@Maritsa @Subteigh Jeremy ( mentions don't work) and all self typed EII/INFjs/INFJ. I have seen you three self-type INFJ in MBTI so I am curious why. How do you guys relate to Ni? and Fe in the INFJ? I am posting some quotes which I think sums up the functions pretty well and would like to know which ones you relate most with. I think it would be helpful for others coming from a Jungian or MBTI perspective. I joined this site assuming I would be INFj. It didn't work out the way since the functions were wrong.Not questioning my type since I think IEI/EII behavioral descriptions are a combination of INFJ/INFP. I want to focus on cognitive functions here and how they might manifest.
I watched a documentary on Jung last night and it made me curious. I know Jeremy in particular identifies with INFJ descriptions and I wanna know why.Help me understand your rational.
Regardless what you think of MBTI (it is all self report anyway including socionics) I think these descriptions of Ni and Fe in an INFJ are pretty good.
Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
NP types use Extraverted Intuition (Ne) as their dominant or auxiliary function. The verbal expression of Ne amounts to something like “brainstorming aloud.” When orating, NPs may not always seem to “have a point” as they haphazardly move from one idea to the next. Ne is more divergent and expansive in nature than its introverted cousin, Ni. NPs feel compelled to outwardly explore all the options and possibilities, making it difficult for them to draw firm conclusions or make confident decisions. The divergent nature of Ne explains why NPs often seem random, distractible, quirky, or flighty. Ne types use their Si to recall what has been and then use their Ne to envision what could be. This orientation toward future possibilities gives Ne types a good nose for inventing, marketing, entrepreneurship, politics, journalism, etc.
Introverted Intuition (Ni)
NJ types use Introverted Intuition (Ni) as their dominant or auxiliary function. Unlike Ne, which expands the number of options or possibilities, Ni tends to work more convergently, producing a more singular and comprehensive vision or solution. The convergent capacities of Ni provides NJs a greater sense of confidence and conviction in moving forward, contributing to their effectiveness as theorists, leaders, problem solvers, and advisers. INJs often think by way of images rather than words. Their intuitions may manifest as gut feelings, hunches, symbols, dreams, or imagery. Because Ni does much of its work subconsciously, it is sometimes perceived as having a certain magical or prophetic quality. But Ni need not be considered in any way magical or mystical. Ni intuitions are generated from information provided by NJs’ other functions, particularly their Se, which gathers concrete data from the immediate environment that serves as raw material for their Ni. Like working a puzzle, Ni synthesizes Se pieces of information and generates an intuitive impression or interpretation of what is happening, as well as a sense of what might happen next. For more on Ne-Ni differences, see this post.Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
FJ types use Extraverted Feeling (Fe) as their dominant or auxiliary function. FJs, especially EFJs, are quick to outwardly express their feelings, opinions, and grievances. Fe plays a prominent role in attuning to and empathizing with others’ emotions. It allows FJs to recreate another’s emotion state within themselves, allowing them to literally feel what the other person is feeling. FJs also work to meet others’ needs and to maintain harmony in the external environment. They ensure that everyone is getting along and is well cared for. At the same time, since Fe is an Extraverted Judging function, there are times when FJs are compelled to sacrifice external harmony for the sake of asserting their judgments. FJs also enjoy giving counsel and advice, especially with regard to people-related matters.
Introverted Feeling (Fi)
All FP types use Introverted Feeling (Fi) as their dominant or auxiliary function. Fi is directed inwardly, navigating and managing personal feelings and values on a largely independent basis. While Fe turns to others for emotional support and kinship, Fi deals with emotions more independently. When IFPs do opt to outwardly express their feelings and values, they often do so indirectly—through active (S), creative (N), or rational (Te) means. Fi also inspires FPs types to help the underserved. They can commonly be found helping the sick, the needy, children, and animals. They love to rescue those in need, such as by adopting pets from animal shelters. Moreover, Fi works to shape its own worldview—a personalized system of values—that can serve as a platform for self-understanding and decision-making. As is the case with TPs, this self-understanding grants FPs a strong sense of inner control. While FPs (especially IFPs) may feel they have little control over other people, they feel confident in regulating their own feelings, values, and actions.Extraverted Intuition (Ne) vs. Introverted Intuition (Ni)
By Dr. A.J. Drenth
Intuition is sometimes described as a “sixth sense.” Unlike logical or deductive methods, it is a means of knowing without being able to explain exactly how one arrived at that point of understanding. Hence, the “how” of intuition is in many ways concealed from the knower; it’s workings are largely unconscious. Consequently, in a way similar to sensations, there is a sense in which intuitions have the character of being “given” rather than consciously developed.
