Since both types seek an understanding of themselves and the world,
they can enjoy extensive discussions, and find common ground on multitude issues.
Whatever their similarities, INTJs and INTPs also differ in some important ways. Often times,
these differences are subtle and necessitate careful analysis to understand their origin.
Number 1. Communication. INTJs work more at an intellectual than
emotional level and so would see conflict, if they did engage, as simply an extension of the debate
and their arguments would be well thought through, based on data.
Blunt and to the point, the INTPs will rarely let emotions get in the way,
and will use logic and data to make their point.
Those who are more emotional, may find them at such times a little cold and harsh.
Number 2. Leading. The INTJ will be at
their best with the facility to work for long periods on their own. If they do lead,
they prefer like-minded people who also love the intellectual debate and complex challenges.
INTPs need those around them to be proactive and not keep coming to them with questions. They like
arguments and actions to be well thought through, and will excel at ensuring this is the case.
Number 3. Creativity.
INTJs are ideas people. Anything is possible for them.
They love developing unique solutions to complex problems, and conversely, if it were not complex
or interesting then why would they bother? If it holds their interest the high critical
thinking ability of the INTP and their shrewd judgements means they can analyze and distil
even the most complex problems and cut to the core of what needs to be done.
Number 4. Compatibility. The INTJ is the patient visionary, clear
on how the future should look, and will work with quiet and logical determination to make it happen.
The INTJ loves an intellectual challenge, and is stimulated by the abstract, the complex,
the new and the untried. They can seem a little detached from others as they quietly process
so much information inside their heads. The INTP is deep, private, difficult to know
and extremely independent. They focus on things that interest them most, putting off completing
tasks until the last minute as the routine bores them. INTPs love logic, and an indicator of being
an INTP is obsession with (low prosidy) logical correctness. An INTP will struggle with emotion,
great at reading situations but less good at reading people.
Number 5. Driving force.
INTJs are intellectually curious, and love complex problems and analyzing data to come up with unique
solutions, driven more by concepts and abstract ideas than by the emotions of people.
Skeptical and difficult to know, the INTP is wary of close emotional involvement,
as emotions tends to be slightly outside their own life-space,
and if someone gets too close too soon they close down.
Number 6. Relationships. For the INTJ everything has a scientific
base, so getting close would be difficult as they don’t see the need for emotional connection.
Their engagement tends to come via intellectual arguments with like-minded people.
The INTP is very independent, deep and private, yet can at times seem totally outspoken,
because of their directness of communication and economy of words,
speaking only when there is something to say.
Number 7. Dealing with emotions. For INTJs, emotion doesn’t compute,
and so they may not understand their impact on others, or indeed gauge the emotional reactions
of others, which can make them appear as insensitive or a little cold.
INTPs find emotion difficult, as they are at heart logical, analytical and objective with no time for
anything they see as (low prosidy) 'fanciful.' (end of) They will not be motivated by someone
saying 'please,' or by emotional pleading. Number 8. Feelings.
INTJs are private and can often be naturally impassive as well,
which makes them easy to be misunderstood. INTJs want people to make logical sense, and so
feelings are difficult for them to fathom. The INTP will find it difficult to share their
feelings, although they will be blunt and outspoken regarding their thoughts.
In moments of single-minded concentration, the INTP will appear aloof and detached.
Number 9. Gathering Information. Their creative and articulate nature,
coupled with strong intuition, influences their methodology of gathering information. Firstly,
INTJs gather information, prioritize the facts and select the data needed for a comprehensive plan.
During the information prioritization and selection process, INTJs disregard information
they feel is not helpful and begin developing a detailed plan with the information left.
In contrast, INTPs keep all the information that is gathered
plus all new information and insights as they occur. For the
INTP, all the information is not collectible. There is always something new to be added.
Number 10. Structure. INTPs would not survive in a regimented
detail oriented job for long. Flexibility is imperative since they can only produce
work when the moment is right. As INTPs tend to live inside their own heads a bit more than INTJs,
they seem to be more detached and are not influenced at by other people’s opinions.
INTPs like INTJs, are responsible and trustworthy and but often viewed as ‘being out-there’
and not as responsible as INTJs. INTJs are incredibly knowledgeable and they
are typically experts on one or more things. They have a relentless thirst for knowledge,
which gives them options, and they use those options to plan things out well. This is why the
greatest strengths are most useful towards areas such as problem solving and goal accomplishment.
They plan best when they make mental or physical notes, and do things step by step and detailed.
They have the patience to take their time planning well, and the willingness to carry
out those plans they strive for balance. They judge things to be good or bad. They
make the good things better, and avoid or eliminate the bad things. They hate losing,
because they pride themselves on how smart and competent they are.
INTP is an highly logical and highly analytical seeker of truth,
with far above average intelligence. It is also a chameleon that can change and blend color at will.
Despite their preference for reclusiveness, they understand social norms very well, as they have
uncanny observational and analytical skills. They find many social expectations to be trivial
farces and would avoid them as much as humanely possible. However, if they cannot avoid them, they
can put on a mask and play the expected part. This is not to say that they don't have friends
and don't enjoy outings but they'd rather enjoy their company of few friends somewhere,
where intellectually stimulating discussions can take place.