Introduction:
16 Personalities A.K.A. MBTI has been around quite a while, and over the last decade has become a niche cult interest of sorts, and it's easy to see why, it speaks to a deep-seated human impulse to identify and understand oneself. Plus it's easy and satisfying: take a short test and you get a little description of your result which is just vague and positive enough to make you feel good. You get to attribute yourself to a fun little archetype club, especially if you get a "rare" result like the coveted INXJ. Now you're special, isn't that nice?
But the test is unreliable, giving people different results on different days etc. so it's all just for good fun, right? I saw an article from Pyschology Today talking about the test recently with exactly that sentiment. And that sums up the entire problem right there. A psychology article from a renowned source, still talking about the 16 personalities as though the pop quiz test is the only aspect. Not a single mention of the cognitive functions, the deep and complex theory that runs underneath. And the full theory isn't super obscure anymore either, it has a sizeable and far more devoted following than the simplistic MBTI.
But that theory has its own problems, not least of all being overcomplicated, especially by people locked into the dogmatic structure of it, arguing about all sorts of pointless things.
I've seen people claim that: "cognitive functions don't exist." Why? Because we can't prove them? As if an idea's value or benefit lies only in its replicable results via the scientific method. If you think like that, you might want to check out the definition of imbalanced Extraverted Thinking and Extraverted Sensing on their respective pages.
It's the same as people who dismiss psychology as a 'soft science'... And? Did its theoretical nature ever prevent it from vastly progressing our understanding of ourselves and eachother? Did it ever stop it from helping millions of people across the world? This is especially true of Jung, who even in the circles of his own profession was critised for being too abstract. That didn't stop his theory of archetypes and the idea of the Shadow Self in particular from going on to become a major source of inspiration for people everywhere.
Acting as if something is true can be just as powerful as knowing for sure that it is. Case in point: acting as if Freud's Unconscious or Jung's Shadow exist and engaging with them allows you to become a more functional and mentally well-adjusted human being with less repression and triggers through the guidelines they created. In fact, the nature of theories such as these allows them to be far more malleable and useful in the hands of the one using them. You don't have to agree with everything because it is 'scientifically proven', you can take what you think is wise from Freud and leave aside what you find too... pessimistic, for example.
In the case of the current understanding of cognitive functions, either people are rabid over the established systems or they try to change them, which almost always result in making them even more 'scientific' and complicated, pleading: "See, it is scientifically valid, guys, I promise." Like a dog jumping through hoops to please its master.
I think the idea's validity speaks for itself and the last thing it needs is more complication. So it needed an approach that kept things familiar yet leaned into the pliable nature of the theory and fully highlighted the potential benefits. Something that could actually be viable at any time, all the time. Something that could harness the power of 'acting as if'.
So I created exactly that, while assimilating eveything from the old theory that could be useful (but doesn't have to be used). Resulting in, theoretically, the greatest system of self-development ever devised.
Take, for example, the premise of the cognitive function Introverted Feeling, which is individual emotional experience, coming into conflict with Introverted Thinking, which is individual logical process. It doesn't take a genius to conclude why or how these two would clash.
And that's the skeleton of my whole system. Opposition and balance for each of the 8 cognitive functions - which are explained more below - while extrapolating to find what they represent beyond mere preference/bias or motivation in the individual. Easy for anyone to engage with at a surface level and find actual beneficial use for. Yet, for anyone who wishes to go beyond that point, there is entire new dimensions of self to explore, purely theoretically. Purely a best-fit, case-by-case exploration of ideas, not rigid systems.
Intelligence
I am - apparently - a person of extraordinary intelligence. I've been treated as such all my life, and I have verified it's truthfulness against the evidence of my actions, comparison to the actions of others, and observing other people's reactions to things I say. This, already, is apparently indicative of a highly intelligent individual. It's difficult to dispute, and I dislike false humility, so yes, I am clearly highly intelligent. If you need more proof then by all means, spend as much time reading my articles and essays as you need to be satisfied, I won't complain! But this is just the premise to my point: sometimes I hate it. Not just because I am forced into awareness of things I'd rather have stayed oblivious to, not just because it makes finding people to truly connect with a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of affair (despite having 0 issues making friends in general), not only that it puts a massive burden of responsibility onto me since:
Knowledge = Power = Responsibility
No. The reason I hate the most for being 'exceptionally' intelligent, is that often I have found myself being used as a sounding board for other people's insecurities about their intelligence. And I have never understood it because since I look for the potential in people at all times, I considered it comparing apples to oranges even before I knew about cognitive functions. Now that I have this knowledge, this universal equating of the kind of intelligence I happen to be gifted in as the 'be-all-end-all' of intelligence makes me pretty mad (in both senses of the word) to be honest.