Within the Myers-Briggs taxonomy, Intuition takes on a more specific meaning. In addition to relying more heavily on non-conscious, non-rational ways of knowing, dominant Intuitives (INFJs/INTJs & ENFPs/ENTPs) differ from types with a dominant Judging function (i.e., IPs & EJs) in their preference for a more open and passive (i.e., Perceiving) mode of existence. Assuming they are not constrained by outside obligations, Intuitives are not inclined to readily impose rules or agendas on themselves. Their natural inclination is to start the day in a leisurely, open, and receptive manner (this is even true of IJs). They differ from IPs and EJs in this respect, who often start off with goals, intentions, or at least a sense that they “should” be doing something (i.e., engaging their rational Judging process).
According to both Jung and Myers-Briggs, there are two varieties of Intuition:Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Intuition (Ni). Because they both include the general characteristics of Intuition described above, many people struggle to differentiate between the two.
To understand Jung’s distinctions between these two functions, it helps to have a background understanding of his view of Introversion and Extraversion. Jung saw Extraversion as expansive and broad. We often generalize Extraverts as having a relatively limited attention span, moving from here to there with little sustained focus on any one thing. Their interactions are often viewed as more superficial, opting for breadth rather than depth. In contrast, Jung viewed Introversion as more intensive and focused. Rather than expanding outward, the Introvert dives deeper.
In this light, Extraverted Intuition can be considered more expansive and less intensive than Introverted Intuition. Ne types (ENPs) generally display a greater breadth of hobbies and extraverted activities than Ni dominants. ENPs also tend to be more random and scattered in their ideation. Whereas INJs are known to reel off relatively cohesive and streamlined monologues, ENPs tend to bounce around from one subject to the next. While Ne generates myriad options and possibilities (what I have called “brainstorming aloud”), Ni is more convergent, often producing a single coherent answer or solution. Granted, part of this may be attributed to the fact that INJs’ extravert their Judging process (Fe or Te) as opposed to ENPs’ extraversion of Intuition. But the fact remains that, by nature of its introversion, Ni takes on a more focused and intensive quality than typically seen in Ne. The more divergent and expansive nature of Ne may partially explain why P-types have been characterized as avoiding “closure” (although I feel this is best applied to EP types, whose dominant function is a Perceiving function).
The openness and expansiveness of Extraverted Intuition can also be seen as fueling ENPs’ resistance to static conceptual frameworks. Assuming they are not being heavily influenced by their inferior function (Si), which pushes for a more static or traditional worldview, ENPs tend to prefer more fluid ways of processing and understanding things. ENP philosophers like Henri Bergson, Michael Foucault, and William James, for instance, felt that philosophies built on deductions and static concepts could never accurately capture the essential nature of reality. Unsurprisingly, they both emphasized percepts (Ne) as being more trustworthy and reliable than the concepts and elaborate frameworks promulgated by other philosophers.
INTJs and INFJs, by contrast, tend to be more comfortable with working with static concepts and conceptual frameworks. In doing so, INJs are not intentionally closing off their minds. Rather, as we’ve seen, Introverted Intuition, by its very nature, seems to be more convergent and dare I say, analytical, then Ne. One might even suggest, as Lenore Thomson has, that Ni has a stronger left-brained character than Ne does. Hence, INJs are generally more comfortable working with deduction, concepts, and static/”eternal” ideas. Both Plato and Jung are classic examples.
