Introverted Intuition Vs Extraverted Intuition

thor odinson · Dec 25, 2011

What the hell is the difference?

Please use simple definitions with examples as I have read mantra like this

Introverted iNtuiting involves synthesizing the seemingly paradoxical or contradictory, which takes understanding to a new level. Using this process, we can have moments when completely new, unimagined realizations come to us. A disengagement from interactions in the room occurs, followed by a sudden “Aha!” or “That’s it!” The sense of the future and the realizations that come from introverted iNtuiting have a sureness and an imperative quality that seem to demand action and help us stay focused on fulfilling our vision or dream of how things will be in the future. Using this process, we might rely on a focal device or symbolic action to predict, enlighten, or transform. We could find ourselves laying out how the future will unfold based on unseen trends and telling signs. This process can involve working out complex concepts or systems of thinking or conceiving of symbolic or novel ways to understand things that are universal. It can lead to creating transcendent experiences or solutions.

and this

Extraverted iNtuiting involves noticing hidden meanings and interpreting them, often entertaining a wealth of possible interpretations from just one idea or interpreting what someone’s behavior really means. It also involves seeing things “as if,” with various possible representations of reality. Using this process, we can juggle many different ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and meanings in our mind at once with the possibility that they are all true. This is like weaving themes and threads together. We don’t know the weave until a thought thread appears or is drawn out in the interaction of thoughts, often brought in from other contexts. Thus a strategy or concept often emerges from the here-and-now interactions, not appearing as a whole beforehand. Using this process we can really appreciate brainstorming and trust what emerges, enjoying imaginative play with scenarios and combining possibilities, using a kind of cross-contextual thinking. Extraverted iNtuiting also can involve catalyzing people and extemporaneously shaping situations, spreading an atmosphere of change through emergent leadership.

countless times and still don't get a clear cut picture. It just seems like scholars trying to use big fancy words but ultimately say the same thing

thor odinson · Dec 25, 2011

My understanding has always been this

Ni: focuses on serial possibilities that follow one after the other in a linear progression

i.e. too much money chasing too few goods shows suppliers such as businesses that consumers not only want their product but have the money to spend on it, signalling an increase in demand leading to businesses raising prices to make a greater profit and capitalise on the opportunity leading to inflation and erosion of the currency's purchasing power which is a bad thing leading to an independent monetary authority such as the central bank to intervene and correct this problem by raising interest rates leading to people who have mortgages to spend less leading to a fall in prices once businesses see that consumers are not willing to pay as much given their limited budgets leading to a reduction in inflation and a stabilisation of the currency and the economy

Ni is about how one possibility leads to another in a sequential or linear progression, each even triggering the next

Ne focuses on parallel possbilities that may not link one after the other but exist side by side and may all be true. On top of this they may have other possibilities that branch off the initial possibilities identified

i.e.

Are you sorry because:

1. You got caught, and even though you got caught is someone forcing you to apologise?

or

2. You are genuinely sorry

or

3. Both of the above, and if both, then which of the two is the greater factor if any at all, or are both factors equally weighted?

Dark NiTe · Aug 4, 2012

thor odinson said:
My understanding has always been this

Ni: focuses on serial possibilities that follow one after the other in a linear progression

i.e. too much money chasing too few goods shows suppliers such as businesses that consumers not only want their product but have the money to spend on it, signalling an increase in demand leading to businesses raising prices to make a greater profit and capitalise on the opportunity leading to inflation and erosion of the currency's purchasing power which is a bad thing leading to an independent monetary authority such as the central bank to intervene and correct this problem by raising interest rates leading to people who have mortgages to spend less leading to a fall in prices once businesses see that consumers are not willing to pay as much given their limited budgets leading to a reduction in inflation and a stabilisation of the currency and the economy

Ni is about how one possibility leads to another in a sequential or linear progression, each even triggering the next

If this is true, then one aspect of the highly debated type of Will Hunting has been solved, as he is indubitably using Ni in these scenes

thor odinson · Dec 25, 2011

Ni

Ne

18skeltor · Jan 22, 2014

thor odinson said:
Ni
View attachment 28501

Ne
View attachment 28502

Yay. BEST EXPLANATION I'VE EVER SEEN.

