[GnothiSeauton]

Does, does this happen much? How does a below-average intelligence INTP operate? I'm having a hard time imagining it.

I'd like to work this point out, as I always thought of myself to be a slightly above average person regarding to intelligence. At least intelligence in the way INTPs see it.
In my opinion no healthy INTP can be really below average because his brain is especially tuned to achieve certain tasks (logic, understanding, problem-shooting, each governed by Ti) and through prolonged use, (assuming that a prolonged and regular use occurs) this ability gets more and more refined and well, 'intelligent'. It's a simple matter of preference. An ESFJ, at the same time, maybe will not have this right kind of intelligence as natural as we do, but will be much smarter to things INTPs would have no clue of. A bright example is social life, which requires the said 'interpersonal' intelligence.
What I'm trying to say, is that every healthy human being is highly intelligent (and gets more and more so) in some reasoning process, simply by 'training'. Which skill will be trained the most, is determined by preference - as established by MBTI. Therefore it is paradoxal to think of an INTP, whose brain is by definition tuned onto logic, who has no clue about how logic works. This should imply either a damaged or misfunctioning brain, and as we're talking of healthy people, this is necessairily untrue.
As 'logical' intelligence, which we are treating of, lives in the region of the brain INTPs are used to, an INTP scoring below average on 'logical' intelligence would have this region underdeveloped, as we are supposing that that region is regularly and naturally stimulated and improved up to its task.
Otherwise a less frequent cerebral activity occurs.
It has been seen that INTJs and INTPs tend to score highest on IQ tests. That is simply because THAT is their realm of intelligence. But try to imagine an INTJ or INTP, both commonly stereotyped as cold, taking active natural interest in other people's feelings in order to improve their welfare. It'd be rather a skill to learn to them, not just a natural and, especially, energising process as for ESFJs.

This is because every human being masters his preference. If they can't master it, there must be some 'disease'. So we have all healthy INTPs average or above average 'INTP' intelligent and all healthy ESFJs average or above average 'ESFJ' intelligent.

Therefore, intelligence meant in its classical meaning (the logical one), the meaning, that is, which was probably meant in the article, every INTP is average or even likely to be highly capable of. Therefore, if the premises of uselessness are below average intelligence, No INTP is Useless, Quod Erat Demonstrandum.

Any thoughts about this?
(keep in mind that I worked on simple intuitive truths about brain, functions, and brain development given that I'm ignorant of such a complex subject)
(and yes, I believe intelligence - better said, the 'kind' of intelligence - has correlation with personality)
(AND SORRY THIS WAS TOO LONG, but I'm so excited that I just demonstrated I am not useless)

[grandpa2390]

There is no such thing as a below average INTP :)

[Default User]

I am fascinated to see the various responses to my blog post. Those who got the humor aspect were correct. The title, especially, was tongue-in-cheek. I certainly did not mean the post to be a vicious, hateful, slam on INTPs (or any other type). Indeed, defining any type as "useless," or even less worthy than others, is not a particularly fruitful task.

I suppose the varied response demonstrates the danger of humor, especially when mixed with attempts at serious thoughts. In my defense, my blog has a smaller number of readers, but those readers know me well. As such, they were more likely to understand the humor element. The earlier poster who referenced my mention of ("ESTP style practical jokes" and "list making SJs") seemed to have understood the humor aspect.

To sum up my views on INTPness: their pensive self-doubting aspect can be a hindrance to the INTP; it is easy for an INTP to be under or unappreciated because they may not push their ideas with the necessary force; the need to have concepts "just so" may cause the INTP to withhold ideas and plans that are "good enough"; the insights of the INTP, and their particular form of understanding can be of great value to the INTP himself, organizations he is part of, and the world in general; it may require the help of others to bring the best from an INTP.

Despite what some have said, I feel no great loss for being an INTP (with all its plusses and minuses). Like most individuals, I am far from a perfect embodiment of type. Type does not define a person and can never be an excuse for particular failings. However I have noticed the things (and situations) that I do well with, and those that cause me more difficulty. I have been, at least, moderately successful in the world, and feel that I have contributed to the organizations that I have been part of (as well as providing insights, humor, and companionship to friends and family.

Rereading the post, I see that one could see a self-pitying aspect to it. I did not intend that, nor do I feel such disappointment. I do feel that the theoretical bent of an INTP mind may work better with a high degree of smarts, but have felt no great loss at my more average level of intellect. Natural curiosity and eagerness to learn (stereotypical traits) have served me well, even if I do sometimes hit my limits of understanding.

Of course, we are all individuals. Type describes a cluster of traits; it does not define a person. Despite my post title, there are no "useless" types (there may be useless individuals, but that is a different story). No type is better than another, even if they may have certain strengths and weaknesses.

Thanks to all who read the piece, it really has been most interesting to see how others see me (or at least my blog post). I hope that you will accept that while I may not be a great writer, but I am not an INTP hater. Indeed, I do not even believe there is a typical INTP. While individuals of a type may share a cluster of traits, it is likely that they express those traits in varied manners.

[tottoyou]

*ISFJs, except for vin diesel he makes good stuff

[lovegames25]

Why not INFP? They are useless too..just saying

[Apollo Celestio]

Pffff I can think of many other useless types. Most, if not all people take what the average INTP does for granted because either the INTP had their credit stolen from them or the recipient was just too two dimensional to get it. I think the guy that wrote that thinks that because he hasn't done anything with his life, no other INTP can. Talk about pathetic.

Is it me, or is there just too much bullshit about INTPs being cold hearted slobs that only care about theory going around these days?

True, you guys can be pretty shallow too.

[absentminded]

Pffff I can think of many other useless types. Most, if not all people take what the average INTP does for granted because either the INTP had their credit stolen from them or the recipient was just too two dimensional to get it. I think the guy that wrote that thinks that because he hasn't done anything with his life, no other INTP can. Talk about pathetic.

Is it me, or is there just too much bullshit about INTPs being cold hearted slobs that only care about theory going around these days?

...well, our forum posts don't exactly discourage said stereotypes...