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The INTP Quest: INTPs' Search for Their Core Self, Purpose, & Philosophy
INTPs are equal parts thinker and seeker. While their status as nuanced and critical thinkers rarely goes unrecognized, their seeking side is often overlooked. This is largely due to the fact they do most of their seeking inwardly, that is, by way of thinking. Recognizing life’s brevity, INTPs strive to craft a life that is important, meaningful, and authentically reflects who they are. In so doing, they feel compelled to clarify their understanding of three key things: their core self, their purpose, and their philosophy / worldview. Only by clarifying these foundational matters can INTPs be sure they have done everything possible to optimize their lives.
Unfortunately, the INTP quest is rarely simple or straightforward, and it often extends far longer than they anticipate. Plagued by doubt and uncertainty, some INTPs may worry that they may never find what they are looking for and that all their explorations will have been for naught. However, those who persist in their quest have good reason for hope. While their destination may not look quite as shiny or glorious as they originally imagined, it is nonetheless worth the wait, capable of furnishing them with an enduring sense of meaning and satisfaction.
This book explores the deep existential concerns that INTPs strive to understand and resolve through their quest. It aims to further their understanding of their core self, purpose, and philosophy, as well as to illumine their path to integration and the successful enactment of their purpose.
Part I explores each of INTPs’ four personality functions (i.e., Ti, Ne, Si, and Fe), as well as their implications for the INTP quest. If INTPs can learn more about their personality and the various tools in their cognitive toolbox, they can better understand who they are and the sorts of things they might do with those tools.
Part II considers what INTPs are seeking in a purpose. Chapter 5 explores two key elements of purpose, importance and energy, while Chapter 6 examines the critical role of ideas and concepts in INTPs’ quest for purpose. Chapter 7 looks at INTPs’ struggle to balance the introverted (I) and extraverted (E) factors in their purpose equation, such as their attempt to reconcile their need to authentically follow their own (often esoteric) interests (I) with their desire for recognition and a respectable income (E).
Part III takes a closer look at INTPs’ philosophical propensities, including the types of concepts, philosophers, and philosophies they may be drawn to. It includes discussions of religion, theism vs. atheism vs. pantheism, mind and matter, free will and determinism, history, existentialism, and more. The purpose of these discussions is to explore how INTPs think, and the types of ideas and thinkers to which they gravitate. By clarifying who they are as thinkers, INTPs will find it easier to envision their optimal place in the world.
Part IV explores issues that will be of particular interest to INTPs who are further along in their quest. Chapter 14 examines INTPs’ concerns regarding shortages of novelty and meaning as they approach the end of their seeker’s quest. Chapter 15 discusses the sense of deflation that can accompany the loss of ideals over time, including the challenges associated with the discovery of one’s purpose. Chapter 16 seeks a remedy for the problems introduced in Chapter 15. Namely, it explores how INTPs can effectively navigate what I call the “post-idealist” phase of life through the adoption of a certain type of mindset. Not only can this mindset assuage INTPs’ foremost existential concerns, but it can also help them effectively enact their purpose and experience integration.
Unfortunately, the INTP quest is rarely simple or straightforward, and it often extends far longer than they anticipate. Plagued by doubt and uncertainty, some INTPs may worry that they may never find what they are looking for and that all their explorations will have been for naught. However, those who persist in their quest have good reason for hope. While their destination may not look quite as shiny or glorious as they originally imagined, it is nonetheless worth the wait, capable of furnishing them with an enduring sense of meaning and satisfaction.
This book explores the deep existential concerns that INTPs strive to understand and resolve through their quest. It aims to further their understanding of their core self, purpose, and philosophy, as well as to illumine their path to integration and the successful enactment of their purpose.
Part I explores each of INTPs’ four personality functions (i.e., Ti, Ne, Si, and Fe), as well as their implications for the INTP quest. If INTPs can learn more about their personality and the various tools in their cognitive toolbox, they can better understand who they are and the sorts of things they might do with those tools.