Scientifically, there are supposedly 9 different types of intelligence. Some of them align pretty perfectly with the function definitions, e.g. intrapersonal intelligence is very 'Introverted Feeling' and interpersonal intelligence is 'Extraverted Feeling'. But ultimately, a lot of these are either too specific or too vague to be much actual use to anyone.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence.
Linguistic Intelligence.
Interpersonal Intelligence.
Intrapersonal Intelligence.
Musical Intelligence.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence.
Bodily-Kinaesthetic Intelligence.
Naturalist Intelligence.
No. Let me present to you the cognitive functions as a much more broadly effective classification of the variations in intelligence:
Logical Reasoning Intelligence (Introverted Thinking) - This is the kind of intelligence people seem to value highest and equate me with, but I know I'm not even close to how gifted some are in this aspect. I'm not very mathematically adept, for example, while high Ti types often are. A very 'classic' or 'traditional' interpretation of intelligence. This is deduction, creating systems to optimally do or explain things, aptitude for complexity and such.
Logical Practical Intelligence (Extraverted Thinking) - This is the intelligence associated with getting results, a 'competence' kind of intelligence. Also 'booksmart' intelligence. When we see someone do something really well, we infer a kind of intelligence from that. Someone aced their exams? They're intelligent. Someone who runs their own company is probably intelligent etc. etc. Someone has amassed a wealth of knowledge on a particular subject? They must be super intelligent, right? Well, I'm not saying they aren't, but the real 'intelligence' here is task-focused-ness.
Subjective Emotional Intelligence (Introverted Feeling) - In addition to 'Intrapersonal Intelligence', this is the natural understanding of what it means to be a conscious being with subjective experiences and, why giving that proper consideration is important, as well as how to deal with it. Recognition of what's going on inside and the importance of valuing these processes. In turn, the intelligence to infer the internal emotional processes of others and better understand them.
External Emotional Intelligence (Extraverted Feeling) - 'Interpersonal intelligence' is a great way of describing this kind of intelligence but it's more than just that. It's being attuned to social landscapes, the collective values/emotional states of a group, how to align with them, how to influence them, how to express oneself emotionally to whatever end.
Orderly Intelligence (Introverted Sensing) - Knowing how to maintain and pay attention to the details that make all the difference. Keeping records, assessing prior data to create an image of how the future might look and how this can be used to maintain reliable order for all involved.
Spontaneous Intelligence (Extraverted Sensing) - I don't mean intelligence that appears and disappears out of nowhere. This is the on-the-fly, here-and-now, quick-wittedness kind of intelligence. Improvisational intelligence, even. Street-smarts would fall into this classification. There are times for thinking ahead and thinking things through, and there's other times when something just needs to be done, right now. This is that kind of intelligence.
Consequential Intelligence (Introverted Intuition) - This is the kind of intelligence that sees the bigger picture or the outcome before the pieces come together, and a sense of how the pieces fit together to create said outcome. In many ways it's more aptly described as wisdom, rather than intelligence.
Creative Intelligence (Extraverted Intuition) - This intelligence doesn't refer to how artsy one is, rather how effectively one can think outside-the-box, how well one can observe the many possible outcomes of a decision or action. The intelligence to see potentialities just waiting to be birthed into reality.
This is just an overview of each kind of intelligence that each function facilitates, it is nowhere near comprehensive, and doesn't even go into how they individually manifest in the actual 16 personalities. Each function has multiple aspects that interact differently depending on one's cognitive stack, and their personal history.
This kind of shift away from I.Q. (and E.Q.) kind of intelligence as the paradigm, leaves vast opportunity for a refocusing of people's confidence on the kinds of intelligence that best fit them. They all have their place. They all have equal value. They all have strengths. They all have weaknesses.
Because I am aware of them all and have been for several years now, I can confidently say I'm more than adept in at least a few of the aspects for each kind of intelligence. I specialise in Consequential Intelligence and because I'm strong in Logical Reasoning Intelligence, I logically reasoned myself into solid theoretical understanding of the rest, though I could never specialise in them the way others more attuned to that type can. This allows me to respect and appreciate these different specialties of intelligence in others. Imagine if by knowing this, those people who are self-conscious about their intelligence - as is typically defined - were able to naturally respect and appreciate their own selves more because of it.
Beyond even that, what if we can teach/engage with people through their preferred forms of intelligence to maximise effectiveness of learning?
