eager to admit it. This only complicates their lives further, as they simultaneously try to fit in and are unable to.

How Can INTPs Grow & Develop? 5 Tips

Here is what INTP personality types can do to encourage their own growth and development:

#1. Embrace Emotions

Afraid to allow themselves to fully feel, INTPs lock their emotions away, acting as if they aren’t there. However, they fail to realize that their lives can be far richer if they face their own feelings and use them to connect to other people and the world as a whole. Even unpleasant emotions exist for a reason, so don’t close yourself to them!

#2. Be an Active Participant in Your Own Life

INTPs are content to simply drift along, occasionally entertaining themselves with interesting projects and ideas, but nothing more than that. These individuals don’t often have goals or a specific purpose, and even when they do, they find it difficult to force themselves to take action.

While going with the flow certainly is easier, it’s not particularly rewarding—at least not as much as achieving your goals would be. So, INTPs need to push themselves to become more involved with their own lives, organize their time better, and use their innate talents to make a difference for themselves.

#3. Show That You Care

Though Thinkers aren’t the most affectionate types, they should still make an effort to show their loved ones they are more than just sounding boards for their ideas. Even small acts of kindness can go a long way, but expressing love and admiration verbally is undoubtedly the most effective.

#4. Leave Your Comfort Zone

Though INTPs don’t enjoy routines and monotony, they can give too much power to their tertiary introverted sensing and fall into the trap of comfort and familiarity. Instead of pushing and challenging themselves, they can become complacent and unwilling to seek or accept change.

They may feel good in these circumstances for a while, but not for long—most INTPs crave intellectual stimulation, even when they aren’t fully aware that something’s missing. To avoid unexpectedly getting stuck in a rut, Thinkers must force themselves to leave their comfort zone, no matter how cozy it may feel.

#5. Don’t Neglect the Material World

INTPs frequently lack practicality and spatial awareness, neglecting the material world in favor of the one they’ve constructed in their heads. Unfortunately, the real world still has its demands, and Thinkers may find themselves unable to catch up with them if they disregard them for too long.

So, they shouldn’t put off paying bills, cleaning their flat, or scheduling a dentist’s appointment, even if it seems like a hassle. Their future selves will undoubtedly be grateful that they took the initiative.

Best & Worst Career Choices for INTPs

The INTP personality type needs enough mental stimulation to perform well at its job. If there is none, these individuals quickly lose interest and move on. However, once they find something that suits them, they can become excellent employees, especially if given enough independence and creative freedom.

In the following sections, we will explore which careers the INTP personality type should pursue and which it should avoid.

Best Careers Paths

INTPs gravitate toward fields that allow them to be both analytical and creative and that leave plenty of room for innovation. They also prefer to work alone, feeling that teamwork and micromanaging can be incredibly stifling.

Some of the best career paths for INTPs include:

• Writer
• Architect
• Historian
• Physicist
• Animator
• Engineer
• Astronomer
• Programmer
• IT Consultant
• Microbiologist
• Mathematician
• Web Developer
• Graphic Designer
• College Professor

Careers to Avoid

INTPs dislike repetitive, monotonous jobs that present no mental challenges nor inspire them in any way. Moreover, they don’t do well in highly social positions that require excellent people skills and superb emotional intelligence.

In light of that, the INTP personality type should steer clear of the following careers:

• CEO
• Nurse
• Teacher
• Dietitian
• Accountant
• Telemarketer
• Cosmetologist
• Flight Attendant
• Data Entry Clerk
• Religious Educator
• Sales Representative
• Human Resources Specialist

How INTP Personality Types Behave at Work

The INTP personality type can be a great asset in the workplace, especially when their skills are properly utilized. For instance, if they are given adequate mental stimulation and allowed to develop creative solutions on their own, they can be fantastic employees who don’t balk at any challenge.

