[Ardent15]

It seems that the blessing/curse of the INTP is our individualistic intellect.

We tend to be abstract thinkers who like to be left to ourselves. Meanwhile, the noisier, more sociable Extroverts, the concrete, present-minded Sensors, the empathetic Feelers, and the decisive Judgers have an easier time "getting things done", relating to people, and just being happy (it seems).

Society has an Extroverted bias especially, because people who feed off of other people's energy get the ball rolling in social relations. Sociable, Society...same root word.



My question is, how do you, as an INTP, reconcile yourself to this problem? It seems that people around us want to make us something we're not (Extroverted and Judging especially) because let's face it, we are a rare and individualistic type who neither wants to lead others, nor wants to work on a team.

[pie]

I guess I just got used to it a long time ago. for me, not fitting in is just the default state of being. :\

one reason I hang out here at the INTP board is to feel kind of like I kind of fit in. but...I still don't feel like I do.

[Ti Dominant]

I'm not sure.
I mostly just keep to myself and remain a recluse.
Largely, I've forsaken society - for all of the reasons you've stated.
We just don't fit in. So why even bother?

It's just something to accept and deal with. There's no real trick to it.

[Kilgore Trout]

My dream is to gain enough money to buy supplies and move to a secluded location far away from the ills of society, where I can think and live for myself, as a recluse, bound to no societal limitations. I want to live off the fat of the land, while hunting my own food and living humbly. I have always had an idea of moving away from society since I was a child, but until then, I will have to learn to socialize with people to survive. On the other hand, I do find some people fascinating but only in short bursts.

[Ti Dominant]

My dream is to gain enough money to buy supplies and move to a secluded location far away from the ills of society, where I can think and live for myself, as a recluse, bound to no societal limitations. I want to live off the fat of the land, while hunting my own food and living humbly. I have always had an idea of moving away from society since I was a child, but until then, I will have to learn to socialize with people to survive. On the other hand, I do find some people fascinating but only in short bursts.

Same here. Society blows. I want out.

[Protagoras]

Nobody "fits in", it's an illusion to think you do fit in. It's nice to have some sort of emotional connection with others, but those connections are with individuals not with groups (which is what "fitting in" implies: being emotionally connected with a group of people). It's just part of human nature, we are not social beings. We are power hungry individualists, which is why we want to fit in: it's just a way for us to amass influence, power, loyalty etc.

Thus I think it's actually a rather good stance to not want to 'fit in'; I believe only those who have this stance can truly build meaningful relationships with other individuals.

[darksoul]

I need a beer...

[icarus1984]

Unstructured social situations SUCK for most INTPs. It just seems so pointless !

[nothingnew]

I see it as INTP thinking people are a minority and in many ways treated as one. Most programs on TV are not aimed at them. Many of the stereotypes attached to INTP's are negative. The salesmen at the car lot does not specialize in INTP sales. I don't believe schools are set up to support INTPs. INTPs are pushed aside or treated without respect for just being themselves. Where in society are they really supported? I am sure you have heard things like, Stop daydreaming. Don't be lazy. You think too much. The list goes on. Why? Why is it so important to live just like everyone else does? Personally I am glad that I do not have my neighbor's life.

People need to have children. Then they need to work the rest of their life, stealing or cheating everyone in their path for their families support supposedly. It's all bullshit and I am not buying it any more. You will not be ripping me off by selling me an over-priced used car just because your girlfriend got pregnant. I both laugh and feel disgusted by society. I get a strong sense of this at the casino, when I see retired people that worked their entire lives just handing their money to the slot machines. That will never be me. If that is the end result, can someone explain the point?

I just save my money and dream of the day I can retire by the sea, reading books, or maybe just giving a blank stare to the world all day. My ultimate goal is to be so financially secure that I don't have to deal with the crap ideals and shiny trinkets others sell anymore. If I have to lead others or be part of a team of morons to achieve this, then I will sacrifice. I hope to be surrounded by other intelligent people there; it would be nice to share a laugh and explore concepts that are not my own.

[sensorium]

My dream is to gain enough money to buy supplies and move to a secluded location far away from the ills of society, where I can think and live for myself, as a recluse, bound to no societal limitations. I want to live off the fat of the land, while hunting my own food and living humbly. I have always had an idea of moving away from society since I was a child, but until then, I will have to learn to socialize with people to survive. On the other hand, I do find some people fascinating but only in short bursts.

Hey me too! Some of my friends even used to call me "Jungle Boy" a long time ago.

Then I started thinking.
Where would I go? The world is slowly running out of places that are 'far away' from society.

What would I do? Living off the land is one thing, but would I be content doing only that? I also need to ponder, learn and explore.

So, it is clear to me now, that I must move off this planet.


And yes, I'm a foolish dreamer.