Self Awareness + Confidence
It is plain to see that 'self-awareness' is often synonymous with 'self-criticism' in a way which is ultimately a double-edged sword at best. However, when one analyses themselves through the lens of their cognitive functions, this allows for a kind of detachment in their approach. It relieves pressure and shame, two things which are poisonous to empowerment and self-betterment. I can attest to this from personal experience, I learned my strengths and my weaknesses through this lens, I learned how they are naturally that way due to the nature of opposition and balance as well as that this is initially beyond our control.
It is only through true awareness that any change can consciously be made.
To start with, exploring the functions gives us a full unbiased view of the human experience and allows us to engage with ourselves through an equally unbiased blueprint that goes into tremendous detail.
At the deepest levels of this system, one can learn to give personhood to each facet of their psyche and interact with them as if they were real in order to reach peaceful resolution. I don't mean wandering around having full conversations with oneself like a crazy person, (though if that helps actualise the mental processes at play then by all means, say it all out loud, I'd just recommend doing so in private!)
Via the functions, we can split the mind into four different types, encompassing all 8 functions in various mirrored orders resulting in four personalities at varying degrees of dysfunction, so to speak, which all have different 'drives' which, once personified, can then be reconciled. The dysfunction of the other three 'sides' of our psyche cannot be fixed, per se, but they can be accepted and integrated. See this article for more detail on that.
Simply put, this system is the most effective means of making the unconscious conscious and also the most effective means of addressing it once it is.
All of this, on top of being made aware of one's preferred form of intelligence will naturally result in higher confidence because the more one knows themselves and their place in the world, the better they will feel. I reckon that it isn't a contentious statement to say that discovering one has always had a certain level of natural aptitude for certain areas of life simply by being whichever of the 16 variations of the brain they happen to be is a comforting and confidence-boosting sentiment.
Personally, it made me feel less alienated, like I was really part of something, that 'something' being not just among my type, but part of the whole incredible ecosystem of personality. I wasn't just weird or a failure for my differences, I wasn't separate. I had value, I had a part to play, and, if I leaned into my strengths, I could maybe even play that part really, really well.
And so, here I am, writing this, and the other things I've written and will write. Here I am, a fully actualised, sovereign human being, confident in the role I have: to legitimise all of this beyond doubt and pass it on to as many people as possible. A psychological revolution the likes of which has ne'er been seen.
It likely will not be televised... Good thing we have the internet, huh?
Improved General Capability Across Multiple Areas of Life
Given that the functions are a reflection of all areas of the human experience, it needs little explanation to say that enhanced understanding, honing and balancing would inevitably result in a more generally capable human being across all of these areas.
Better yet, we can look to countless examples, be they fictional or real people as inspiration to guide us towards becoming a more well-rounded and filled-out Human. The fictional kind were the inspiration for starting this site, because fiction has always been a massive part of my life. My fictional character assessments are partly for my own enjoyment, but also a showcase of how effective this system can be at looking into personality from an impartial perspective, and the craziest part is it would actually be even more effective with real people, because I can explore it along with them, making space for anomalies in the system because the system doesn't have to fit 1:1 in the first place.
Interpersonal Relations
We've all had that one boss who's all, well... bossy. Officious, a stickler for rules and regulations, terrible people skills, often resorts to shouting as a default solution to difficulties. Perhaps you are that boss, even.
There's a good chance that boss is motivated by a certain dominant function - Extraverted Thinking.
Does this make the boss a 'bad' person? To the uninitiated, that would probably be the judgement. These types are often not particularly well-liked in positions of power, which is a problem since they're essentially programmed to seek those positions. In truth though, this boss is just overvaluing their dominant functions over their weaker ones, completely unaware that this is what they're doing because they don't even know that's what's going on.
They're simply trying to act according to their primary motivation, which in this case is: get stuff done; get it done fast, get it done properly.
Knowing this, and knowing that to be angry at them for something they can't (yet) control is about as worthy a use of your time and energy as yelling at the sky for being blue, stands to change a lot, wouldn't you say?
Manipulation is a neutral word with a bad reputation. One could just as easily be manipulative to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome as they could towards selfish gain. When a diplomat tries to avoid war, that is manipulation. When someone compliments another just to be nice, that's still manipulation. It's just that the outcome of said manipulation is pleasant.
With this in mind, understanding the cognitive functions is a lubricant for social interaction. It's the secret guidebook to understanding how to operate in a social world for the best outcomes. The more people we give this knowledge to, not only will they have an easier time in relationships etc. but they'll also be more savvy to the manipulation of those who would seek to use it for ill-gain.