Azure Bass · Dec 25, 2011

I'm no expert on cognitive functions. But I've understood Ni and Ne as being convergent and divergent respectively. Where Ni primarily converges on a conclusion from the information gathered, like connect the dots and the stars above, as Ne primarily diverges from one idea, concept or even word to multiple meanings. I'm probably wrong, but that's what I understand it to be. Ni travelling to the roots of a tree from the branches, and Ne travelling from the roots to the branches and beyond.

Obviously we're capable of more than our preference; but that's what I mean by primary usage, considering that the MBTI measures preference and not ability. Don't quote me, I am unsure of my regurgitated knowledge. I hope this helps.

Magic Mirror · Dec 25, 2011

I have troubles understanding these two functions as well (despite supposedly using one of them) but I found it helpful to make a little thought experiment:

How would an Ni scientist and an Ne scientist conduct research?

Ni would use deduction and Ne would use induction. Ok, real world scientists would use whichever method was more appropriate - probably both of them together - but let's forget the real world for a while here, ok?

The Ni scientist begins with an idea or a theory. He narrows his idea down into a specific hypothesis that can be tested. He goes into his lab (or library or the field) and observes what happens. Based on his observations, he concludes his theory either true or false.

So Ni begins with the general and narrows it down into specifics. Ni, as an introverted function, begins in the mind. It generates an idea and checks how the idea is manifested in the physical, external world - the realm of Se.

Ni is concerned with narrowing things down and testing hypotheses. Se helps Ni with observing the physical world to confirm hypotheses.

The Ne scientist begins with an observation. Ne, as an extraverted function, observes the external, physical world to generate its ideas.

The Ne scientist may notice a certain pattern to his observations. This is where Si helps Ne: some observations may feel oddly familiar, as if they were connected somehow. The scientist begins to wonder if this pattern could be applied to not only the things he's already observed, but to other things as well. (He sees the possibilities and all possible connections.) Based on the pattern observed, he develops many hypotheses than can be explored, and finally after exploring them, forms a theory.

Ne is interested in open-ended exploration of theories and possibilities. Si helps Ne with connecting newly observed data with previously observed data.

Of course, in the real world, functions don't work as systematically or consciously as the scientists in my example. Especially Ne feels to me much more random and spontaneous than that: when I see or read or experience something, it makes all kinds of random ideas and connections pop up in my head. But basically, my thought process goes like the one in the example, and I know I feel much more comfortable using inductive reasoning.

So, I guess my example boils down to what Azure Bass explained:

Azure Bass said:
Ni travelling to the roots of a tree from the branches, and Ne travelling from the roots to the branches and beyond.

Ni begins with a general idea or hunch and narrows it down into facts, while Ne begins with the facts and observations and expands from there into the general idea. Therefore, Ni begins in your own psyche (it's an introverted function after all) and sees the outer world as a manifestation of the idea. Ne, on the other hand, observes the outer world (it's an extroverted function after all) and generates ideas based on the observations.

Extraverted Delusion · Dec 25, 2011

I suggest a renaming of both functions to Di and De, respectively Introverted Delusion and Extraverted Delusion.

Azure Bass · Dec 25, 2011

Why consider it delusion and not intuition? What makes the difference for you?

LiquidLight · Dec 25, 2011

Both types of intuition deal with symbols. The symbolic. Ne projects the symbolic (the unconscious) onto the outside world. So when we say "what if?" or "what will be?" we're not actually saying this from a factual standpoint with Extraverted Intuition we're dealing with it from a symbolic standpoint. What will be or what was based on your own imagining (unconscious symbols). This is why no two people will imagine or project the same thing. Ne starts with a possibility and branches out to more and more possibilities. Ne starts with the atom and eventually branches out enough to discover the universe.

