Of the four dichotomies, the largest discrepancy lies in the difference between Sensors and Intuitives. Whereas there is an approximate 50/50 split in the population between the other preferences, a full 70% of the population prefers Sensing versus only 30% favoring Intuition.
When you distill it down, the difference between Sensors and Intuitives is this: Sensors prefer reliability of information, and Intuitives prefer speed and depth of insight. This ends up manifesting itself a couple of unique ways. First, Intuitives learn to trust pattern recognition to help them understand information quickly and see things that aren’t ‘there’. Basically, they extrapolate large amounts of information from only a few data points.
Sensors, of course, have this same ability. But they don’t trust it, and so they don’t hone it. Instead, they trust reliable information – things that can be verified in the Real World. Therefore, they become masters of historical information – their own history as well as other people’s. They also become fantastic at manipulating objects in real time. There is no need to question reality when it’s right there in front of you. Reality is reliable. Speculation isn’t.
Second, how they see information informs how both these preferences see time. If real, reliable, solid information is what you choose to focus upon, then the here-and-now context becomes far more important, as well as past information (which used to be the here-and-now context). Sensors can’t rely on what hasn’t happened yet, so the future becomes far less interesting. On the other hand, Intuitives are already comfortable seeing what ‘isn’t there’ – as in, they’re comfortable theorizing and speculating on what could be in both the here-and-now as well as into the future. The past doesn’t really hold their interest any more than a reference point for future predictions.
Third, these differences alter both values and basic interests. For Sensors, values surround things like family, tradition, getting into action, old friends, etc… these are all rooted in the known and knowable, and therefore can be trusted. For Intuitives, values focus more on the cerebral – possibilities, memes, paradigms, perspectives and concepts. Conversation will generally revolve around these things, with little interest in small talk.
Both Sensors and Intuitives have an important role. Sensors often “hold down the fort” – uphold infrastructures that keep us going as a society. Intuitives are generally the “trailblazers” – coming up with new ways of looking at and doing things which fashion new technologies and paradigms. It makes sense that fewer Intuitives would be needed – too much innovation and everything collapses. But without innovation, the world stagnates.
Understanding and appreciating these differences is how we cooperate to create both a stable system as well as pathways to whole new worlds.
Share:
What's the REAL difference between "Introverts" and "Extraverts?"
Are "Thinkers" Rational, and "Feelers" Irrational?
90 comments
I tested last week as an INFJ. I wasn’t sure, because some of the descriptions I could relate to, and others not so much. So, I took two other tests by other companies and got INFJ each time. So then, I thought, that maybe I was in denial about certain aspects of all of this. While I find all of this rather fascinating, I guess I’m still not 100% convinced. I do like backing stuff up with facts, or with multiple points of confirmation which I understand is not an INFJ characteristic at all. And although I do feel like I’m usually on a “different wavelength” from those around me, and I do “jump” to conclusions about things rather confidently when it is about others, I do not have that same certainty towards myself. Yes, I know that is typically an INFJ. However, I’m not sure that I can “read” peoples’ emotions automatically. Sometimes I’m good at it, far more perceptive than my husband, but other times I don’t pick up on other’s emotions at all. People have said that they might be in a good mood, then someone upset walks into a room, and they look around to see who it is because they all of a sudden feel upset for no reason. I cannot say that is me, because it is not. It has been suggested to me that perhaps I am really an INFP. And although I don’t feel like most people “get” me, I am generally well liked in most circles and can get along with many different types of people. However, I am not a chameleon, as the INFJ is described in some places. How accurate do you all feel this test is? Is it just a good introduction for some introspection, or do most of you feel it is accurate? I’m not trying to be negative or critical here, so please don’t take offense. I really want to know and feel like none of the personality types really fits me totally, at least the way they are described. Thank you.
But how do you convince a sensor to even care about learning about the intuition?
So tired of trying to understand sensors and not being allowed to explain myself and how I view the world. “You’re too sensitive” is basically the end of every discussion and attempt to be heard…
After every conflict I tend to study my personality types deeper. This time it’s this that I’m studying… thankfully I’m discovering some of my best friends are also INTJ and it definitely helps me feel like I can be heard…
But I dont know how to make the Ss in my life even care… but at least now I know why my mother and I can never agree on things…
lmao
ENTP here. I don’t mind sensors, at times they can be rather slow and dull, however I think they have more of a problem with me, but then again, who doesn’t with my type… ???
I feel you! I just found out I’m a INFJ. I’ve wondered my whole life why I don’t connect with people and I fail to socially blending into my professional environment. My co-workers dislike me and I can never advance professionally or in my personal life even though I put 110%. I’m kind, I compassionate, try to make everyone feel welcome, That they are validated, feel like they have a voice and they matter as a professional and as a person. I just don’t fit in.