On the other hand, when faced with repetitive, monotonous tasks that don’t inspire them, INTPs quickly lose motivation and begin procrastinating. In such situations, it can be difficult to get them out of the rut, though they are usually responsible enough to finish what they’re expected to. However, they may do so at the last moment.

INTPs as Leaders

As leaders, INTPs tend to be tolerant, flexible, and easy-going, much like in other aspects of their lives. They give their employees plenty of freedom, preferring to avoid micromanaging and trusting that others can handle the tasks they’ve been given.

However, that doesn’t mean they have no standards for their employees. On the contrary, INTPs expect them to follow their explanations and quickly execute what they are supposed to. They are unlikely to get angry at those who fail to do so, but their feedback, in a typical INTP fashion, can be inadvertently scathing.

Overall, Thinkers rarely seek out leadership positions, as managing others holds little appeal to them. Nevertheless, they may enjoy such jobs, particularly because they can delegate administrative and uninspiring tasks to their employees and focus on more creative aspects.

INTPs in Teams

In teams, INTPs may feel restricted, drained, and overwhelmed, as they usually prefer to work independently and rely only on themselves. However, some of their best work is often done in collaboration with others, which, unfortunately, makes their managers more likely to consider them proper team players.

That’s mainly because INTPs are wells of ideas, but these ideas aren’t always the most practical or feasible. As a result, they need someone to direct their creative energies and help them think of ways to actually implement their solutions rather than letting them exist only in their heads.

Furthermore, though Thinkers don’t enjoy teamwork, they are fairly easy to get along with and rarely express their dislike. Ultimately, their flexibility can make them great team players, even if it’s not something they want to be.

Advantages & Weaknesses of INTP Personality in Relationships

Aloof and introverted, INTPs may appear not to care about relationships at all, but that’s not necessarily the case. They can be warmer than expected, especially with those who manage to break through their shells and become close to them.

So, let’s examine how the INTP personality type behaves in different kinds of relationships.

INTPs as Romantic Partners

As romantic partners, INTPs can initially appear reserved and distant, but they soon reveal their playful, more creative side that helps them keep the relationship fresh and exciting. They can hardly be called romantic, but they certainly have more to offer than their aloof exterior promises.

Fiercely independent, INTPs find it challenging to allow another person access to their time, so they take relationships seriously—after all, only someone special can break down their barriers. However, as serious as they are, they don’t care about labels, nor are they concerned if their relationships aren’t entirely conventional.

Ultimately, all Thinkers care about is their connection with their partner. If they find someone who understands them and is willing to engage in endless discussions about theoretical concepts, they will be happy, disregarding all other factors.

However, INTP’s partners must accept that they will feel like subjects in an experiment at times. Curious as they are, INTPs want to know everything about their partner—how they think, what makes them tick, and who they truly are. Consequently, they may ask too many questions, but this only shows they are genuinely interested.

INTPs as Friends

As friends, INTPs are honest, imaginative, and full of interesting, unexpected things to say. However, this side of theirs comes out only around people who earn their trust, which, admittedly, isn’t easy to do.

As a result, INTPs often surround themselves only with small but loyal groups of friends and tend to keep their other contacts at a minimum. They have little interest in small talk with acquaintances or coworkers, choosing instead to spend time with people who can keep up with them and contribute to their lives. Though generally a trustworthy friend, the INTP personality type may struggle with the emotional aspect of nurturing a friendship. These individuals may not understand that straightforwardness isn’t always the answer and that sometimes their friends just want to vent—not receive unsolicited advice.

INTPs as Parents

As parents, INTPs may face the usual challenges they encounter when dealing with people—namely, that children are quite emotional. This can be confusing and overwhelming at times, but it by no means indicates that Thinkers are bad parents.

On the contrary, parenthood can be rewarding to INTPs, teaching them to be more vulnerable and affectionate. Though this may not come naturally to Thinkers, they are more than willing to learn from their children and grow alongside them.

