The INTJ personality type is one of the rarest and most interesting types – comprising only about 2% of the U.S. population (INTJ females are especially rare – just 0.8%), INTJs are often seen as highly intelligent and perplexingly mysterious. INTJ personalities radiate self-confidence, relying on their huge archive of knowledge spanning many different topics and areas. INTJs usually begin to develop that knowledge in early childhood (the “bookworm” nickname is quite common among INTJs) and keep on doing that later on in life.
When someone with the INTJ personality has mastered their chosen area of knowledge (INTJs can find their strengths in several fields), they can quickly and honestly say whether they know the answer to a specific question. INTJs know what they know and more importantly – they are confident in that knowledge. Unsurprisingly, this personality type can be labelled as the most independent of all types. INTJs are very decisive, original and insightful – these traits push other people to accept the INTJ’s ideas simply because of that sheer willpower and self-confidence. However, INTJ personalities do not seek nor enjoy the spotlight and may often decide to keep their opinions to themselves if the topic of discussion does not interest them that much.
INTJ personalities are perfectionists and they enjoy improving ideas and systems they come in contact with. As INTJs are naturally curious, this tends to happen quite frequently. However, they always try to remain in the rational territory no matter how attractive the end goal is – every idea that is generated by the INTJ’s mind or reaches it from the outside needs to pass the cold-blooded filter called “Is this going to work?”. This is the INTJ’s coping mechanism and they are notorious for applying it all the time, questioning everything and everyone.
INTJ personalities also have an unusual combination of both decisiveness and vivid imagination. What this means in practice is that they can both design a brilliant plan and execute it. Imagine a giant chess board where the pieces are constantly moving, trying out new tactics, always directed by an unseen hand – this is what the INTJ’s imagination is like. An INTJ would assess all possible situations, calculate strategic and tactical moves, and more often than not develop a contingency plan or two as well. If someone with the INTJ personality type starts working with a new system, they will regard the task as a moral obligation, merging their perfectionism and drive into one formidable force. Anyone who does not have enough talent or simply does not see the point, including the higher ranks of management, will immediately and likely permanently lose their respect.
INTJ personalities also often shoulder the burden of making important decisions without consulting their peers. They are natural leaders and excellent strategists, but willingly give way to others vying for a leadership position, usually people with Extroverted personalities (E personality type). However, such action can be deceptive and maybe even calculated. An INTJ will retreat into the shadows, maintaining their grip on the most important decisions – but as soon as the leader fails and there is a need to take the steering wheel, the INTJ will not hesitate to act, maybe even while staying in the background. The INTJ personality is the ultimate “Man behind the curtain”.
INTJs dislike rules and artificial limitations – everything should be questionable and open to re-evaluation. They may be idealists (impossible is nothing) and cynics (everybody lies) at the same time. Whatever the circumstances, you can always rely on the INTJ to “fill in” the gaps in the idea – they are most likely to come up with an unorthodox solution.
Generally speaking, INTJs usually prefer to work in the area they know very well. Their typical career is related to science or engineering, but they can be found anywhere where there is a need of intelligence, restless mind and insight (law, investigations, some academic fields). INTJ personalities rarely seek managerial positions – if they do, this is probably because they need more power and freedom of action, not because they enjoy managing people.
Every personality type has many weak spots and INTJs are not an exception. There is one area where their brilliant mind often becomes completely useless and may even hinder their efforts – INTJs find it very difficult to handle romantic relationships, especially in their earliest stages. People with this personality type are more than capable of loving and taking care of the people close to them, but they are likely to be completely clueless when it comes to attracting a partner.
You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.
The main reason behind this is that INTJ personalities are both private and incredibly rational – they find it very difficult to understand the complex social rituals that are considered part of the dating game, especially in Western societies. Things like flirting or small talk are unnatural to them; furthermore, INTJs (especially females) tend to see typical attraction tactics (such as feigning disinterest) as incredibly stupid and irrational. Ironically, INTJs are most likely to attract a partner when they stop looking for them – this is when their self-confidence starts shining again. There are few things that are more attractive than the unrelenting self-confidence that INTJs are known for.
