Of the 16 personalities on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator,

INTJ (Introversion, iNtuition, Thinking, Judging) is one of the

rarest. With 1 to 2 percent of the population falling into this
pathology, its no surprise that INTJs may sometimes feel like an
alien on Earth. With a reserved demeanor that favors
pragmatism over emotion, the type is often used as the
framework for villains in stories.
From the outside, INTJs can seem cold and distant. Internally,
they can often find themselves struggling with their identity
more than other types. In case you are in that situation, or just
need a reminder, heres some of the best parts about being a
rarity on this planet.
1. Always Looking to Improve
Sure The Mastermind may be the given title to INTJs, but
Tinkerer could work just as wellif tinker didnt have such a
wonky sound to it. INTJs are constantly on the lookout for ways
to improve the world around them. This may annoy those that
dont understand the inner workings of an INTJ. Often they are
almost always going to be their own worst critic. They often
look for fix-up projects for themselves, or the people in their
lives. It sometimes may seem meddling, but most are reserved
enough to only help when asked. Once they do commit to a
project, they are in it until the end. Anyone with an annoying but
lovable parent might be able to understand.
2. Comfortable With a Quiet Night
Like other introverts, INTJs are perfectly content with a night on
the couch. By themselves or with their comfortable circle, INTJs

love a low-key night. Its not saying that they dont like to go
out at all (some dont). Its that they spend energy when theyre
out in highly stimulating situations, where most of the world
(extroverts) feed off that stimulating energy.
For many INTJs it runs a bit deeper. Their sanity can sometimes
be linked to their need for privacy and quiet. Many pursue
solitary activities like reading and writing to regain their energy.
This can explain why many of them appear extremely irked
when someone disrupts their private time. If they fail to
communicate this to the people around them, the INTJ can come
off exceptionally cold and distant. Its something they should
look out for at times.
3. Mental Quickness
The whole Mastermind stuff might have tipped you off to this,
but mental quickness goes deeper than that. INTJs are a witty,
innovative bunch that has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Consider them pack rats of wisdom, if you will. Once they have
the knowledge, they use it to analyze and reach new insights of
their own. Sometimes, they use it to better understand
themselves, which falls back onto their desire for selfimprovement.
In professional settings, they are often in math, science and
computer fields that require an extensive amount of knowledge.
One thing any INTJ must be aware of is that this high level of
knowledge can be a dangerous combination when mixed with
their unusually high levels of self-confidence. Too much of that
can turn most people off, which may be why they are often

reserved and to themselves. Notable INTJs include Karl Marx,

Ayn Rand and Stephen Hawking.
4. Rebellious Free Thinkers
Did you ever have that silent, brooding kid in your high school?
A loner, a rebel, but not the Pee Wees Big Adventure kind? If
so, that misunderstood rebel very well could have been an INTJ.
You see, its not that they want to rebel. Instead, they just dont
conform to many social norms the rest of the world accepts. The
younger generations are shifting this way now, but INTJs have
questioned authority as long as their nature has dictated. Just
because someone holds a title of authority or seniority does not
mean a thing to an INTJ. Respect is earned by everyone.
Their propensity for big picture thinking can further isolate
them, as they tend to think less about the world around them.
Mixed with their high levels of research, its no surprise that
many INTJs believe that they can make positive changes in the
world. See, theyre not evil masterminds like the movies make
them out to be!
5. Extremely Loyal
One of the more frustrating aspects of an INTJ can be their
extreme loyalty mixed with their high standards for honesty and
morality. Loyalty and steadiness are highly desirable to them,
but it can take some time to develop. Their reserved nature isnt
just some form of social aversion. Instead, they are gauging
what could come of their potential relationships. To some, this
approach can be maddening. For INTJs, its a highly effective
way of going about life.

Once you have earned the loyalty of an INTJ, you have made a
lifelong friend that often doesnt let new people in. But, if you
breach that trust it can be near impossible to gain back. Their
trust can be lost by the slightest social norm that is otherwise
accepted in society. For INTJs, the acceptance of white lies and
other commonly accepted actions is not so easy for themif at
all. That can make their hardline loyalty the kind of bond youll
never have to worry about losing. If you think you can sneak
something past an INTJ, you may want to reconsider before
losing a potential friend over something small. Then again, try to
ease up every once in a while, INTJs. The world doesnt see it
your way all the time, or ever.
6. Open-Minded
Most INTJs are hard to sway once they have made up their
minds, but that isnt the case when they are forming their
opinions. INTJsare actually one of the more open minded kinds
of people. While there are certain ones that may not embody that
mentality (Looking at you, Putin) INTJs are often part of the
most progressive group in the conversation.
This can be puzzling when factoring in their judgement (J)
tendency. How does the tolerance work with all that judgement?
One key point to remember is that like all the pathologies, each
person is on a scale. Each person will be different. Or, if you
asked anINTJ theyll probably have an elaborate way to describe
how it works for them.
7. The Rational Approach

What may drive others crazy is one of an INTJs strongest

characteristics. They take pride in possessing a strong, pragmatic
approach to life, but it comes with a down side. While most of
the world jumps for what they want, an INTJ takes their time
deciding if it fits their fickle standards. This can make
relationships a massive issue for them. Then again, that rationale
allows for them to also separate emotion from situations. It can
rub people the wrong way because an INTJ may not be
matching the emotion of those around them, but thats just how
they are.
A rational approach can be a problem for the INTJ as well
because they seek precise answers, which is not the way a large
amount of people operate. However, once they get those precise
answers it allows them to go into their heads and optimize the
heck out of the situation.
8. Keen Observers
As previously stated, trying to get something past an INTJ is a
dangerous game, my friend. Whether its big or small, an INTJ
could react rather harshly if you get caught. The reason for that
is their observation that rivals an owl. The ability comes from
their introverted intuition being a dominant factor in their
personalities. This fosters their mental quickness because of the
constant flow of knowledge they take in.
When not using this to be amateur sleuths, an INTJ can use their
observations to optimize a situation. They can remove
themselves from the action to see what is going on, or hone in
on a person during a conversationespecially if the INTJ is
lacking anything to say on their end. Just be sure to break your

gaze every once in a while, INTJs. You dont want to have

anyone think youre a creep or anything.
9. Hardworking, Determined to Achieve Their Goals
A lazy INTJ is something you will rarely come across. They are
workhorses, but only when they want to. Good luck getting them
to quit once they have found a subject they are in to. They will
stick at it until they know it inside and out. Long hours of
practice and studying excite an INTJ because they know they are
that much closer to perfecting their task. Between their work
ethic and mental prowess, it is no surprise that they often excel
in tasking situations. Where others often become exhausted,
INTJs remain charged behind their new found knowledge. If you
cant find your INTJ loved ones, check where the books and
computers are first.
10. Natural Leadership Abilities
When so much of their personality steers towards wise, fair
leadership their reluctance to be the focal point puts their true
ability to change the world into doubt. Their pragmatism and
foresight allows them to make rational strategies that often come
to fruition. Yet, frequently they will remain quiet unless they
deem no one else fit for the leadership role.
Once in the role of leaders they can be highly effective.
However, their nature to disregard emotions over the greater
good of the cause can rub people the wrong way. A great INTJ
leader should consider branching out of their comfort zone to
factor emotions in while remaining their typical pragmatic self.