Ni is a little different. Ni is closer actually to what we think of when we say 'intuition.' Having a gut-feeling about something or a sixth sense. With Ni what happens is your brain draws connections between the symbols of your unconscious. All of your memories, knowledge, experiences, etc. and finds patterns linking two or more seemingly disparate symbols together (synthesis). When this connection is made it can become conscious through the pipeline of Introverted Intuition as an epiphany or "Eureka!" moment. Ni translates the symbols of the unconscious into something we can understand on a conscious level. The problem with Ni is that Ni-types often don't know how they know what they know because all the work is done unconsciously (and will get frustrated if pressed to explain themselves). The solution just occurs to them out of nowhere. People with dominant Ni need to be able to trust their intuitions, as they have adapted this as their primary way of perceiving the world, thus Ni will need to rely heavily on Se to bring in more and more information. The more information the Ni type gets, the more finely tuned and well defined the intuitions are. This is why Ni-doms get the stereotype of clairvoyance or having ESP or psychic abilities and what not because they have the ability to pick up on patterns and link them together very accurately. This also gives them a propensity to be know-it-alls and manipulative as they often know how a situation might unfold well before it happens. Ni starts with the universe and eventually uncovers the atom.

thor odinson · Dec 26, 2011

Thank you above posters

I think with the examples you gave of Ne is about divergence and Ni is about convergence makes perfect sense

Ni looks for the pieces which make the whole, each possibility is connected to give you the overall picture and this joining the dots mentality is I guess what led me to think of Ni in a linear or sequential fashion. Yes to do with multiple possibilities like Ne, but those possibilities can be connected, hence Ni is more about what you do know

Ne branches off from an original idea and considers many possibilities that seem related to it that may or may not be true.

Seems like and only when strictly comparing the two to each other, that Ne is more about exploration whereas Ne is about creation.

Ni, what's the missing link here.

Ne, is it more likely to be this, or could it be that.

LibertyPrime · Dec 26, 2011

thor odinson said:
Thank you above posters

I think with the examples you gave of Ne is about divergence and Ni is about convergence makes perfect sense

Ni looks for the pieces which make the whole, each possibility is connected to give you the overall picture and this joining the dots mentality is I guess what led me to think of Ni in a linear or sequential fashion. Yes to do with multiple possibilities like Ne, but those possibilities can be connected, hence Ni is more about what you do know

Ne branches off from an original idea and considers many possibilities that seem related to it that may or may not be true.

Seems like and only when strictly comparing the two to each other, that Ne is more about exploration whereas Ne is about creation.<--now I see it <.< I will correct it here because I'm guessing you can't due to how the forums seem to be bugging up atm. Ni is more about exploration whereas Ne is about creation.

Ni, what's the missing link here.

Ne, is it more likely to be this, or could it be that.

Ne is creative. Ne takes one idea and expands on it via chance of possibilities. This is where you see ENFPs come up with really crazy ideas for things, and like new approaches better then the old one. It isn't choosing between different ideas, it is generating different ideas or growing them. Think of it as creative idea generator. Ne builds on existing information to create new information.

Think of Ne as a sapling. The sapling grows and branches off, turns into a tree, reaches for the sky.

Ni on the other hand looks at how things connect to form the whole, it can do this because it has the image of the whole in mind. It spots the blanks to be filled in and how that can be achieved. Ni builds on existing information to make it better, it connects the dots, because it knows the final structure.

When I think of Ni I see a chipped and broken cube being swirled around and the little pieces are being assembled to form the cube itself. This is possible because the cube's shape is known, all one has to do is to fit the pieces together.

Now that I spotted the typo it seems we agree.

thor odinson · Dec 26, 2011

*Ni is more about exploration* is what I mean to say

Fuck why can't I edit anymore on PerC after submitting a response, it's really pissing me off

phantom_cat · Dec 26, 2011

how about having many possible ideas, but for one main idea (a shell basically), then trying to narrow it down to the best possible choice, while possibly leaving the option open of using those other possible ideas to implementation if it improves the overall idea, or a way for it to be done isn't possible yet? so basically a basic idea (concept), and refined over time in order to perfect it. it's like asking "what's the best way to accomplish this?" then the idea comes to you, and it's refined internally, and improved. all this while steps are skipped meaning problems are solved internally, so everything already has been taken into consideration based on what will happen in the future. Would this be Ni or Ne, or a combination of both?

anyways more on topic. from my understanding, Ni is picking the option that's not visibly there, while Ne throws out a bunch of possibilities. I think Ni is like being the object/answer, and it's looking at you.

