Introverted Sensing Thinking Perceiving
by Marina Margaret Heiss
Profile: ISTP
Revision: 3.0
Date of Revision: 26 Feb 2005
Like their fellow SPs, ISTPs are fundamentally Performers (note the
capital 'P' :-)), but as Ts their areas of interest tend to be
mechanical rather than artistic like those of ISFPs, and unlike
most ESPs they do not present an impression of constant activity.
On the contrary, they lie dormant, saving their energy until a
project or an adventure worthy of their time comes along--and then
they launch themselves at it. The apparently frenzied state that
inevitably ensues is actually much more controlled than it
appears--ISTPs always seem to know what they're doing when it comes
to physical or mechanical obstacles--but the whole chain of events
presents a confusing and paradoxical picture to an outsider.
ISTPs are equally difficult to understand in their need for
personal space, which in turn has an impact on their relationships
with others. They need to be able to "spread out"--both physically
and psychologically--which generally implies encroaching to some
degree on others, especially if they decide that something of
someone else's is going to become their next project. (They are
generally quite comfortable, however, with being treated the same
way they treat others--at least in this respect.) But because they
need such a lot of flexibility to be as spontaneous as they feel
they must be, they tend to become as inflexible as the most rigid J
when someone seems to be threatening their lifestyle (although they
usually respond with a classic SP rage which is yet another vivid
contrast to their "dormant," impassive, detached mode). These
territorial considerations are usually critical in relationships
with ISTPs; communication also tends to be a key issue, since they
generally express themselves non-verbally. When they do actually
verbalize, ISTPs are masters of the one-liner, often showing
flashes of humor in the most tense situations; this can result in
their being seen as thick-skinned or tasteless.
Like most SPs, ISTPs may have trouble with rote and abstract
classroom learning, which tend not to be good measures of their
actual intelligence. They tend, sometimes with good reason, to be
highly skeptical of its practical value, and often gravitate
towards classes in industrial arts; part-time vocational/ technical
programs can be useful to even the college-bound ISTP. In terms of
careers, mechanics and any of the skilled trades are traditional
choices, and those ISTPs with strong numerical as well mechanical
gifts tend to do extremely well in most areas of engineering.
Working as paramedics or firefighters can fulfill the ISTP need to
live on the edge; they are at their best in a crisis, where their
natural disregard for rules and authority structures allows them to
focus on and tackle the emergency at hand in the most effective
way.
ISTPs with more sedate careers usually take on high-risk avocations
like racing, skydiving, and motorcycling. While aware of the
dangers involved, they are so in touch with the physical world that
they know they can get away with much smaller safety margins than
other types.
Famous ISTPs:
(I have to give Joe Butt credit for most of the following)
U.S. Presidents:
Zachary Taylor
Charles Bronson
Tom Cruise
James Dean
Clint Eastwood
Burt Reynolds
Keith Richards
Charlie Yeager
Frank Zappa
Fictional:
Hedda Gabler in Ibsen's play of the same name
John Miller in the movie American Grafitti
Archibald "Harry" Tuttle in the movie Brazil
Functional Analysis: - by Joe Butt
Introverted Thinking
Thinking, the dominant function, generally keeps its opinions to
itself. The inner world of introverted thinkers resembles Plato's
rec room, where every untried idea runs the gauntlet of Truth. The
personal or political source of the alleged fact matters little to
Thinking; each tenet must stand on its own premises. Introverted
thinkers focus their directives in on themselves, and would like
nothing better than for others to do the same. One ISTP friend
displays a poster of an orangutan with the caption, "If I want your
opinion, I'll beat it out of you." Suffice it to say that ISTPs are
by nature free spirits.
Extraverted Sensing
Auxiliary Sensing provides Thinking with all manner of information
about the physical world. ISTPs possess heightened sensory
awareness. And as other SPs, ISTPs are energized by responding to
their impulses. Sports appeal to many ISTPs for the sheer sensory
experience.
This combination of dominant introverted thinking and auxiliary
extraverted sensing results in no-nonsense realism. The uncanny
troubleshooting ability which predisposes many ISTPs to hands-on
diagnostics (especially with machinery and computers) or detective
work is most probably rooted in this pairing.
Introverted iNtuition
Tertiary iNtuition maintains a low profile. ISTPs are prone to
consult "gut feelings" that most probably arise from this function
unconsciously. As with other SP types, ISTPs generally lack
enthusiasm for theoretical and philosophical issues, and less for
the endless discussions in which the Intuitive (especially NP)
types so frequently engage.
Extraverted Feeling
The inferior (least) feeling function is extraverted and, when
operative, quite visible. As with all types, the inferior function
is relatively simplistic and often operates unconsciously in an
all-or-nothing manner. When operative, Feeling's sensitivity and
loyalty has the potential for great benefit and utter peril. It
would seem that ISTPs would do well to nourish and cherish Feeling
judgement, but to vigilantly supervise and protect it from
predators and other catastrophes.