Part II considers what INTPs are seeking in a purpose. Chapter 5 explores two key elements of purpose, importance and energy, while Chapter 6 examines the critical role of ideas and concepts in INTPs’ quest for purpose. Chapter 7 looks at INTPs’ struggle to balance the introverted (I) and extraverted (E) factors in their purpose equation, such as their attempt to reconcile their need to authentically follow their own (often esoteric) interests (I) with their desire for recognition and a respectable income (E).
Part III takes a closer look at INTPs’ philosophical propensities, including the types of concepts, philosophers, and philosophies they may be drawn to. It includes discussions of religion, theism vs. atheism vs. pantheism, mind and matter, free will and determinism, history, existentialism, and more. The purpose of these discussions is to explore how INTPs think, and the types of ideas and thinkers to which they gravitate. By clarifying who they are as thinkers, INTPs will find it easier to envision their optimal place in the world.
Part IV explores issues that will be of particular interest to INTPs who are further along in their quest. Chapter 14 examines INTPs’ concerns regarding shortages of novelty and meaning as they approach the end of their seeker’s quest. Chapter 15 discusses the sense of deflation that can accompany the loss of ideals over time, including the challenges associated with the discovery of one’s purpose. Chapter 16 seeks a remedy for the problems introduced in Chapter 15. Namely, it explores how INTPs can effectively navigate what I call the “post-idealist” phase of life through the adoption of a certain type of mindset. Not only can this mindset assuage INTPs’ foremost existential concerns, but it can also help them effectively enact their purpose and experience integration.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2016
102 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 6, 2017
A lot of useful insights about INTPs and the broad course of their lives, mixed in with a fair amount of stuff that just did not resonate for me, particularly on metaphysics, embracing spirituality and 'willfully forgetting' things in order to be happier (AKA denial?). I couldn't help but wonder if this book was half an account of the author's particular quest rather than an INTP in general.
But having said that, a lot of it is 5-star, particularly the stuff toward the end. He speaks about the search for purpose, and clarity in personality/worldview, and the surprising deflation that can follow upon feeling to have found it, and what do after that. One of the best things a book can do is crystallise vague thoughts into clear ones, and here he's done that for me wonderfully - and worryingly.
The 3-star is painful to give. The good stuff here could have been packaged into an expanded version of 'the INTP'; it didn't deserve a whole new title. Plus... numerous typos give a rushed and careless feeling to the whole thing.
But having said that, a lot of it is 5-star, particularly the stuff toward the end. He speaks about the search for purpose, and clarity in personality/worldview, and the surprising deflation that can follow upon feeling to have found it, and what do after that. One of the best things a book can do is crystallise vague thoughts into clear ones, and here he's done that for me wonderfully - and worryingly.
The 3-star is painful to give. The good stuff here could have been packaged into an expanded version of 'the INTP'; it didn't deserve a whole new title. Plus... numerous typos give a rushed and careless feeling to the whole thing.
July 11, 2017
Mildly obsessed with typology and personality types, I had a friend recommend this book to me since we both typed as INTPs. I never put much stock in accuracy of any test and skeptically approached it as any other way to get to know yourself, but honestly after reading this book I have a new appreciation for the cognitive functions and how understanding them can be a useful tool to help find your purpose. I've always been a purpose driven, "what can I do to help humanity" type person which doesn't always mesh with perceptions of an INTP, now I know a bit more how that makes sense and more of the philosophical foundations on which my ideas can and have developed.
I don't think anyone who isn't an INTP would get as much out of it (other than a good philosophy primer), but for curious INTPs wondering what life's all about it is a quick read that may shed light on your personal quest.
I don't think anyone who isn't an INTP would get as much out of it (other than a good philosophy primer), but for curious INTPs wondering what life's all about it is a quick read that may shed light on your personal quest.
January 1, 2017
At times, it felt as though Drenth was reading my mind, such was its accuracy. That part was 5-star worthy, but I deducted one star, because I felt he got way too bogged down in describing the thought of different philosophers.
March 19, 2020
A must read for every INTP out there!
