Are you an INTP?
If you’re not sure what that means, it stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving. According to the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, only 1% to 5% of people have this personality type.
That makes INTPs one of the rarest types out there.
But what exactly does it mean to be an INTP?
Well, these individuals are known for their philosophical nature, fascination with logical analysis, and love of systems and design. They are often preoccupied with theory and seek to understand the universal laws behind everything they see.
INTPs can seem detached and analytical, spending much of their time lost in thought. But don’t let that fool you – they are brilliant inventors and intellectuals who have made major contributions throughout history.
So just how many INTPs are out there in the world?
Let’s take a closer look.
How Many INTP In The World
According to various studies, INTPs make up only 3-5% of the population in the United States. However, this number varies from country to country. For example, in Singapore, INTPs make up a whopping 4.8% of the population – the highest percentage of any country surveyed. In Australia, INTPs make up 3.82% of the population, nearly four times the global average.
In comparison, New Zealand has a lower percentage of INTPs at just 2.7%, but that’s still nearly three times the global rate.
So why do some countries have higher percentages of INTPs than others? One theory is that it has to do with the natural isolation that exists in these countries. For example, the United States has a lot of wide-open spaces, which provides ample opportunity for this personality type to develop. Additionally, in cultures that are based on information and logic, such as Singapore, it makes sense that more people would have an INTP personality type.
It’s also worth noting that there is a gender discrepancy when it comes to INTPs. Women who are INTPs are often seen as the opposite of the culturally preferred type of woman (ESFJ). This may be because 60-65% of women report a preference for feeling types over thinking types, which is twice the amount of men with this preference.
What Is An INTP?
An INTP is a personality type based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers. INTP stands for Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, Perceiving. People with this personality type are energized by time alone, focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details, make decisions based on logic and reason, and prefer to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and organized.
INTPs are sometimes called “Architect” personalities because of their intuitive understanding of complex systems. They are known for their inventiveness, powerful intellect, and insightful observations. Famous INTPs include Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, and Isaac Newton.
However, INTPs are also one of the rarest of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, making up only 3-5% of the U.S. population. As a result, they can often feel misunderstood and alone in the world.
INTPs have a deep need for personal autonomy and freedom of thought. They enjoy exploring unifying theories and metaphysical truths that explain the underlying nature of things. INTPs can be anxious and self-conscious characters who often avoid direct eye contact. They may be slow to disclose the contents of their inner world, particularly their highly cerebral and rational side.
In relationships, INTPs can struggle with their tug-of-war between independence and relationships. Women who are INTPs may face additional challenges as they are often seen as the opposite of the culturally preferred type of woman (ESFJ).
Characteristics Of An INTP
INTPs are known for their analytical and philosophical nature. They are fascinated by logical analysis, systems, and design, and spend much of their time exploring concepts, making connections, and seeking understanding of how things work. They are preoccupied with theory and search for the universal law behind everything they see. INTPs are detached, analytical observers who can seem oblivious to the world around them because they are so deeply absorbed in thought.
Despite being quiet and thoughtful, INTPs are genuine and easygoing. They might seem to “zone out” from time to time while they consider new concepts or explore how something works. They are often happiest laying low and working hard behind the scenes. While they may seem impersonal with people they don’t know well, they like to have a close group of people they open up to.
INTPs have a deep need for personal autonomy and freedom of thought. They have an insatiable appetite for ideation and theorizing, which is fueled by their auxiliary function, Extraverted Intuition (Ne). They enjoy exploring unifying theories and metaphysical truths that explain the underlying nature of things. INTPs can be quirky, witty, and engaging when discussing a topic that interests them, as their ever-active minds can easily connect one topic to another, paving the way for a multifaceted and broad-ranging dialogue.
Like other introverts, INTPs can be anxious and self-conscious characters. They generally avoid direct eye contact and can display nervous habits. INTPs often have enough insecurity about the discombobulated nature of their Ne expressions in the first place. Feeling that someone else is watching or critiquing them only makes it worse.
INTPs can struggle to find satisfying jobs within the system and are often happier functioning as freelancers or entrepreneurs. When it comes to relationships, INTPs can also have a rough go of things. While they can use their Ne and Fe to attract potential mates, their tug-of-war between Ti and Fe, between their independence (Ti) and relationships (Fe), can inspire myriad problems.
In fiction, INTPs may appear as geniuses, mad scientists, or intellectuals – often cast as main characters in detective shows. INTP characters typically play a crucial role in the story because they can assess situations accurately and get past obstacles with their problem-solving skills.
