INTP is one of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types — a concept used to classify humans based on their traits, behavioral patterns, and values. People with this personality type are also called thinkers or logicians due to their intuitive thinking and curious approach to life.
INTPs see the world with a unique sense of wonder and curiosity. They long to know the deepest secrets of the universe, the history behind things, and the true nature of humans. However, their most exciting conversations only happen in their heads — a place that harbors creativity like no other.
For INTPs, a sense of the unknown is what makes life beautiful, and most of the time, they come off as mysterious to others.
In this article, we will explore the depth and layers of the INTP personality type. We'll examine how these individuals go through life, love, and work.
Do you have the Thinker Personality? Take a quick INTP personality type test to find out for sure!
If you are new to the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), you may want to pause and read this introductory guide to the MBTI before proceeding.
What is the INTP Personality?
INTPs are analytical and intellectual individuals who comprise only 3% of the US population. While they are a pretty rare personality type, they are less common among females (2% of the population) than men (5%).
INTP stands for Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perception. In the MBTI model, an individual with this pattern of personality traits is called "The Thinker" or sometimes "The Architect."
These four traits define how INTP Thinker personality types approach life in general.
- Introvert: INTPs are energized in their solitude and get easily worn out by too many social interactions. It doesn’t mean that these individuals lack social skills. On the contrary, people with this personality display strong confidence and have thriving relationships with a select few friends.
- Intuitive: Individuals with this personality type would rather focus on ideas, possibilities, and concepts than details and facts.
- Thinking: While INTPs are intuitive, they are also highly logical. Their decisions usually stem from in-depth analysis and reasoning.
- Perception: When it comes to plans and ideas, an INTP would prefer spontaneous actions rather than well-thought-out ones. This trait makes them somewhat reckless procrastinators.
Characteristics of the INTP Personality Type
INTPs are intellectual introverts with broad and imaginative minds. Being in tune with their inner selves, these individuals may appear unorthodox to many. The INTP mind is their creative playground. It is where they have deep inner conversations and analytical thinking, often bringing innovative ideas.
They may have laid-back expressions, but don't let that fool you. They are passionate about understanding the mystery behind ideologies and world principles.
The best way to describe the mind of a Thinker is a "complex labyrinth of ideas."
They actively seek unique solutions to problems and often seem disconnected from their external environment. Again, don't be fooled because these thinkers are aware of the details around them. Some even boast of being able to spot a liar from 10 miles away.
People with the Thinker personality type are quite excellent conversationalists; however, they prefer deep conversations about their topics of interest over small talk. With the right set of people, an INTP can be fun-loving and light-hearted.
As naturally curious beings, they enjoy good brainstorming sessions or conversations that challenge their perspective. INTPs are also more inclined to an unconventional approach to solving a problem. They are very critical of ideologies that make no logical sense. Above all, INTPs are interested in the motives, theories, and history behind concepts and beliefs.
INTP Strengths
INTPs are motivated by the need to break conventions. Hence, they exhibit the following strengths:
- Creativity
- Intellect
- Analytical thinking
- Broad imagination
- Objective Mindset
- Open-minded
- Emotional intelligence
INTP Weaknesses
Although INTPs display great intellectual prowess, they struggle with some or all of the following weaknesses:
- Absent-mindedness
- Insensitive
- Condescending
- Perfectionist attitude
- Procrastination
INTP Examples — INTP Personality Type Celebrities
INTPs are versatile personalities found in different walks of life. Here are some famous people with INTP personality type to help you better understand what they are like.
- Albert Einstein, physicist
- Rowan Atkinson, actor
- Carl Jung, psychiatrist
- Kristen Stewart, actress
- Charles Darwin, a naturalist
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor
- Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft
- Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States
- Blaise Pascal, mathematician
The Thinker personality type has also been explored in fiction and movies. Below are some fictional characters with an INTP personality type.
- Lord Varys, Game of Thrones
- Neo, The Matrix
- Velma Dinkley, Scooby-Doo
- Jughead Jones, Riverdale
- Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory
- Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes
- April Ludgate, Parks and Recreation
- Alexander Mahone, Prison Break
INTP Personality Type in the Workplace
Generally, INTPs enjoy workplaces that allow them to explore creative ideas. As intuitive individuals, they are better at creating ideas and concepts than implementing them.
Some traits that make an INTP stand out in the workplace are their creativity, autonomy, self-motivation, forward-thinking and analytical prowess. INTPs are stimulated and satisfied in a work environment with creative freedom and growth opportunities through new and complex challenges.
While many INTPs display similar workplace habits, they may vary based on their role. Let's look at how INTP behaves as the manager, team leader, subordinate, and colleague in the workplace.