Cashmere · Dec 29, 2011

Thanks for posting this makes a lot of sense to me. I feel like Ne is like analyzing the symbolism of the books you read for English class. I was never really very good at that but learned to do it to get a good grade, and now I know how Ne works. You can sit and think about why for hours till you go crazy...I personally can't do it because I find it doesn't go anywhere but for some people I can see that being super satisfying.

shedreamt · Dec 30, 2011

As a Ne dom I find that trying to learn a method for doing something often leads to more questions than answers. I read the textbook and always feel like there's information missing. Like there are missing parts in the scaffolding of knowledge that forms the framework explaining the concept. I have to tell myself that those unanswered questions don't matter and do not impede my understanding of the concept. I could branch out acquiring more and more knowledge endlessly without deciding what is more important if I am not constrained by time, but my exploration lacks depth and consists only of broad connections if I dont stop to work with the information I already have.

Another Ne tendency might be my desire to reinvent the wheel when it comes to learning how to solve math and logic problems. I find it so much more difficult to follow a predefined linear sequence of steps vs forging my own pathway to the answer, starting at a random point. I can waste so much time trying different ways of solving a problem and eliminating the methods that do not work. Once I have taken sufficient time to try all the ways of solving the problem and asking all the tangential questions that pop up I can solve any sort of never before seen problem related to that subject at lightning fast speed. I am faster than my Ni dom friend and better at improvising but I do tend to make more errors in my calculations. He is able to learn the material more quickly too building upon his internal framework whereas the concept seems to be floating around in my head, outside of my consciousness rather than internalized. My ni dom friend seems to be able to draw conclusions based on the underlying principles being able to think logically better than I can, but I can ask the questions that direct our exploration of the subject to the most interesting points, tying in external information into the facts I already know more easily than the Ni dom.

bluenlgy · Dec 30, 2011

The problem with the confusion over Ni and Ne is much like the problem with the fundamental nature of our Universe - is there just one universe or are we living in one of the multiverses? Ni believes in only one universe with a straight line of events unfolding while Ne thinks there must be many universes each with a set of possible events starting from any point in time. The crazy thing about our reality is it's possible both scenarios are true, much like in the realm of quantum world the smallest unit of matter is both a particle and a wave, it all depends on how you look at thing and from what angle.

Reality is just an illusion.

pmj85 · Jan 4, 2012

bluenlgy said:
Reality is just an illusion.

*High five*

Twigs · Jul 12, 2012

I think I've finally understood this. (And I apologise if this has been said already ... I haven't read the whole thread yet.)

In terms of an essay (although these would both receive very low grades), an Ne would start on one topic, then extrapolate and veer off into several different topics and never really reach a conclusion, whereas an Ni would condense a three-page essay into one paragraph.

Yay metaphors!

(having said this, I still can't tell which function I use)

nujabes · Jul 12, 2012

Well maybe you should try to understand how they work when writing high-grade essays

That actually happens to be my area of expertise - Ne-driven essays.

An Ne essay starts off with a clearly defined topic or idea. Don't expect a roadmap in the introduction, since Ne doesn't know where the essay is going to go until it is written. Rather, some conceptual background and perhaps an analogy.

Then the fun starts. Ne starts picking up speed, taking the original idea and extrapolating. Alternate explanation 1 happens. OOOH SHINY - tangential anecdote that provides a helpful insight... which opens the door for alternative explanation 2. But what about explanation 1? Which is better? Through that examination, alternative explanation 3 is created. Tangent... Tangent... How are these related? Oh, that's how. Wow, that's actually pretty insightful. BOOM alternative explanation 4.

On and on until Ne runs out of steam or until my Ti says enough is enough. Then the hardest part: writing a coherent conclusion to an Ne essay.

