INTP - The Thirst For Knowledge

People with the INTP personality type love knowledge and logic above all else. Their intuition is naturally refined and accords them an unusual level of creative problem-solving ability. In fact, this type looks forward to complex problems, considering them a challenge. Their analytical skills combine with their penchant to filter every circumstance through logic to yield solutions that others may find counterintuitive. In truth, INTP types have a well-honed aptitude for identifying relevant patterns and applying them to theoretical puzzles to produce unique answers. Below, we'll explain INTPs' relentless pursuit of clarity, their preference for theory over application, and a few potential weaknesses which can hold them back.

Finding An Explanation

For people with the INTP type, a situation that lacks a clearly defined explanation is infuriating. They take great pleasure in attacking problems that are complex and transforming them into easily understood puzzles. Every problem represents an opportunity for them to build their store of knowledge. In so doing, INTPs continuously generate potential resolutions for problems based upon objective reasoning. When left to their own devices, they will appear distant as they mull things over in their mind, applying answers to problems, even when unnecessary.

Theory Over Application

To theorize about something is a great joy to INTPs. They have a tendency to turn a problem inside out, approaching it in a variety of ways to find the most logical solution. But, applying their theories to a given situation holds little interest for them. The application of a problem's solution bores them as they would rather devote their attention to identifying patterns, clarifying problems, and ultimately, continuing to build their knowledge.

Personality And Strengths

When given a complex theoretical problem or puzzle to solve, INTP types have the ability to quickly clarify the issues. Their fondness for logic and theory encourages them to formulate a number of possible solutions. What's more, these solutions are often unusual because INTPs are uninhibited by conventional approaches to brainstorming and problem-solving. Instead, they avoid obvious answers, preferring to find better, more efficient solutions that others miss.

Because people with the INTP trait process so much of the world internally, they are often shy around people who are unfamiliar to them. That said, they tend to be friendly and outgoing with those they know well.

Potential Weaknesses

Logic plays a major role in the critical thinking process for INTPs. They don't see the value of injecting emotion into their decisions. While this lack of emotion often yields the most logical decisions, it can also make INTPs seem incapable of addressing the emotions of others. Also, their love of logic and creative problem-solving comes at the cost of practical application. Specifically, they are content to solve a problem and dismiss it in pursuit of the next challenge, even if their solution has not been applied. If placed in a situation that caters to this approach (i.e. lab, think tank, etc.), INTPs can excel. However, amongst other people, their success can be limited.