Famous INTPs Throughout History
INTPs have been present throughout history, making significant contributions to various fields. Many famous scientists, philosophers, and inventors have been identified as INTPs. For instance, Albert Einstein, the greatest scientist of the twentieth century, was an INTP. He possessed an intense curiosity and a sense of wonder about nature from his early childhood. His passion for reason and innovation served him well as a scientist, and he revolutionized physics with his theory of relativity.
Marie Curie, the French-Polish physicist who discovered radioactivity, was also an INTP. She was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize and the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes in different fields. Alexander Fleming, the Scottish physician and bacteriologist who discovered penicillin, was another famous INTP scientist.
INTPs have also made significant contributions to mathematics. Carl Friedrich Gauss, the German mathematician and physicist who made important contributions to number theory and algebra, was an INTP. Leonhard Euler, the Swiss mathematician and physicist who introduced much of the modern mathematical terminology and notation, was also an INTP.
In addition to science and mathematics, many famous philosophers have been identified as INTPs. Rene Descartes, the French philosopher who is considered the father of modern philosophy, was an INTP. His famous statement “I think, therefore I am” reflects his INTP personality type. Socrates, the Greek philosopher who is considered one of the founders of Western philosophy, was also an INTP.
Finally, many famous inventors have been identified as INTPs. Thomas Edison, the American inventor who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, was an INTP. He held over 1,000 patents for his inventions. Charles Babbage, the British mathematician and inventor who is credited with designing the first mechanical computer, was also an INTP.
How Rare Are INTPs?
INTPs are considered to be one of the rarest of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. According to studies, they make up only 3-5% of the United States population, and globally, their percentage is even lower. In fact, only about 1% of the total population is an INTP, making it one of the rarest personality groups in the world.
However, despite their small numbers, INTPs have made significant contributions throughout history. Famous INTPs such as Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, and Isaac Newton have been responsible for major innovations that have shaped our world.
INTPs are often misunderstood and can feel isolated in a world that values extroverted personalities. They tend to be introverted and analytical individuals who prefer spending time alone and focusing on their internal thoughts rather than the external world. They have a rich inner world and enjoy coming up with solutions to complex problems.
Interestingly, there are two subtypes of INTPs: INTP-A and INTP-T. The Assertive Logician subtype tends to be more comfortable with themselves and more confident than the Turbulent Logician subtype, which feels less comfort both personally and in terms of their current life.
How To Identify If You Are An INTP
If you’re wondering if you might be an INTP, there are a few key traits to look for. INTPs tend to be introverted, preferring to spend time alone or with a small group of close friends rather than in large social settings. They are also highly analytical and enjoy thinking deeply about complex problems and concepts.
Another hallmark of the INTP personality type is a focus on logic and reason. They are often described as “logical” or “rational” thinkers, and they tend to be more interested in understanding the underlying principles behind things rather than simply accepting them at face value.
If you’re still unsure if you’re an INTP, you can take a personality test like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This test will ask you a series of questions about your personality and preferences, and then give you a result that tells you which of the 16 personality types you most closely align with. Keep in mind that while these tests can be helpful, they are not definitive – only you can truly know your own personality and preferences.
The Challenges And Strengths Of Being An INTP
As with any personality type, being an INTP comes with its own set of challenges and strengths. One of the biggest challenges that INTPs face is feeling disconnected from the rest of the world. This can stem from their tendency to get lost in their own thoughts and ideas, which can make it difficult for them to put those thoughts into action. While they may be hard workers, they often struggle with buckling down and doing what’s necessary to achieve their goals.
Another challenge that INTPs face is their tendency to be insensitive or unkind in social situations. This is because they value rationality above all else, which can cause them to underestimate the importance of emotions, compassion, and tradition. As a result, they may come across as aloof or detached, even though their intentions are generally good.
On the other hand, there are several strengths that come with being an INTP. For one, they are incredibly analytical and logical thinkers who enjoy working independently to come up with ideas and solutions. They are also highly original and open-minded, which allows them to see things from multiple perspectives and come up with creative solutions to problems.
Additionally, INTPs are known for their ability to analyze information and think critically about complex issues. They are able to see patterns and connections that others may miss, which makes them valuable problem-solvers in a variety of fields.
In conclusion, being an INTP comes with its own set of challenges and strengths. While INTPs may struggle with feeling disconnected from the rest of the world and being insensitive in social situations, they also possess valuable analytical skills and a highly creative mind. By understanding these challenges and strengths, INTPs can learn to leverage their unique traits to achieve success in both their personal and professional lives.