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Some famous INTJs:
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
Augustus Caesar, Roman emperor
Paul Krugman, a famous American economist
Rudy Giuliani, former New York mayor
Donald Rumsfeld, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State
Lance Armstrong
Richard Gere, actor
Hannibal, military leader of Carthage
Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor and California governor
Thomas Jefferson, a former U.S. president
John F. Kennedy, a former U.S. president
Woodrow Wilson, the former U.S. president
Gandalf the Grey from The Lord of the Rings
Hannibal and Clarice Starling from “Silence of the Lambs”
Professor Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes’ enemy
Gregory House from House, M.D.
The descriptions are very thorough, do you plan to publish anything about interpreting the different functions? Things that could help us better understand for instance what makes an INTP different from an INTJ?
Hi Amanda,
You can take a look at http://www.16personalities.com/what-personality-type-am-i – however, this is a very simplistic overview. We will definitely be writing more about this in the future as MBTI functions and their interactions are far more complicated than it may seem on the surface.
I got this result too.
“This self-confidence, sometimes confused with simple arrogance by less insightful personalities,”
“consequently tend to keep their opinions to themselves”,
“People with INTJ personality type are naturally great leaders and excellent strategists, but they willingly give way to others vying for a leadership position, usually people with extravert personalities (E personality type). However, such action can be deceptive and maybe even calculated,”
Too true.
Freakishly spot on with describing who I am and why I function the way I do. Although I’m a woman, I don’t mind being atypical as an INTJ. I never played with Barbies, didn’t have time for small talk, thought cliques pigeonholed me. Guys were more interesting and stimulating to me, girls were too emotional, less rational. Even in my marriage now, I joke that I’m the one from Mars and he’s from Venus. We’re fine with it. That’s what matters. Life is short, learn the most from it, don’t waste time with pettiness. That’s my philosophy and sticking with it!
I don’t consider it very “data-based” to mention annoying tendencies attributed to girls/women as a feature of the personality profile. The profile says nothing about personality features being Male or Female oriented, nor does it mention that INTJs favor those most like them. You just don’t like hanging out with women. You don’t need to justify it.
INTJ that’s me, but wonder why so rare in women? huh must be why i get along with men easier i agree with molly hey molly we should get together.
Rhianna, I agree with Molly too, “Hey Molly we should get together,” but please just send me an email, and don’t call. I can’t stand the phone – what a waste of time…and all “E” and girly like.
This has helped out a lot since I’m only 15 and I’ve found out I’m an INTJ. I knew as soon as I saw Putin in the top picture this would be my personality, love that guy. Spot on article, but it would be nice if there was one for INTJ since my parents don’t seem to get me. At all.
*for INTJ kids since…
Bad news for you, then. I’m an INTJ, but I strongly feel that I haven’t been for the whole of my life, only since , say, 4~5 years to now. People tell me that some characteristics, though, could have been “hibernating” and have emerged only now, with more maturity (I’m 26).
Being a female I am one of the .8% of INTJ’s I have known for several years. When I found out it explained a lot of things
I’m a female INTJ/P and find that this is pretty spot on with a couple minor substitutions from the intp section. I find it most difficult at work probably because I tend to work in places with mostly female employees and they just don’t get me. Appreciate these insights…
This is just to accurate..
This is spot on. Although I find it interesting that it’s rare, and even more rare in women…considering I am a woman. I read it to my mother and she thought I had written a summary of my own personality!
I am female and found out that I am an INTJ after several psych evaluations I had to take for a law enforcement career. The psychologist was very giddy giving me my results, gushing over my personality and what a rare gem I was. I kept thinking he was going to start poking me with a stick.
I took psychology class a few years later and got 100% on my 20 page final exam research paper with the note from my instructor (a well known and often published psychologist) that said “You have a fascinating mind!” He asked if I knew my IQ and personality type. I told him, 140 and INTJ “I knew you were INTJ!” he said…He too made me wonder if he was going to start poking me with a stick.
