INTP

The Myer-Briggs Personality Test identifies 16 different personality types. One of these is labeled “INTP” which stands for “Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Prospecting” (yes, the “intuitive” uses the letter “N” for some reason).

It’s defined as:

These flexible thinkers enjoy taking an unconventional approach to many aspects of life. They often seek out unlikely paths, mixing willingness to experiment with personal creativity.

I found an article titled 21 Signs That You’re an INTP, One of the Rarest Personality Types that said this:

The INTP is one of the rarest of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, making up only 3-5 percent of the U.S. population. As a result, INTPs are often misunderstood and can easily feel alone in the world. But INTPs are brilliant individuals, known for their inventiveness and powerful intellect – and insightful observations. In fact, famous INTPs have been responsible for major innovations throughout history: Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, and Isaac Newton were thought to have been INTPs.

That article paints a very flattering portrait of INTPs, perhaps characterizing them as “misunderstood geniuses.”

Why I Looked It Up

I’ve seen people describing themselves as “INTP” for a long time. You see it on things like Twitter profiles and LinkedIn profiles. It seems to be the Myer-Brigg’s personality type that people are most likely to call attention to – and even brag about.

So, to be an INTP is apparently rare, and seems to be something that people labeled as such want to call attention to.