September 30, 2021
To the extent that this paradigm of classifying people into such categories is valid, I cleanly fall into the INTP category. In my experience, the Myers-Briggs model is at best a paradigm with which to think about oneself and one's place in the grander scheme. Among those who adopt this paradigm, there is an overwhelming tendency to actual believe the labels, taking them on as identities. I.E. “I am an INTP.” Nothing in nature exists that is an INTP. We can look around and see humans, male and female (and those in between). We can see animals and plants and rocks. Try though you might, you will never find an INTP in nature.
It’s very easy to see how destructive such an approach has the potential of becoming. “If I’m an INTP, then I’m this way … I prefer these things … these are my strengths.” This is a way for people to naturally seek out stability in what can feel like an existence of shifting sands. I think books like this have can do as much harm as good. With that said, if you can approach the whole thing as just a concept and not take it on as a worldview, this book is intelligent if a little scattered. It is, however, too certain of its conclusions by half. I believe the author makes the mistake of extrapolating his experience of identifying as an INTP into something universally applicable. Even though Meyers-Briggs overwhelmingly classifies me — right down the center line — as an INTP, on nearly every page he makes assertions which are foreign to my experience. If this happened here and there, I would chalk it up to the diversity of experience, but the preponderance of these assertions shakes the book completely out of the realm of relatability for me, presumably a key target of the book. At one point near the end the author inserts mention of ‘old soul’ and ‘average-aged soul’ INTPs, meaning that some INTPs will start out much more developed than the typical INTP, further along in the evolution he lays out in the book. This really does address the major fault not only with this book but with whole paradigm on which it’s built.
The more I see Meyers-Briggs bandied about, the less convinced I am of its value and the more destructive I think it may be. I think instead if we simply developed society in a way which made room for obvious core differences among people then the need for having such a system would be obviated. People read these descriptions of personality, relate to them, and then take them on as identities. The reason this happens is largely because they feel alienated. In a society which assumed a wide range of natural personalities and which allowed and encouraged exploration of these differences, there would be very little reason for people to try to fit themselves into these little, typological boxes. The cost of doing so seems to high to me, regardless of the comfort of feeling understood and validated brought on by ‘knowing your type.’
With such a mixed bag, with the foundations of the book so in question, there’s very little I can offer in way of conclusion except to say buyer beware.
It’s very easy to see how destructive such an approach has the potential of becoming. “If I’m an INTP, then I’m this way … I prefer these things … these are my strengths.” This is a way for people to naturally seek out stability in what can feel like an existence of shifting sands. I think books like this have can do as much harm as good. With that said, if you can approach the whole thing as just a concept and not take it on as a worldview, this book is intelligent if a little scattered. It is, however, too certain of its conclusions by half. I believe the author makes the mistake of extrapolating his experience of identifying as an INTP into something universally applicable. Even though Meyers-Briggs overwhelmingly classifies me — right down the center line — as an INTP, on nearly every page he makes assertions which are foreign to my experience. If this happened here and there, I would chalk it up to the diversity of experience, but the preponderance of these assertions shakes the book completely out of the realm of relatability for me, presumably a key target of the book. At one point near the end the author inserts mention of ‘old soul’ and ‘average-aged soul’ INTPs, meaning that some INTPs will start out much more developed than the typical INTP, further along in the evolution he lays out in the book. This really does address the major fault not only with this book but with whole paradigm on which it’s built.
The more I see Meyers-Briggs bandied about, the less convinced I am of its value and the more destructive I think it may be. I think instead if we simply developed society in a way which made room for obvious core differences among people then the need for having such a system would be obviated. People read these descriptions of personality, relate to them, and then take them on as identities. The reason this happens is largely because they feel alienated. In a society which assumed a wide range of natural personalities and which allowed and encouraged exploration of these differences, there would be very little reason for people to try to fit themselves into these little, typological boxes. The cost of doing so seems to high to me, regardless of the comfort of feeling understood and validated brought on by ‘knowing your type.’
With such a mixed bag, with the foundations of the book so in question, there’s very little I can offer in way of conclusion except to say buyer beware.
January 13, 2019
Anybody reading this book will certainly appreciate Dr Drenth’s profound knowledge of the MBTI theory and C. G. Jung’s theory of cognitive functions. Self-identifying as INTP, his lifelong keen interest and close observation of this type are more than palpable throughout the book.