I am a 21 year old university student from the Caribbean, and in all honesty I was beginning to think that I have a serious problem. I’ve been told that I’m extremely brilliant but arrogant. I’ve been told that I’m a know – it – all without any tact and I think it would be safe to say that I am socially inept. I love taking classes, but I am generally disappointed, bored or frustrated because most lecturers are unable to impress me after 5 mins. I have no regard for the title of Dr. or Head of Department. I will literally call out anyone on what I believe to be nonsense. I disregard rules about attendance and tutorials if I deem them to be irrelevant, and I absolutely detest being micromanaged. My grades are far below the expectations of my lecturers and tutors, and it’s simply because I believe that their exams are fruitless. I go into an exam knowing what is expected of me, but will choose to push the borders of creativity anyways. In other words, I will write what I believe to be meritous in an exam as opposed to what a lecturer would believe an A to be worth. Where I go to school, this is absolutely unacceptable. My personality type has definitely made life more difficult for me. It’s difficult for me to view other people’s point of view if it’s not logical, and many times I was unable to see why people thought that my personality was such a repellant. Reading this, has given me many things to think about. I don’t intend to change who I am as it has its advantages, but understanding who I am will definitely give me the tools to navigate the environment of life better.
I can totally relate to what you’re saying… Luckily for me, I grew up with an INFP/ISFP father, who could recognize my behaviour and intervened immediately (I was about 10 at that time…). What he told me (and worked for me ever since) was to see my OWN actions in the BIG picture of my life: he advised me to yes, care about the knowledge itself more than about the marks, but at the same time, to remember that it is up to ME to REMOVE and not BUILD barriers for myself. What is the purpose of going to primary school? Learning general subjects. For the big picture of my life, does it matter how silly my primary teacher was? No. What is the purpose of getting a degree? To me, it was working in a field I liked. What is the purpose of getting a PhD? To me, working INDEPENDENTLY on a fascinating subject, of my OWN choyce, having access to the best state-of-the art equipment, being surrounded mostly by very smart colleagues (I couldn’t care less about the title itself) and so on… Would I have gotten to where I am just by rebellion alone? No. All it took for me was to realise that that was a self-built, self-sabotageing barrier. What do you think, did I keep being “selective” even during my university years with the subjects I was studying? Of course, if I found it borring and irrelevant for the work itself, I couldn’t be bothered – when I thought it was the case, I didn’t even bother to “judge” the teacher’s competencies – I was just there to take my exam, learn as much as possible (often about my own tolerance limits as well) and see to my own life… And yes, I did enjoy having my share of “fun” with certain innuendos that only few could get (only if I couldn’t “help” it)… But otherwise, the No. 1 rule I still apply is “what can I do, what is it that’s up to ME to change?”… If the answer to myself is “nothing”, than I interpret it as either being in the wrong place, or by just not worth getting into it at all… Best of luck, Chadia
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Your problems have little to do with your personality type. You are genuinely arrogant.
Wow… this explains a lot about being the only female in engineering. I always thought that was the reason my friends were mostly guys People have always said I was intelligent and calculatingly cold at times but hated taking the lead on something (Especially while working on my doctorate except when proving a point). I even hesitate to finish it because deep down I don’t want the responsibility or recognition of having a doctorate, but I love going to school too much and fear this would be the mark of an educational end for me and I wish I could keep going. I never did understand gossiping and can’t stand it or its social games, probably why i don’t relate well to girls socially. At least I know I’m not alone and there is some comfort in that. well that and I have a somewhat logical label for it now.
Same here!! …… I hate gossiping and though I dont want to look like man, n
I could not associate my traits to girl ..