Because of their reluctance to endorse static concepts, ENTPs and ENFPs are often drawn to historical and contextual studies. Historical studies allow ENPs to explore ideas more broadly and fluidly. Rather than working with static concepts or focusing on linear causation, ENPs prefer to examine contextual factors and contingencies that influence the nature and trajectory of ideas. Many French philosophers of history, such as Michael Foucault, aptly embody this more open-ended, contextual approach to knowledge. This also explains why many ENPs are drawn to professions such as journalism, which allow them to explore ideas in a more fluid and contextual fashion.@Sol if you care to weigh in please do. I know it is a lot of English to read and it might take forever to translate. You are someone who goes strictly by the 4 letters and make no allowances for the different function stacks in MBTI and Socionics.INFJs’ Dominant Function: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Intuition is generally considered a subconscious process. It is often contrasted with more conscious types of rational thought. Because Intuition is commonly associated with the unconscious, it is often thought to have a certain magical quality, capable of delivering comprehensive answers or solutions suddenly—“out of the blue.”
One of the central features of Intuition is its capacity to synthesize information. It is sensitive to patterns and similarities, quickly seeing connections among disparate pieces of data. By seeing how everything is connected and interrelated, it is capable of discerning universal laws and structures.
What is interesting about types with dominant Intuition, including INFJs, is that this Intuitive process, which for non-Intuitives is largely unconscious, is more accessible and observable in consciousness. This seems particularly true for INTJs and INFJs, whose Intuition is directly inwardly rather than being fused with the outside world. INJs have the good fortune of witnessing and consciously participating in a mysterious process which for other types is entirely unconscious.
Because Ni affords INFJs a more intimate relationship with the workings of what most people call the subconscious mind, INFJs’ routine existence often assumes a sort of dreamlike quality. For INFJs, there is less of a distinction between their ordinary waking state and the experience of sleep. At times, this can make it difficult to separate dream from reality, making nightmares all the more disturbing for this type. It is little wonder that many INJs, including Jung himself, find dream analysis so intriguing and important.
Because of their ready access to subconscious or subliminal information, INFJs are commonly viewed as profound, insightful, and sometimes even psychic or prophetic. While not diminishing the unique capacities of INFJs, Ni can be rational, non-magical terms.
In order to understand Ni, it is first necessary to understand INFJ’s inferior function, Extraverted Sensing (Se). For INFJs, Se functions subconsciously and is constantly gathering copious amounts of sensory information from the environment. Meanwhile, their Ni is constantly working to process and synthesize this incoming data, like assembling pieces of a puzzle. Eventually, it manages to construct an impression or vision of what is happening. Because other types are not privy to the workings of this Ni-Se processing loop, it can seem as though INFJs’ insights are magical or divinely inspired. In reality, INFJs cannot see the future, but are simply more skilled than most at accurately discerning what is happening in a given situation. This allows them to better envision what how things might unfold should they continue along their current course. This ability to accurately “see” is why INFJs are sometimes described as prophets or seers.
It is often said that human beings rely more heavily on vision than we do our other senses. This seems especially true of INFJs, who often ascribe a strong visual element to their Ni. INFJs often “think” by way of images rather than words. Their intuitions often manifest in the form of symbols, images, dreams, or patterns. This is consistent with Jung’s characterization of the Ni type as a dreamer or seer. There is a distinct visual character to these notions, which is why vision-related terms—foresight, insight, seer, visionary, etc.—are invariably used in describing INFJs. The visual nature of Ni might also tie into INFJs’ inferior Se, which is also a highly visual function. The difference is that Se is attuned to the specifics and details of the environment, whereas Ni is more concerned with forming an impression or theory of what is happening based on the totality of incoming sensory information.
INFJs’ propensity for processing information visually may contribute to one of their signature strengths: reconciling opposites. One advantage of visual processing is it doesn’t have the same rules or impediments of verbal processing. In some cases, problems may be better solved by employing images or symbols rather than by other means. It should not surprise us that Jung himself hailed the value of imagery and symbols. For Jung, symbols were critical for dealing with paradoxes, including the challenge of reconciling opposing psychological functions, which he dubbed “the type problem.”
INFJs’ Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
INFJs use Extraverted Feeling (Fe) as their auxiliary function. As the most interpersonal of all the functions, Fe is attuned to surveying and improving interpersonal feelings and morale. Like other FJ types, INFJs work to cultivate “good feelings” in the interpersonal environment. In order to survey others’ feelings, Fe contributes to INFJs’ ability to read emotional expressions and body language. This, in combination with their Se and Ni, allow them to effectively read, understand, and relate to others.