JungyesMBTIno · Jul 12, 2012

Being an Ni dom myself, I tend to find the differences pretty obvious beyond the shared intuition aspects. Ne to me comes off as more objective and neutral in it's search for possibilities and sort of possesses this unbiased enthusiasm for "anything being possible" (in the dominant form only) or objective randomness. Ni draws the individual's biased perceptions into the picture, while Ne is just sort of this unbiased quest (the Si behind it would be where the bias lies). As far as I can tell, Ne has very little to do with seeing in new ways (unlike Ni), as much as just working with the existing and taking it in twists and turns. The Se of Ni would be responsible for the "seeing in new ways" quality, while the Si of Ne would be responsible for it essentially not being this way. The S and N functions are inseparable, btw.

Sparky · Jul 12, 2012

thor odinson, you are obviously right and I appreciate your pursuit of this knowledge. Basically, Ni is about interpreting hidden meanings and images, finding truths about ourselves and our future, which is based on knowing universal cultural icons, defining experiences, and exploring the society's hidden emotions. These hidden emotions exist through creative arts, and appear as striving toward a greater awareness.

As for Ne, you are better at this than I, so it is for you to find out. Thank you for this entertaining thread.

nujabes · Jul 12, 2012

Another analogy could be this:

A Ni-dom and Ne-dom perceive an apple.

The Ni-dom takes in constant information about the apple, building layers and layers of conceptual knowledge about the apple, like the apple's possible motivations, desires, secrets, etc. So Ni working with Se.

The Ne-dom takes in basic information about the apple, like the shape and color, small gestures and movements. Based on some basic previous knowledge, he begins to make connections to other things that share the apple's shape, perhaps things that remind him of this particular shade of red. Round apple reminds me of other round things, which makes me consider the role of form and shape in art. It's red, which conjures up thoughts of war and violence. It's also a fruit, a word which takes my mind from health concerns to jokes that are insensitive to homosexuals

I'm an Ne-dom, so that list of associations makes perfect sense to me. The real question is does it make sense to anybody else?

StellarTwirl · Jul 12, 2012

When I look at an apple, I immediately think of various things that could be done with it, ways the apple could be different (what if it had external seeds?), and the implications of these things ... what could bring about such a difference? What would an apple look like if the atmosphere changed? And so on. I also consider what might be unknown about the apple. What could be discovered that would change my view of it? I also synthesize various thoughts, like apple as womb, apple as egg, egg as planet.

On tests, I always score as an Ne-type, but I think I might actually be some Se-Ni combo. (I don't relate in ANY WAY to Sensor descriptions that suggest a grounding in concrete reality, because I clearly don't have that.)

Abraxas · Jul 12, 2012

Skip to the 48 minute mark.

Carl G. Jung explains introverted intuition for about 10 minutes.

Persephone · Jul 12, 2012

thor odinson said:
What the hell is the difference?

Please use simple definitions with examples as I have read mantra like this

Introverted iNtuiting involves synthesizing the seemingly paradoxical or contradictory, which takes understanding to a new level. Using this process, we can have moments when completely new, unimagined realizations come to us. A disengagement from interactions in the room occurs, followed by a sudden “Aha!” or “That’s it!” The sense of the future and the realizations that come from introverted iNtuiting have a sureness and an imperative quality that seem to demand action and help us stay focused on fulfilling our vision or dream of how things will be in the future. Using this process, we might rely on a focal device or symbolic action to predict, enlighten, or transform. We could find ourselves laying out how the future will unfold based on unseen trends and telling signs. This process can involve working out complex concepts or systems of thinking or conceiving of symbolic or novel ways to understand things that are universal. It can lead to creating transcendent experiences or solutions.

I highlighted what I took to be the essence of Ni. It's synthesizing, insightful and more single-minded. Consciously or not, the Ni gathers ideas and concepts with a goal in mind. It takes ideas and uses them to build something new, whether a new way of seeing things, or re-organizing and revising seemingly contradictory things to arrive at a higher truth or all-encompassing theory.