If only I knew this when I was 5. But oh well life goes on let’s just add this for future ref. And that leadership thing.. I only try to take the lead of something if the situation is ‘holy cow, this is so going to crash and burn’ lol.
great site, thanks for the good info and for the most part i think you nailed it. one suggestion though, it’d be really cool to have further detailed reading on INTJ males vs females and also breakdowns of that in each section. Also, I’ve always been curious what it would look like to marry the personality types and astrological signs and gender all together. IE – an INTJ Libra female. I am not aware of Jung’s take on astrology…I suppose he wouldn’t have put much stock in it. I’m not sure about it, but I have noticed that I tend to be incompatible with Virgos. I wonder if each star sign is predominantly one personality type or another, or if all the types are equally represented in all the star signs. I’ve searched on this before and didn’t find anything but I just realized that it’s been quite awhile. maybe I’ll take another look
Interesting suggestion! I really think the Enneagram could be introduced too. When the MBTI is paired with the Enneagram, it really provides an excellent overview of the personality. Plus, that would mean that there are 144 (9 x 16) different types of personality combinations! Check out the Enneagram if you haven’t! And if introduced with astrology, would make it 1728 different combination types! (Considering if you only use sun sign) Maybe I’m going too far, but that’s what I’ve been doing ever since I discovered these 3! (Yeap, I’m definitely going bonkers, but these things are just too intriguing!)
Does somebody have established any relationship between this personality type and IQ ?
yes- INTJ’s have superior IQs.
Have a look at this : http://intjforum.com/showthread.php?t=33950
I absolutely agree with the majority of the listings in this article. However, I would also argue that while this may be the essence of an individual, the prevalence of these default traits do indeed vary depending on significantly influential factors, such as culture or upbringing. I was raised in a very religious environment where I was encouraged to muffle my objectivism and highlight social and sympathetic inclinations that are considered more becoming of my gender. Because of this, my objectivism has been channeled in such a way that humor, wit and sarcasm are its primary manifestations. While I resent the gender-biased domestic conditioning, the enhancement of sympathetic tendencies has proved beneficial in almost every aspect of my life. Most people are intelligent enough to be aware of when they are being talked down to and are most definitely unappreciative of it. Sympathy, even if feigned, makes interactions go smoother.
I’m an INTJ (very pronounced N, less pronounced I, T, and J) and I find that the few other INTJs I know are pretty much obsessed with Meyers Briggs. Makes sense since we seem to spend a lot of time wondering why no one gets us and this does as good a job of explaining things as any tool I’ve seen. I’m certified as a psychologist and as a necessity for cultivating business, I’ve become certified in typing. The process is a lot of guess work and a lot of intuiting based on self-report. Quite ironically I’ve observed that INTJs are great typers, but are rarely employed doing it because it usually is paired with counseling which is less appealing to them).
With that being said, I think that a lot of the traits can be malleable if you are put in different situations. In reading some forums and in conversations with the few INTJs I know, I think that most of us are guilty of using the type description as a way to avoid changing. I personally found it quite liberating to push my personality more towards the “center” even if it was hard as I feel that it made me a better person. Too often, I find too many INTJs talking about how intelligent, how cold, how solitary or how intolerant they are in day-to-day life and sort of saying “oh well, what can you do?”
While the INTJ list is highly questionable (JFK? Colin Powell? Jefferson? None even remotely resemble INTJs not to mention some of the other names like Hillary Clinton and Bill Gates who come up often and who are clearly mislabeled), I do think it is important to note the flaws of so many INTJs. A lot of famous ones become idealogues who are universally celebrated as being intelligent but also known for being destructive. I think it’s a great takeaway that INTJs who don’t attempt to grow can become a hindrance to progress instead of an instrument for efficiency and greater good.
I’m a male intj I’m so misunderstood ,i really need another intj who understands me i feel I’m the only person left on this earth here’s my email if there’s one who’s going through the same jbjag27@email.com
WHERE are the examples of famous INTJ women on here??? For you: Katherine Hepburn, Ayn Rand, Susan Sontag, Sylvia Plath, Susan B. Anthony, Abigail Adams, Hilary Clinton, Jane Austin, Emily Bronte, Maria Shriver, Kate Blanchett, Ursula Leguin, Madaline L’Engle..
Ficton: Hermione Granger (Harry Potter), Allen Ripley (Alien), Jane Eyre.
Hi. I never knew some test describe me this good. Everytime I asked people around me how they would describe me,the answers are usually: too strict,insensitive,independant,have verbal diarhea as I say it as it is,my facial exppressions answers them without me being unaware,selfish,antisocial, loud thinker, secretive,etc.