Interestingly, INFJs can have a more difficult time with perceiving and understanding their own emotions. This is due to the fact that their Feeling function is directed outwardly (i.e., extraverted) rather than inwardly. Unlike INFPs, whose Feeling function is introverted (Fi), INFJs are less equipped to manage their emotions independently. Inwardly, they deal in the currency of Intuition (Ni) and Thinking (Ti). Hence, when INFJs find themselves in emotionally taxing circumstances, they often turn to others for aid and support.
Fe also entails an extraversion of judgment. INFJs utilize their Fe to express their thoughts, feelings, opinions, and grievances. Fe gives voice and shape to INFJs’ feelings and intuitions. In many cases, INFJs do not know fully understand the nature of an Ni insight until given the opportunity to verbalize it. They may have a hunch or a gut feeling, but the content of the intuition can remain somewhat nebulous until it is expressed via their Fe. Assuming they have not been severely censored in their upbringing, INFJs are generally happy to share their feelings and perspectives. In fact, given the right opportunity, INFJs will often talk at length about their feelings and intuitions. Unlike FP types, who generally prefer a more dialogical format, INFJs are inclined toward monologues, which allow them to fully flesh out their ideas on a certain topic.
INFJs’ Fe can present differently among strangers than it does with their intimates. In larger groups, INFJs may seem consistently cheery as part of their attempt to cultivate good feelings. Many INFJs have a good sense of humor and can be funny and engaging. Enlisting their vivid imaginations and knack for metaphor, they can also make good storytellers. In the company of close confidants, however, INFJs use their Fe to be more open and direct with their grievances. Since some INFJs feel like tortured souls, their commentary may take on a characteristically negative tone. They may seem moody, pessimistic, discontented, or restless. They can also seem fairly intense in their communication when infused with the emotion of Fe. Consequently, their expressions can seem exaggerated, dramatic, or irrational, especially to Thinking types. They differ in this respect from INFPs, who are less disposed to melodrama in their verbiage. INFJs can also be susceptible to self-pity and self-loathing, seeing themselves as victims. They may curse the fact that life isn’t fair, feeling that they always end up with the short end of the stick.
For INFJs, expressing themselves through their Fe is critical to their psychological and physical health and well-being. Even if doing so does not provide them with immediate solutions to the problem at hand, they tend to feel better once they have expressed their feelings, whether through words or tears. This is especially important for the mates or friends of INFJs to recognize. While not necessarily looking for others to solve their problems, INFJs value emotional support, empathy, and reassurance. Without such an outlet, INFJs can begin to feel isolated and depressed, turning to their inner fantasy world as a means of escape. And while fantasizing may seem helpful in the short-term, it can make the real world seem even less tolerable and exacerbate existing frustrations toward life.
Even if not to the same extent as EFJs, INFJs can be warm, welcoming, loyal, giving, and self-sacrificing. At the same time, as Introverts, they need time to themselves to recharge their proverbial batteries. This creates an ongoing, even lifelong, struggle for INFJs, trying to balance their own needs and desires with those of others.
INFJs commonly experience a conflict in values between their Ni and Fe. For example, they may be asked by a friend or relative to donate to a cause they don’t believe in. This puts them in the difficult position of deciding between honoring their own perspectives (Ni) or maintaining the harmony of the relationship (Fe). Since INFJs can having difficulty saying no, they will often opt to oblige others, even while inwardly regretting doing so. INFJs may experience similar issues in school. INFJs are disposed to questioning the veracity of what the teacher or other students are saying, not to mention issues of character. At the same time, however, they want to please the teacher and maintain external harmony. This can leave them feeling torn between allegiance to truth (Ni) versus Fe people-pleasing.
Because of the strength of their Fe, INFJs need to be careful not to abandon their Ni in the face of outward pressures. Since Ni is their best and most reliable compass for navigating life, when they lost track of it, INFJs can easily feel lost, restless, and frustrated. Hence, when it comes to decision-making, INFJs are wise to listen primarily to their own inner voice.


Help me understand your rational. 

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(as per tcaudilllg)
associated with the supernatural etc., as well as the extent the overall description describes "rational" (i.e. Judging traits). I'm not sure which test you saw me get INFJ on (although you are correct that I have scored it, perhaps even most recently: 