It does not brain storm, nor does it encourage free exploration of different strains of ideas. Which is why Ne can appear scattered because they are constantly scanning the environment and exploring new ideas. Ne users are more likely to be polymaths, while Ni users are theorists, visionaries and specialists.

JungyesMBTIno · Jul 13, 2012

Ni, what's the missing link here.

Ne, is it more likely to be this, or could it be that.

You're Ne example can definitely be Ni also, since Ni is highly rooted in probability. The Ni example can be Ne, since Ne is about cause-and-effect connections, which obviously result from the objective world of reality. And no, there's no difference in creativity between the two by default. Ne is probably just more hands-on in its creativity, while Ni is more of a creative mode of perception.

Abraxas · Jul 13, 2012

As you experience things in your environment, they leave an impression on your psyche that manifests unconsciously in the form of an insight.

When these insights are oriented via the objective factor, they involve insights into tangible objects and their properties, being able to devise novel and innovative states of being for them. You see possibility in the world around you, and so you are compelled to interface with the outside world in order to generate new possibilities.

When these insights are oriented via the subjective factor, they involve insights into your own state of being - into the state of your own psyche, and so you are driven to interface with your own identity. The insights take the form of fantasies that you are having in your mind, like day-dreaming. You see images and feel instincts that arise out of your unconsciousness, and reflect a fundamental truth about your own identity. Your identity is being shaped by external forces constantly, and those forces leave an imprint upon it. The imprint manifests in your dreams, and in your waking life as either Ni or Ne. The impressions find an outlet, either in the perception of implications about the state of being of the outer world, or the perception of implications about your own internal state of being.

Hrothgarsdad · Jul 14, 2012

I didn't really know what my dissertation was about until I had terrible writer's block on the fourth (of five) chapters. Once I got that straight I was good of go. And the earlier chapters required only very slight revision. Of course, my initial writing process involved creating a quick skeletal structure and filling in details as I recognized what I had learned. This seems consistent with other descriptions of Ne.

Extraverted Delusion · Jul 14, 2012

Much like how 80% of my way through most menial tasks I tend to mark as "complete", considering I got the bulk of the idea of doing the task out of the way! What's another 20?

avantgardearmy · Aug 4, 2012

Mucho late to the party, but...

I've been doing something a bit peculiar lately, during a long period of being stressed and overworked, and I'm curious as to how it relates to my cognitive functions:

Several months ago, I had a relationship conflict with someone, and ever since then, I haven't stopped feeling the need to assess and reassess the situation to try and figure out what exactly went wrong, how much of his feelings remain uncommunicated and what they might be, and how he might be feeling now.

Often, I will find myself in low moods where I just want to sit alone for hours and brood over the situation, recalling all the specific facts and conversations and trying to use them to come to conclusions. Often reading between the lines, I analyze everything that was said and done to find an overarching theme or context.

After several days of this, I'll come to a conclusion that makes sense, and I can label as "Yes, this is how things really are". (And it's always just about the same one each time; these periods of brooding rarely bring me to a new conclusion.) But the problem is that my contentment with this "truth" last only until another possibility occurs to me.

I think the reason that I go through them so often is because I can never stop seeing new (usually negative) possibilities! I want so badly to just leave it alone, like my ISFJ mother can, but for me, conclusions, truth, and reality are always fluid. New information or ideas (even if it is COMPLETELY unrelated to my own particular situation, such as something I read in a novel,) has the potential to change things, and therefore must be analyzed to see if there is a connection. And my brain makes the most obscure and random connections!

So I'm wondering... does this behavior seem like Ni? Or is it some unhealthy partnership of Ne/Si going on?

Laguna · Aug 4, 2012

Sounds like Ni shadow in play due to stress.
I would suggest trying to relax / de-stress and try to put this into proper perspective and move on so you can bounce back to your jovial ENFP self!

