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> The only not-regrettable outcome of that, for me, was that I learned that self-identifying as "INTJ" was a stupid thing to do. Are you sure you're an INTJ? I

> The only not-regrettable outcome of that, for me, was that I learned that self-identifying as "INTJ" was a stupid thing to do. Are you sure you're an INTJ? If so, why was it stupid?

thaumaturgy 14y ago
Mainly because self-identifying as any MBTI type is a stupid thing to do (I just didn't realize it until I interacted with a bunch of other people that self-identified as one). It can lead to silly conclusions like, "well, I'm right-handed, so I can't be good at art." The INTJ-Open list was filled with people whose favorite hobby seemed to be arguing, even when it was just arguing about arguing. They were some of the most eloquent and logical dense people I've ever read. They justified some of their more egregious antisocial behavior as "being INTJ", which seemed to me to be about the dumbest possible response. They agreed on nearly nothing -- for a bunch of self-described rationalists you'd think there'd be at least some kind of trends in, I dunno, socio-economic thinking, or education, or something. After a while I naively suggested that it might be a good habit to work on self-improvement a little. Y'know, go to the occasional party or mixer, have a drink, talk to people; chat with people in line at the store; let people say silly things without embarrassing them in front of others; treat people nicely even if you disagree with them; that sort of thing. The stuff that normal people do. IIRC, the most common response was that I must not be an INTJ. I got a couple of messages of support, but strictly off-list; the supporters were afraid of being ostracized on-list. And that's when I realized that this group was Mensa, but more argumentative and with lower requirements. I have an exceedingly low opinion of Mensa. Anyway, I was really glad that saved me from going around "acting like an INTJ" (jerk) all the time, and I realized that I had just accidentally dodged the real danger of the MBTI stuff: that it encourages you to put yourself into a tiny little box.
- surement 14y ago
  >> Are you sure you're an INTJ? > IIRC, the most common response was that I must not be an INTJ. Again, I had a great laugh finding out that questioning other people's INTJness is seemingly an INTJ thing to do. Part of the way I see it is that doing the test is a good way to find out what you might want to work on (as you suggested with self-improvement), and that should be relevant to every type. For example, if you're an I, learn some conversation skills; if you're an E, you don't need to always say what's on your mind. I can see the trap of finding it an excuse to be unpleasant to others, however.

> The only not-regrettable outcome of that, for me, was that I learned that self-identifying as "INTJ" was a stupid thing to do. Are you sure you're an INTJ? If so, why was it stupid?

thaumaturgy 14y ago

Mainly because self-identifying as any MBTI type is a stupid thing to do (I just didn't realize it until I interacted with a bunch of other people that self-identified as one). It can lead to silly conclusions like, "well, I'm right-handed, so I can't be good at art." The INTJ-Open list was filled with people whose favorite hobby seemed to be arguing, even when it was just arguing about arguing. They were some of the most eloquent and logical dense people I've ever read. They justified some of their more egregious antisocial behavior as "being INTJ", which seemed to me to be about the dumbest possible response. They agreed on nearly nothing -- for a bunch of self-described rationalists you'd think there'd be at least some kind of trends in, I dunno, socio-economic thinking, or education, or something. After a while I naively suggested that it might be a good habit to work on self-improvement a little. Y'know, go to the occasional party or mixer, have a drink, talk to people; chat with people in line at the store; let people say silly things without embarrassing them in front of others; treat people nicely even if you disagree with them; that sort of thing. The stuff that normal people do. IIRC, the most common response was that I must not be an INTJ. I got a couple of messages of support, but strictly off-list; the supporters were afraid of being ostracized on-list. And that's when I realized that this group was Mensa, but more argumentative and with lower requirements. I have an exceedingly low opinion of Mensa. Anyway, I was really glad that saved me from going around "acting like an INTJ" (jerk) all the time, and I realized that I had just accidentally dodged the real danger of the MBTI stuff: that it encourages you to put yourself into a tiny little box.

surement 14y ago
>> Are you sure you're an INTJ? > IIRC, the most common response was that I must not be an INTJ. Again, I had a great laugh finding out that questioning other people's INTJness is seemingly an INTJ thing to do. Part of the way I see it is that doing the test is a good way to find out what you might want to work on (as you suggested with self-improvement), and that should be relevant to every type. For example, if you're an I, learn some conversation skills; if you're an E, you don't need to always say what's on your mind. I can see the trap of finding it an excuse to be unpleasant to others, however.