intuitive sensor

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.

90 comments

  • Jules
    • Jules
    • October 25, 2023 at 8:40 am

    I would love to see some content about what Intuitives can learn from sensors. As an ENFJ I grew up in an exclusively intuitive family and I think there is a lot I missed out on which most people take for granted. Happy to give examples if that’s helpful but I would be super interested in content about this. :) Jules

  • E
    • E
    • March 23, 2022 at 1:07 pm

    Bless you— people don’t understand how we can actually feel like we’ve exploded when we have to face our ego deaths. I had a very similar experience to yours, trying and trying and trying to be understand and getting no where with my family. I ended up saying to my husband, “OK— just lay it on me— what am I not getting here?” And what he just kept kindly and patiently telling me, as I sat in front of him sobbing, was basically what this article says— They are Thinking Sensors. They’re great at what they do and who they are. You are an Intuitive Feeler… you seem weird and labile to them. The more they refuse to engage, the more “labile” I get. I have to STOP… accept them as they are… treasure myself. Be Patient. Don’t expect a horse to fly, a dog to sing, a bird to sit in your lap. See people as unique flowers (or deadly plants), but learn to nurture yourself! A shoutout here for the INFx program that Joel & Antonia have… these interviews with INFx types really makes you feel that you are legitimately wonderful and that there IS a place for you in the world. AND… you have to face your angers and resentments at “always” being the one to have to explain your inner world. Face your expectations, your grief, your anger, and then turn that energy around to build up the best life you can imagine. Yes— thanks to you all who read. This kind of info has saved my life, truly.

  • E
    • E
    • March 23, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    Amen… and to realize that some of our IN “abilities” kind of freak other people out. So their “disinterest” can be a fear/anxiety response to a part of human cognition they’ve never experienced themselves. And for Sensors— well, enough said.

  • Bran
    • Bran
    • February 11, 2022 at 7:54 am

    I too am INFJ in a relationship with an ISFJ and have been for well over a year now. The most important thing that I have found is keeping the lines of communication open. Also helps in heaps that you have the same core values spiritual or whatever you believe in.

  • AReed
    • AReed
    • December 13, 2021 at 12:55 am

    INTJs are quite emotional, especially with those they are comfortable with. We aren’t robots. We just don’t wear our emotions on our sleeves and gush out in public or with those we don’t know and accept into our inner circles.

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