Using the example of our boss from before, say they're being unreasonable in their demands; the manipulation here would be an ability to understand their motivation and not be upset by it, allowing me to stay calm, composed, communicative and negotiable, which actually in a way puts me in a position of power above the boss, despite our difference in the corporate heirarchy. From this position, I can appeal to their primary motivation to keep things smooth with something like: "I know you're trying your best to get the best results, but so am I, and you putting pressure on me isn't condusive to our productivity."
The bonus is watching them try to process this against their anger because you essentially just spoke their language and they won't know how to feel about it. Of course, this will only work if you actually are trying, if not... perhaps you deserve to be yelled at a bit. If it's because you're struggling, ask them to help in some way, again highlighting productivity as your reasoning. Watch them gain fondness and respect for you in-real-time.
Everybody wins.
Another example is my own personal extensive experience with Ti dominant types (IXTPs) who love to explain things. Because I recognise this, it gives me great joy to let them go on about whatever it is they're explaining, even if it's something I'll never need to know, or even personally care about much at all. I get to experience how much they care about it, and give them an opportunity they rarely get, to explain without being dismissed or chastised, which I know brings them great satisfaction.
Another huge benefit to learning functions is discernment. Pretty much all unhealthy human behaviours outside of full-on mental illness can neatly fit into the imbalanced function definitions, so if you're familiar with them, signs of dysfunction become neon, and you know who to avoid for your own health pretty easily. Each time I meet someone new I can view them through the lens of each function and how they interact with these aspects, giving me a pretty exact sense of how they'll potentially cause problems for themselves and me, meaning I never end up putting too much effort into unwise interpersonal investments.
In regards to friendships and romantic relationships, the functions have certain compatibility with each other, so certain types are more naturally compatible than others, and some are like oil and water. Through exploration of the functions, one can get a strong foundation of the kind of important traits they are looking for in a partner, circumventing so many potential trial-and-error relationships with potentially painful outcomes. This, in addition to the above increase in discernment, allows for a much easier time finding the "right person".
Then, once you've found them, you use your awareness of that compatibility and their natural strengths to celebrate and appreciate that person for these harmonious aspects. You recognise and nurture those strengths. You accept their weaknesses, but gently encourage working on them, all because you can. You've gained that awareness. You can share that awareness. And if that person isn't willing to work with you or even recieve, that's unfortunate, but there's not much else you can do. Let them go; try again.
[Side note: If you don't like the idea of reducing relationship to lingo like "My Fi is clashing with your Fe right now!" that's okay, I actually despise that idea too; feels way too impersonal. But instead you can say: "You know I value my personal experience strongly, and I feel right now you're being too overbearing with your expectation for me to share my inner world with you." Now that just sounds like extremely healthy and effective communication, based on an understanding of functions, wouldn't you say? But at the end of the day you essentially just said exactly the same thing.]
I first started learning this theory while I was still with my ex-girlfriend, and that understanding of myself and her was a huge proponent in why, regrettably, the relationship had to end. I discovered we were incompatible in a variety of very important ways - our dominant functions were literally Dichotomous (my Introverted Intuition vs. her Introverted Sensing). But I should stress that I didn't see that and go: "Oh, this is a bust, I'm offski!" (I actually didn't have enough understanding of the theory to even make such a judgement at the time), rather things slowly became apparent that I could not un-know. That said, I'm truly fond of and grateful for the time we had together.
You have to know yourself to know who you're looking for, and... would you look at that, this system provides both (if this was a video, I'd insert the soundbyte meme of the cutesy anime voice saying "wow!" here).
Worldly Affairs
Part of this site's entire M.O. is to demonstrate how all the different worldviews and philosophies can be attributed to the different cognitive functions (+ how balanced/imbalanced they are) and their various combinations that comprise the 16 personality types.
Just like with interpersonal relations, understanding why certain people view the world a certain way at a fundamental level, why these views naturally clash, and how - to an extent - this can be remedied - is enormously beneficial to cultivating greater compassion, tolerance and constructive dialogue/conflict, instead of, y'know... all the constant war.
The basis of prejudice and discrimination is lack of understanding the other person. This theory provides a characterisation that defies all surface-level judgements.
Career
Knowing your functions means knowing the gifts that come inherent to you, your 'intelligence' as the first section of this article laid out. From here, it is only natural and logical for one to be better positioned to finding their true calling in the world, and to truly feel as though they belong in that calling, because they know themselves; they know the world. Being in a position where one's natural dispostion is being constantly utilised, sharpened, hopefully challenged a little, and being aware of the dynamics at play to take full advantage of them and grow... Well, that's the very definition of a thriving human.
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