Personally, ‘Part III: INTPs & Philosophy’ left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed despite (or perhaps as a result of?) my initially high expectations. Despite being a good review of what INTPs might be interested in and maybe even sparking interest in new philosophical branches in some readers, I think this chapter was a bit useless since INTP readers already know what they are interested in or what they are convinced of ideologically.
On the other hand, I have found the final ‘Part IV: Toward Integration’ of particular personal interest. I think this is the most well-written part. In any case, Dr Drenth’s writing is excellent, highly efficient and polished. Albeit at times repetitive, the book is a useful guide to the quirks of the INTP personality, moreover, a pleasure to read.
Personally, ‘Part III: INTPs & Philosophy’ left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed despite (or perhaps as a result of?) my initially high expectations. Despite being a good review of what INTPs might be interested in and maybe even sparking interest in new philosophical branches in some readers, I think this chapter was a bit useless since INTP readers already know what they are interested in or what they are convinced of ideologically.
On the other hand, I have found the final ‘Part IV: Toward Integration’ of particular personal interest. I think this is the most well-written part. In any case, Dr Drenth’s writing is excellent, highly efficient and polished. Albeit at times repetitive, the book is a useful guide to the quirks of the INTP personality, moreover, a pleasure to read.
October 3, 2017
This is a "must read" for any INTP
For a life-long seeker, this book helped me to really understand myself in a more holistic way. I've never read anything like it. It was like reading about myself and the journey I have been on throughout my life. I gained a lot of clarity and really appreciated all of the practical advice related to achieving a present-oriented mindset.
For a life-long seeker, this book helped me to really understand myself in a more holistic way. I've never read anything like it. It was like reading about myself and the journey I have been on throughout my life. I gained a lot of clarity and really appreciated all of the practical advice related to achieving a present-oriented mindset.
March 13, 2022
Well I can say it wasn't quite what I expected. I started this book imagining that I can get better advice from an experienced intp to a younger intp; but this book was more about what intps mostly seek into and what genre of work or philosophy they may like most which I'm not quite sure whether they are right or how to use that information anyway!
I must also mention reading this book wasn't quite a failure and I did get well introduced to difrent kind of philosophy and the names of those I like so a good place to start my journey :)
I must also mention reading this book wasn't quite a failure and I did get well introduced to difrent kind of philosophy and the names of those I like so a good place to start my journey :)
November 27, 2019
This read was a most intimate journey. I am entering a self reflecting and translational portion of my life. With both of my children recently marrying and moving into their own lives I am now granted the time, perspective, and the economic stability to contemplate the thought, “what will be your purpose for the remainder of your life?"
I am a big fan of typology. Especially the Jungian based models. As such, being most familiar with the concepts and language of that particular topology, I reached for a book that addresses my question from the perspective of my typology...that is...INTP.
This delivered exactly what I had hoped for. It did not attempt to oversimplify the options but it absolutely, with in the light of my INTP temperament, provide me with a perspective, direction, and a theme of thought in order to explore these narrowed options for myself.
In addition to the guidance I received toward my own differentiation and integration, this work also provided a lot of background on applicable thoughts and writings from other philosophers that I will probably seek to read in the future. End of the day, this book provided me exactly what I was looking along the theme of self reflection and development. I would recommend this to any and all adult INTPs looking to define their purpose in life.
I am a big fan of typology. Especially the Jungian based models. As such, being most familiar with the concepts and language of that particular topology, I reached for a book that addresses my question from the perspective of my typology...that is...INTP.
This delivered exactly what I had hoped for. It did not attempt to oversimplify the options but it absolutely, with in the light of my INTP temperament, provide me with a perspective, direction, and a theme of thought in order to explore these narrowed options for myself.
In addition to the guidance I received toward my own differentiation and integration, this work also provided a lot of background on applicable thoughts and writings from other philosophers that I will probably seek to read in the future. End of the day, this book provided me exactly what I was looking along the theme of self reflection and development. I would recommend this to any and all adult INTPs looking to define their purpose in life.
