Introverted and Extroverted Intuition
ErikThor- Published: 07-07-2016 Edited: 07-07-2016
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I have been thinking about something for a while, I'm not sure what it is exactly, but here goes:
A function to me is not a cognitive ability, it's an instinct or an impulse, how you are tendentially driven to think or feel. There is no strong basis in neuroscience that your brain can be divided into eight unique functions that you use in practical situations such as physical exercise, brainstorming, and emotional manipulation. The best way to think about the cognitive functions are like archetypes inside of you, representing your different needs. Jungs definitions of introverted intuition and extroverted intuition were in his own words, extremes, and I want to explain an unexplored subtype and why there are two kinds of introverted intuition, that don't always mesh well together.
Intuition to me is an instinct, closely related to anger, and it's unconscious or less conscious perception. It's closely related to your self-reflective ability and your ability to independently think about solutions to problems and to think about your life and your experience, what is happening in and around you, and how you wish to respond to it. In neuroscience this is done in the top-down network. Intuition comes from within: from your own inner expectations, from what you want, from what you believe is the right thing to do, no matter what society thinks, or what your family or friends want. Anger comes up when you feel like your will isn't being respected.
* You can generally only identify these functions inside your own head, don't use function theory to explain how you are in groups or with friends and in extroverted situations. Only use it when thinking deeply about your own thoughts and feelings, preferably when alone or when sharing with a close friend.
Introverted Intuition (Instinct: Inhibited or controlled anger)
Introverted Intuition is actually a very peaceful instinct. It has a withdrawn, cautious impulse to anger. Introverted Intuition can be divided into two parts: the more sexual style, which is more frustrated, idealistic, and driven to reform society and people (Hints of more ambiverted personality), and the more pure, withdrawn style, the more introverted style Jung discussed, which is more like a mediator and a diplomat, and more conflict avoidant.
These Ni-doms tend to say they are never angry and they are very supportive of others needs, highly ready to compromise, but then out of nowhere, they can experience explosions of anger. Ni-types in their purest form have big inner hidden dreams that they don't share with anyone, often not even themselves, and they don't always realize how important someone or something is to them, until they're about to lose it. They are highly attentive to the dreams and expectations of people around them and make good therapists and counsellors (yes, even INTJs can make good counsellors!) They are patient and calm and pillars of support and good mentors and guides. But remind them to think about themselves from time to time, help them stay in touch with their own dreams.
These types are the most prone to doorslams. They have a sometimes repressed social side and a need to fit in with society that they often forget to nurture. They can often struggle to acknowledge important things they feel. They inhibit and control their thoughts a lot. A lot of them experiment with buddhism and meditation and practices to discipline their mind. This is more difficult or uncommon among sexual types, who have a more restless mind that is harder to control.
Introverted intuition represents being overall cautious and more secretive about self-reflection, Ni in it's raw form has a desire to withhold information, but the sexual style is much more about controlling and directing anger at the right moment, in the right situation. Introverted Intuition is in it's purest form driven towards monologuing, thinking deeply about existence, who you are, what you are meant to do in life, what is important to you, independent of what is important to others. The sexual style is however more about dialogue. They share and juggle and balance their own needs with the people around them. They try to find ways and solutions for everyone to coexist. The sexual style has a tendency to appear overall frustrated with everything, nothing is good enough, and they often experience some forms of perfectionism. They are reformers, they improve and strive to perfect society and to make sure everything comes together perfectly. The pure introverted intuitive has no real interest in changing or impacting society in that way, they are more focused on themselves and their close ones.
There are lots of conflicts in groups of introverted intuitives because these two types often struggle to recognize each others, asserting their own way of thinking as the "true" IN*J way. But the problem is that Jung and Briggs never gave room for this second form of introverted intuition, and instead tried to mesh both together"
Extroverted Intuition (Instinct: Approaches anger)
Extroverted Intuition dominants are often referred to as champions (ENFP), or debaters (ENTP), which is a hint in itself to this type, which has a very open relation to anger and a boldness in the face of anger or upsets. EN*Ps are highly bold in their thinking overall, their thoughts are completely uninhibited most of the time. (But they often admit to thinking TOO much) But other descriptions make these types out more to be like gummy bears, sweet, fun and playful, so who's right? Both. In the face of anger, these types are champions and debaters, but when anger has faded, they are more like gummy bears, warm, bubbly, enthusiastic, and playful. These types don't shy away from conflicts if something bad happens, but they are at peace when conflict has been resolved. The gummy bear becomes an actual, real bear when angry. Extroverted intuitives often grow up thinking they can have anything they want if they just push enough or ask enough times. They're very inspiring and spread their energy with everyone they meet. They are like a tidal wave of either enthusiasm, or anger.
Extroverted Intuitives have a constant running commentary going. They reflect and comment on everything as it happens. "That man is so reckless with the stove he's gonna catch on fire. Those two dogs appear to be on a date. Why is this guy talking to me? Is he trying to date me? He's cute. But he has psychopath shoes! I should get out of here. How can I get out of here without offending him? Why do you have psychopath shoes? Did I just ask him that out loud?!" And yes, some Extroverted Intuitives also have the more sexual, ambivalent style I mentioned in the introverted intuitive description. (Hints of ambiversion) Pure extroverted intuitives though, have an often repressed self-preservative side and a need to protect themselves, an instinct to "run" before something bad happens.
Do you think I'm close to the truth on the functions? Would you explain something differently? Please share your thoughts and feedbacks on this subject. :) -