Dark Romantic · Aug 4, 2012

Ni provides one large synthesis of all the different factors that come into play in a situation, leading to one conclusion, while Ne perceives all the possible implications and nuances that come into play concerning an object or situation, leading to multiple realizations.

avantgardearmy · Nov 9, 2012

Wow, I do both of these frequently. What you described as Ne is done completely without thought... in fact, sometimes I gets me into trouble when I take one of my realizations and jump to the wrong conclusion with it. But lately, I think my brooding moods have been helping me develop my Ni. My conclusions are becoming more accurate, although it's still tough for me to stick with them when my Ne was to keep coming up with more and more possibilities to throw in!

saffron · Aug 4, 2012

^^ Those scenes scream Ne Fi, i.e. a series of potential possibilities with deep moral objections. Will Hunting is an ENFP or INFP though I'd lean towards the former. He doesn't give a shit about his abilities in terms of profitable applications since his moral code objects to most. He burns up his proofs because they don't matter to him, it's just brain fodder. He acts from his heart decision wise and only publicly displays his intelligence to defend his friends. People on this forum constantly under estimate feelers (and sensors) and over estimate NTs. It's not the function order it's how you use them.

I don't really agree with the definition that it was premised upon in any event. The inductive vs. deductive logic rings more true. I don't think either type is typically extremely linear, but both can be depending on the task and circumstance.

Dark NiTe · Aug 4, 2012

It seemed like he was awfully confident in his predictions, and not musing possibilities, to me. He is definitely difficult to type because if you look at his function usage (what I perceive them to be anyway) it seems to clash with archetypal behavior because he seems to be an obvious perceiver but seems to use Ni/Fi and he is a stark juxtaposition with the NTJ professor who, in typical fashion, finds a way to piss everybody off he comes across. Maybe it's just Ni idealism and tertiary/inferior Fe disguised as heavy Fi? But I admit Fi usage seems more likely. Maybe he's an Ni-Fi-Te-Se INTJ? Personally the "you're gonna go off telling your friends about how you went slumming too, once" stuff sounds a lot like me in some similar situations, though I may be projecting due to admiration for Will's character.

bookbutterfly · Aug 4, 2012

Hmm, this thread was really helpful in confirming for me that I'm most definitely an Ni-user. I had my doubts before, and I can see how the two are similar in a few ways (they like the abstract, theories, symbols, interpreting things), but I'm not as free-thinking, seeing-all-the-possibilities like Ne-users. In fact, the mere idea of having too many possibilities makes me nervous... O.O

Anywho, I was looking at a chat I recently had with my INTP friend, and it made me smile because the whole thing is the epitome of an Ni vs Ne convo. We first started talking about one topic, but then my friend started alluding to other topics, from which grew full-on multiple side conversations between her and me. It was EXTREMELY difficult for me to catch up with all these side conversations going on simultaneously, and a few times, I even converged two topics together (for example, we were talking about The Big Bang Theory in one side convo, and then MBTI in another, and I ended up mixing up the two by talking about one of the character's type, haha). It was ridiculously fun, but extremely fast-paced and very difficult for me to jump from one topic track to another. So...that's a pretty good example of Ni and Ne in action for ya.

Also, I'm curious...Ne-users, do you tend to have multiple things going on in your head at once? Do you guys like multi-tasking, especially in your head? And Ni-users, do you tend to just think about one thing and only jump to another topic if there's some natural flow or if (obviously) something externally distracted you from your original topic of thought? I find that I can't think about more than one thing, and I have to just keep drilling about one thing until I jump to another topic, which is usually related. (Or maybe I'm just someone with low intelligence who can't think about more than one thing at a time, and it has nothing to do with functions...)

nujabes · Aug 5, 2012

My Ne is pretty strong, and at times I have trouble either keeping up or keeping it under control. A lot of times I drop out of conversations because i'm trying to follow an idea I come up with and ending blurting something out that makes no sense to anybody except myself.

Comedy is a great example. Nobody else in my group of friends is an Ne-dom and so I'm usually the one driving along the conversation and keeping people in stitches the whole time. A common remark is "jesus, dillon, how do you come up with this on the fly?"

I don't know. It just happens. That's Ne for you.

Introverted Intuition Vs Extraverted Intuition

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