As for the children of INTPs, they usually grow in environments where they are encouraged to think independently, explore, and be true to themselves. Their parents will never pressure them into following a conventional path—after all, they also hate being pressured—so they can be whoever they want without fear of repercussions.

INTP Compatibility: 3 Best & 3 Worst Matches

INTPs tend to be picky about who they spend time with, as they don’t want to waste their energy on people they have practically nothing in common with. As a result, it can be challenging to get close to a Thinker, and only a few types can claim they’ve successfully managed to.

That said, let’s explore the compatibility of the INTP personality type in more detail.

INTP Best Matches

The best matches for the INTP personality type are other intuitives—particularly NT personalities. These types usually have values and priorities similar to Thinkers’, so they connect quite naturally and rarely need to compromise.

The INTP personality type gets along well with the following types:

• ENTP. As INTP’s extroverted counterparts, ENTPs share many traits with Thinkers and generally understand their need for knowledge and long, deep conversations quite well. Despite their differing energy levels, the two can spend hours wrapped up in a fascinating discussion, completely ignoring the world around them.
• ENTJ. While INTPs are relaxed and absent-minded, ENTJs are focused, driven, and decisive, so the two may not seem like an ideal match. However, they work surprisingly well, as ENTJs can help INTPs become less scattered, while Thinkers’ easygoing nature can help ENTJs calm down and enjoy themselves.
• INFJ. INTPs and INFJs are very different, yet, at the same time, surprisingly similar. As one of the most rational feeling types, INFJs can handle INTPs’ straightforwardness and encourage them to be more open about their emotions. On the other hand, Thinkers can help INFJs avoid getting caught up in their feelings and introduce perspectives they might not have considered.

INTP Worst Matches

The worst matches for the INTP personality type are mostly sensors since they typically have little patience for abstract ideas Thinkers thrive on. Their groundedness and refusal to entertain hypotheticals can frustrate INTPs, who may find them unimaginative and dull.

The INTP personality type rarely gets along with the following personalities:

• ESFP. ESFPs are the entertainers of the 16 personalities, so they are always on the lookout for a new adventure, rarely pondering the mysteries of life and the universe. This is quite the opposite of INTPs, who find these questions fascinating and inspiring, so the two have practically nothing in common.
• ESFJ. Though ESFJs socialize with nearly everyone, they have a hard time relating to unconventional types like INTPs, who pay little mind to social expectations and traditions. Similarly, Thinkers consider ESFJs too superficial and overbearing, so they rarely choose their company.
• ESTJ. Strict, traditional, and highly pragmatic, ESTJs are polar opposites to INTPs, so the two usually don’t see eye-to-eye. Namely, Thinkers dislike their judgmental attitude, while ESTJs can’t stand INTP’s overly relaxed approach and impracticality.

13 INTP Interests & Hobbies

INTPs tend to have numerous interests and hobbies, as they are curious and enjoy trying out various activities. Furthermore, they usually spend their free time by themselves, so they’re never tired of finding new pastimes to fill it with.

That said, here are some of the hobbies the INTP personality type gravitates toward:

INTP Celebrities & Famous People

Famous INTP personality types are often renowned scientists and philosophers known for their deep thoughts and world-changing theories, whose names remain etched in history for centuries.

Some of the most influential INTP celebrities include:

• Albert Einstein. German physicist Albert Einstein is one of the best-known scientists in the world, famous for developing the theory of relativity and making great strides in the field of quantum mechanics. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his general contributions to theoretical physics and cosmology.
• Marie Curie. Polish scientist Marie Curie was the first woman ever to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to be awarded two—one for chemistry and one for physics. She conducted pioneering research on radioactivity that ultimately resulted in her death but contributed to the development of X-rays.
• Immanuel Kant. German philosopher Immanuel Kant was considered the “father of modern ethics” and the “father of modern philosophy.” As one of the central figures of the Enlightenment movement, Kant supported the idea of so-called disinterested judgment and believed that reason is the source of morality.