NiTi Phenomenon

Hi Juan,

Perhaps this is premature given that you're still to provide your full analysis. But I thought I'd express my thoughts on being labelled NiTi. I was thinking of uploading this to your website once you've settled on NiTi:

Whilst I had long wavered between different (self-diagnosed) MBTI types, I had never considered the possibility that I could be an INFJ.


My peculiar functional development aside, the description of the MBTI INFJ didn’t seem to fit. The INFJ was always described as intuitive, empathetic, and forward-thinking, and whilst I relate to these terms put so plainly as they are, I seem to abhor intuition, empathy, and insight when they are not subjected to something logical, something more empirical.


The musings of most spiritual (MBTI) INFJ “mystics" did not amuse me; they seemed like nonsensical, misguided, and myopic ramblings. When the INFJ tells people what they will be, or what the future holds in store for them, he does them a disservice. He isn’t subconsciously stringing together disparate data to produce some intuitive insight into the future of others, he is merely warping the psychology of his listeners, making them act a certain way so that his predictions are made true.


That being said, I had always admired “scientific” future oriented intuition. Ray Kurzweil should be admired for his ability to bring together seemingly disparate fields of science and technology, to make bold, but accurate predictions for the future. Likewise, science-fiction writers should be admired for painting a picture of tomorrow using reputable science and inductive reasoning.


Regarding the MBTI INFJ’s uncanny insight into others, I have always had an ability to read people very easily. I know a person’s character merely be looking into their eyes, but I had long thought that this wasn’t some special form of intuition, I didn’t think these traits were unique to me. I find it perplexing that this trait is not universal for all humans, given our evolutionary history. Surely, humans had to “know” each other intuitively before language existed? Surely they had to intuitively discern the characteristics of those around themselves before language developed. How is it that all mammals do not immediately know the inner workings of another person when they stare at them? What is it that everyone else sees, if not the thoughts of the person they’re looking at?


Finally, I relate somewhat to the empathetic, sympathetic, and paternal description of the MBTI INFJ. Whilst I was never much of a socialite, I am able to feel other people’s problems as my own, I have always wanted to help others whenever I could, and children and animals have always felt very comfortable around me. But still, these character traits didn’t seem indicative of an NiFe psychology, they seemed indicative of human decency. These traits aren’t unique to the NiFe type, my TeSi and SiFe are far better people than I could ever hope to be.


All this being said, the description of Valein in Cognitive Types seems to be a close fit. Physically I find that my eyes rest in that peculiar Ni way, and I find that the outer edges of my brow are frequently raised. I have a very relaxed demeanour more often than not, and I tend to sink into my seat and sway from side to side quite lazily. Character-wise, I find that I have been parental or a mentor to many people throughout my life. People seem to like my advice, and many people seem to like to listen to me. But perhaps most interestingly of all, I relate to Valein’s odd relationship with extroverted sensing (Se). I sense the rest of the world too strongly, the sounds of others grates on me. It interferes with the calm of Ni. I have to be sensationally derived, except for a few cherished vices.