There are many good reasons to defend what we believe in. Our beliefs and the conclusions we draw reflect our mind and character; they are the sum of our perceptive knowledge. To admit we are wrong is to admit faulty reasoning or a lack of insight. It makes sense for us to feel committed to deeply-held beliefs, but holding and defending those beliefs are two different things. Risking exposure and criticism for our beliefs is not always pleasant, and being sincere, moral, and factually correct cannot always protect us from ridicule.
Some people may not be hypocrites because they keep quiet about their beliefs – they may in fact be protecting themselves, especially if their perspective is at odds with their social environment. Sometimes, it may feel like the better part of wisdom to choose a path of harmony over vocal righteousness. Some may not even feel the need to have their beliefs heard; holding those beliefs dear is enough to satisfy them.
Others may take a different approach, wanting to stand up and defend their beliefs even if it makes them a target. They may be proud of their views, emboldened by the strength of their convictions, or simply happy to argue. They defend their beliefs vigorously, even if it requires risky conflicts that may result in some form of harm to themselves.
To see how different personality types might feel about this subject, we asked if people agreed with the statement “You always try to defend what you believe in, even if that means a hard time for you.”
A strong overall majority (85%) agreed, showing that most of us are willing to take action for our convictions, at least verbally. Majority agreement aside, we can see some subtle variance among different personality types, so let’s look at the responses of the Roles and Strategies to ferret out relationships between responses and traits.
Roles
Analysts (91% agreeing)
Analysts’ strong agreement, the highest of any Role, may be a clear reflection of their Intuitive trait. Analyst personalities can easily become intellectually bonded to ideas, because ideas are their bread and butter. They find satisfaction in their evaluation and exploration of new intellectual and philosophical territory. More than just an exercise in theory, Analysts strive to find solid solutions. The Thinking trait imbues their imaginations with a practical dimension, and they may feel strongly about the results of these efforts, which are their beliefs. Since Analysts often define and value themselves based on their beliefs, they tend to be willing to risk adversity to defend those beliefs.
Commanders (ENTJ) had the highest rate of agreement of any personality type, with 94% agreeing. Bold, decisive, and socially confident, Commanders are unlikely to shy away from an argument, and can be resolutely opinionated.
Diplomats (87%)
Diplomats, who also possess the Intuitive trait, may have agreed at a slightly lower rate due to their Feeling trait. These personality types may have a less sharp-edged, logically uncompromising approach to defending their beliefs when compared to Analysts. Diplomats see a picture that includes the human dimension, so they tend to balance the assertive defense of their beliefs against the social friction they might generate. They can feel passionately committed, but may be a little less likely to jump into conflicts regarding their beliefs. Diplomats tend to be less comfortable making enemies and ruffling feathers than Analysts.
Sentinels (81%)
This Role values cooperation, but also clearly has no trouble standing up for their beliefs. Sentinels have a practicality that often seeks results through consensus, but their desire to achieve good results can also give them strong beliefs. They not only feel strongly about their ideals; they also have opinions about the implementation of those ideals. If they don’t receive agreement from others, Sentinel personalities are likely to vigorously defend their perspective, and will not be easily swayed.
Explorers (78%)
While Explorers agreed at the lowest rate, it is only relatively low, as they still showed a strong majority agreement. Their approach to life may differ from that of other Roles, but their commitment to their beliefs apparently does not. The fact that Explorers were the lowest in agreement probably has to do with their adaptable natures – they are quite willing to consider new approaches and perspectives. While this does not mean they will give up their beliefs, Explorers might be the Role most likely to allow others to keep theirs as well. In short, Explorers may sometimes be more willing to “agree to disagree.”
Adventurers (ISFP) agreed the least of any personality type, with 71% agreeing. They are generally passionate in their beliefs, but Adventurers tend to be averse to conflict.
Strategies
Social Engagement and People Mastery (88% and 86% agreeing)
We found that Social Engagers and People Masters agreed at similar rates, which tells us that Extraversion has an influence on one’s tendency to defend their beliefs, even if doing so may cause conflict with others. Extraverts aren’t shy about exposing themselves to excitement – and defending beliefs can certainly get exciting. These two Strategies may be more willing to experience a few bumps on the road to truth.
Social Engagers, who are no stranger to intense conversations, may have agreed at a slightly higher rate because these personality types tend to enjoy hearing the opinions of others, as well as defending their own. People Masters might be a little less likely to agree because their Assertive identities affect their social tactics. They may be less competitive because they are a little more self-assured, so they aren’t quite as quick to argue against others in defense of their beliefs.
Confident Individualism and Constant Improvement (82%)
We saw slightly lower rates of agreement from Confident Individualists and Constant Improvers, but we still saw a strong majority response (and an identical rate of agreement) from both Introverted Strategies. Simply put, Introverts aren’t as fond of arguing as their Extraverted brethren – they see arguments as less exciting and more draining – so a slightly greater percentage of Introverted personalities may let philosophical disagreements slide rather than argue about and defend their views.
Each Strategy may have its own additional reasoning for keeping quiet; Constant Improvers might not think their arguments are strong enough to withstand harsh criticism, while Confident Individualists may simply take an attitude of “You have the right to be wrong.”
Conclusions
We saw strong agreement across the board on this topic. While Extraversion and the Intuitive and Thinking personality traits clearly correlated to higher rates of agreement, most people agreed that they always try to defend their beliefs, even if it means a hard time for them. Some of us may decide to pick our battles, but most of us are willing to risk the consequences.
Of course, this research topic doesn’t account for the severity of risk, so we have to consider the context. For many people, defending their beliefs might mean typing on the Internet, rather than manning a picket line or fighting a totalitarian regime in the streets. We might wonder what response this topic would generate among citizens of France in the early 1940s, as opposed to modern keyboard ideologues.
How about you? Do you always defend your beliefs, even if it results in an unpleasant experience? Leave us a comment and let us know!
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