I’m a manager @ work not by choice and although I’m excellent in it,I wish everyday to get a job where I won’t be managing ;but a subordinate whwwo will be willing to help where necessary with my managerial knowledge and skills. I’ve actually applied for that kinda post and requesting them not to consider my current rank but just offer a job according to my proffession. Have a degree in atural sciences( maths,applied maths,physics,biology and chemistry). Aim was to be a chemical engineer but somehow endd being a Dentist. My heart still longs for sciences.
In relatinships,I’m just too independant and irritated by men who don’t wanna discuss issues making them tissues. I ended all my relationships calmly so and my partners were all at first thinking that I was joking or threating only to find out that I was rock serious. They all tried to revive he relationship in vain. That will not be me at all. Maybe if go mental I may consider loving one of my ex again. The other thing was that even though i gave myself to the best for the relationship; it was so so tough to say “I love you too”. Currently single and enjoying it.
Parenting; I have a 4yr daughter who is in trouble with me trying to perfect her.
Social,have only one friend who knows the rules:don’t keep calling nor visiting often or else our friendship is over, no nagging or complaining of our relatioship. She knows only the obvious of my life but I know 101% of her life. I don’t ask for it,she tells me and asks for help. I don’t do the same for she never seemed helpful at first. She knows I prefer to be alone.
At home I like doing things that normally men or hired help would be doing. Its usually when I see that I still fail after repeated attempts that i’d give in for help. I prefer reading or google to tv or movies.
Work,I prefer to do things myself than to delegate. That is only due to not trusting their work and delay in my programme would result.
Now I know the type of person I am with referrence,hah. It feels so good. Its like God just told me. Thanx a million for the infoex
I’m guessing that most INTJ’s are atheists like myself. If not, they should be. Not to be rude, but it seems to me that an INTJ having blind, unnecessary faith in outrageous and unsupported claims of supernatural beings would be a blatant contradiction. Am I right?
Hi, I’m an INTJ and a Christian, and my faith is not blind or unnecessary. In fact, i got to my decision through thinking and judging what I believe about the world around me. I think that since people have been arguing about the existence of God since the beginning of thought (old philosophers and new have addressed this question), and since this question is still argued today by great minds, it will not ever be decisively agreed upon until the End, and you should not jump to conclusions and condemn those who believe in God to have outrageous claims.
^the guy above me^
Wow, I see where you got your “judger” from. Nah, joking, (mostly) they are probably atheists, but religion (though admittedly outrageous) is by no means unnecessary, myself as a secular humanist believe all the morality associated with belief in god can be contrived from human ethics alone, but many find religion inspiring in our bleak and futile place in the universe.
I have realized I am an odd crossbreed of INTS and INTF, right and left-brained, an altruistic misanthrope. All my friends (who are all male for some reason) are totally INTJs (and I think INTF and INTJ are equally associated with IQ).
Here’s a knee-slapper for you guys, though, your grammar Is leaps and bounds beyond any other type, check the other pages. It’s embarrassing.
This is accurate, I always question things. I am always trying to improve ideas, and if I my report cart shows under 93% I’m disappointed. My sister and father have the exact same kind. Honestly I am awkward around people, and rarely who my emotions.
I don’t consider it very “data-based” to list annoying tendencies attributed to girls/women as a reason not to enjoy the company of women, nor is it a feature of the personality profile. The profile does not mention that INTJs favor those most like them. You just don’t like hanging out with women; you don’t need to justify it. Of all of the good attributes of the INTJ profile, this strange stereo-type is what shows up the most in this comment section: the judgemental and arrogant part of the INTJ-type. Not a very rational conclusion at all…
I can not even begin to describe how accurate this is of me. I was laughing hysterically in irony throughout reading the entire description, because it is me to a T. I am floored.
I too love to drive, especially curves. Does anyone else like maps like I do? Oh why couldn’t I have known about this, say, when I was 12? Would have explained the painful high school and lost college years. Still drifting from one job to another. Learning, conquering, getting restless, getting bored out of my mind, hating mind-numbing rules, stupidly clocking in, propping others up. All the while coming up with many suggestions, plans, elaborate schemes, most of the time in mere minutes when no one else had anything. I’ve saved corporations lots of money, increased output, made money for them. Not even a pat on the back. Or others took the credit. My mind works fast. It’s always moving. Moving things around. I crave stimulation. Anyone else? I don’t like being around other people who can’t keep up. It’s an absolute delight when I meet someone who “gets” me. Relationships truly are my downfall. The profile was spot on. In high school I just couldn’t get the hang of the high pitched squeal the other girls seemed to master that said, “I’m so helpless and vulnerable. Please deliver sex now.” I was working on developing yet another skill that was making me independent and interesting. I couldn’t figure out why that didn’t trump squeals and batting eyelids. Boy, did I have a lot to learn. Fast-forward 30 years: guys on CraigsList are running ads begging for a woman “who doesn’t play games, who will listen to them, who is interesting, who wants sex.” Wow! My time has come. I just had to wait most of my life for it. Hahaha! So, are other INTJ women just interested in great sex and getting up and saying, “Adios!”??? I don’t want a relationship. I want what society says is taboo: great sex with lots of different men with no strings attached. I’m going to crawl back into my world of guy friends, finishing yet another job and start the task of searching for another, continue my uneasy relationship with my daughters, and always dream, create and read, read, read.
Thanks for the article. I spend hours and hours trying to understand, who I am. This is so true…
Until I took the MBPT, I thought there was was something wrong with me. As an introvert, I was called shy, stuckup, sneaky and antisocial. I don’t do well in a structured learning environment because I usually end up challenging the teacher (which most do not like at all). I find that most men are put off with my in-your-face Thinking trait. I consider showing my “softer side” as a sign of weakness and to be avoided at all costs, which, as a woman, does not usually serve me very well.
I am also an excellent driver but I find it exhausting. I love love love maps and don’t usually use GPS navigators because I like to understand where I am going – get the big picture of it – instead of just turning right or left with no frame of reference. I am definitely not “romantic” in the sense of anniversaries or renewal of vows or stuff like that. I absolutely hate drama! You know, those emotional roller coasters that some people just love and (as far as I can tell) create because they can’t live without it. Ugh!
I don’t care for a lot of men because they tend to be too shallow (but I do love a man who can make me laugh!). I don’t care for a lot of women because….well, see above. My daughter is an ISFJ and a triple Cancer and I struggle to understand her.
I have always read tons and will read pretty much anything. When I get on a roll about a subject then I am insatiable. I am a binger if something gets under my skin.
I have very little respect for authority per se. I don’t care for organized religion and would NEVER be involved with a religion that holds women in lower esteem. I do believe that there is some sort of higher reality, but I don’t know what it is. I’ve never labeled myself as an athesist because it seems obvious that you can’t know there is no god anymore than you can know there is one.
As an INTJ woman, I think my life has been extremely difficult. But understanding my personality and, maybe more importantly, understanding others’ has helped me a great deal. I just wish I had found all this out earlier.
Lastly, being the J that I am, I apologize for any typos!
Found out from the MBPT that I am an INTJ yesterday. My whole life I thought there was something wrong with me. I would sit in school and want to go up to the board and teach the class, I was so bored. I spent most of my day sleeping and still get A’s on exams but failed to do homework, so I received lower grades. Teachers, parents, and children thought I was weird and could not understand me. I spent most of my childhood reading nonfiction books and memorizing history and geography. Thoughts constantly stream through my head and I analyze everything I see throughout my day. This can become annoying and I just want it to stop but I can not turn my brain off even at night when I sleep. I sit in meetings most of my day at work and mostly zone out after I figure out a solution to the problem in the first five minutes. I keep my solution to myself until at least 30 minutes pass and everyone has had a chance to discuss the problem. This drives me crazy because it wastes time that I could use to solve another problem. By the way has anyone found a way to control the nonstop thoughts in your head? It would be great to use an “OFF” switch so I can relax.