INTPs as Managers
While INTPs don't care about being leaders, they make excellent managers and team heads. They are smart enough to know their weaknesses which is administrative work (in most cases), and they delegate it to individuals that excel in this aspect. With the cumbersome administrative tasks out of the way, they can then focus on what they know how to do best — creating fresh and innovative ideas.
INTP managers are generally easy to work with because of their flexible and easygoing nature. They love fellow creative thinkers and don't hesitate to encourage suggestions from subordinates. The INTP manager also permits moments of fun and unseriousness. However, INTPs always want nothing but the best from their team members, and this may make them overbearing bosses.
INTPs as Subordinates
INTPs are usually resourceful and innovative employees in the right working environment. They find complex and fresh problems that require their creative skills to be stimulating. However, the INTP subordinates may show less enthusiasm about tasks that require lots of structure, planning, or interference from team members.
When they have little or no say about what task they can or cannot do, the INTP subordinate may quickly grow tired and disengaged at their workplace. The best way to keep employees with the Thinker personality type grounded is to create a structure that holds them accountable and disciplined.
INTPs as Colleagues
An INTP will likely see their team members and colleagues as potential distractions rather than work partners. They are more likely to prefer solo activities over team projects.
However, it is not because they feel better than the rest of the team but because they feel slowed down when their "average" co-worker can't match up with their super-fast analytical mind. INTPs tend to come up with innovative ideas faster than even they can handle, and it gets frustrating when their team members struggle to keep up.
Best Career Paths for INTP Personalities
INTPs thrive in careers that promote autonomy while letting them show off their creativity, innovation, and complex problem-solving skills. Whether they identify as INTP-A (Assertive) or INTP-T (Turbulent), their unique strengths make them suited for roles that value analytical thinking and independent problem-solving. Below are some of the best career paths for the Thinker personality type.
- Computer programmer
- Chemist
- Physicist
- Mathematician
- Actuary
- Photographer
- Writer
- Architect
- Forensic scientist
The best way for an INTP (or anyone) to find a career that truly fits who they are is to take a career interest assessment.
INTP Relationship Styles
Individuals with the INTP personality type are very much in tune with their emotions and inner boundaries. However, they may struggle to do the same with others.
Let's explore how INTPs cope with friendship, romantic relationships, and parenthood.
INTPs in Friendships
As individuals who are comfortable in their solitude, INTPs are somewhat selective regarding friendship. However, the connection is almost instant when they find that person who meets their standards. They appreciate trustworthiness and enjoy deep conversations with friends.
INTPs don't mind leaning on their friends for support; however, there must be a deep level of trust. One way to bond with an INTP friend is to have conversations about their passions and interests — INTPs can talk on and on about something they are passionate about.
Maintaining a friendship with an INTP requires a great deal of understanding and communication, as they can sometimes be out of touch with the emotions of others.
INTPs in Romantic Relationships
Although INTPs love their solitude, they also crave companionship. They are not ones to actively go out searching for love, but they appreciate affection when it comes. INTPs have high standards when it comes to choosing a romantic partner. They love people who support their creative ideas and challenge their perspectives.
It may be hard to find people who will meet the high standards of the INTP; however, when it does happen, there is an almost instantaneous connection. To these individuals, a relationship is serious business, and they strive to make it work in the most creative ways.
INTPs generally value honesty and open mindednesses in their relationships. As they gain trust in their partner, they tend to loosen up and become more playful.
INTPs as Parents
INTPs are interested in meaningful and intentional parenting. They use observation skills to monitor their child's behavioral patterns and enhance their parenting methods.
Thinker-type parents are not one to follow conventions; hence, their parenting approach may differ from popular methods.
As someone in tune with their thoughts and inner world, INTPs encourage their children to do the same. They support independence, creativity, and outspokenness in their kids.
Tips for Interacting with the INTP Personality Type
Below are some tips for fostering a more meaningful relationship with your friend, colleague, or partner with the INTP personality type.
- Feel free to tell them as it is. As logical individuals, INTPs appreciate frankness and constructive criticism when they come.
- Support their creative conquests.
- Respect their personal space.
- Take it slow and easy with them. INTPs usually find it easier to trust and connect with people once they have enough reasons. Instead of getting frustrated at their refusals to open up, slowly strengthen their trust in you.
- Respect their personal space.
- Communicate effectively.
Do You Have an INTP Personality?
The greatest asset of the INTP personality type is the mind. These individuals become high achievers when ideas and analytical skills are well utilized. Do you resonate with some of the traits above?
After reading this article, do you wonder, "Do I have an INTP personality”?
Take a self-assessment to discover which of the 16 personality types best fits you.