March 30, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I love philosophy and human behavior, and I’m an INTP, so of course I found it Interesting. However, this is less a book about all INTPs and their purpose, core self and philosophy, and more a book about one particular INTP and his philosophy and love of philosophy AND stereotyping all of us to think exactly like him. With that heavy generalization the logical side of INTP is completely replaced with his love or current thirst for connection between philosophy and his core self, beating down any other parts of INTPs that are usually a lot more evident, like science and reason. For instance, he mentioned every Philosopher I’ve ever read but only a sentence or two about Einstein and even then not about his science, which was informed greatly by the connections of the universe. It’s a limited book, but since there are few about our MBTI type, I enjoyed it. It may feel a little repetitive and one sided at times, but the idea that INTPs go from a state of searching and idealizing to integrating and eventually post-idealist processing and being more present really hit home. For myself, post-divorce and changing careers and sort of settling down to focus, even meditating daily, I can very much relate to this latter phase and felt the clarity I gained from the book’s propositions made it all worth it. I’m also glad that the book wasn’t a guide to Ti Ne Si Fe as that is something most of us have likely already studied to satisfy are Ti and Ne. Instead it dug into a few concepts and a lot of philosophers’ quotes. Again, mostly a good read.
December 24, 2020
For anyone looking to further their understanding on the INTP personality type. This is 'The' book to explore. This is the most informative book out there on the INTP type mindset, practical approaches, philosophy and way of being. Here the axis developmental style, modalities are explained quite clearly and illustrated with anecdotes. Since the author himself seemed to have a preference to the INTP - thinking style, it is well explained for all types to read. The core self, purpose and philosophy of the INTP and the type's leanings in social and economic landscapes has been explored quite earnestly. The age-based developmental modalities of the cognitive functions seems to be a personal highlight is interesting from the cognitive development perspective. Although it is a very single-person perspective, without borrowing from other sources too much seems to resonate with many INTPs (including me!) if forum/goodreads comments were to be taking for statistics. Quite a bit of lengthy read at certain places. Overall provides a valuable insight and explanations into otherwise overlooked patterns and behaviors which are blind-spots for the INTP type. I have read and re-read this book several times, to gain fresh perspectives from different sections.
February 7, 2023
I really wanted to like this book, because I've been meaning to read it for years. I love A.J. Drenth's work on his website, and I can imagine the hard work he must have put in this book, but I found it too messy and jumbled. It has too much information about things I wasn't looking for, neither were they aligned with the title of the book. Not that I wouldn't have liked knowing about ancient and modern philosophers and what they thought about everything under the sun, but it's not why I picked this book. Except for a couple of great points, I barely learned anything new. I am planning to read the second book, and I hope it's not as disappointing.
July 26, 2023
A good book I discovered from Quora debates about INTP.
I learnt an archetype that really makes sense for me.
I'm a "concept novelist".
I like to create concepts, because they are fluid enough to adapt to my Ne function (Extroverted Intuition), an axillary function, and structured enough to satisfy Ti (Introverted Thinking), my dominant function, loving order and conciseness. .
I learnt an archetype that really makes sense for me.
I'm a "concept novelist".
I like to create concepts, because they are fluid enough to adapt to my Ne function (Extroverted Intuition), an axillary function, and structured enough to satisfy Ti (Introverted Thinking), my dominant function, loving order and conciseness. .
February 9, 2021
Knowing more about your personality and realizing that many people are the way you are was a great discover for me. Quite subjetive but very informative.
May 13, 2021
Definitely helped me find some new ideas to Explore. Also showed me some of my kryptonites.
March 24, 2022
I LOVED this book. Not only did it expand my knowledge of the INTP, it also covered many different topics from religion to philosophy to life & evolution. One of my favorite books
June 17, 2022
Great for providing a foundation of ideas and concepts to follow and avoid pitfalls that INTP's are drawn to along their developments.
June 23, 2022
Oklah
May 27, 2022
Yes! Intriguing (and yes, I'm an INTP as well, otherwise I would have been rather bored by the book, I think).
November 24, 2019
I found mostly of this spot on, except for a middle chapter in which the author gets obnoxiously quasi-spiritual. Otherwise full of great advice and concepts.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews