The Myers Briggs type indicator is a popular, although controversial personality type system. It is popular because of the categories it provides and its fine-grained explanation of each type’s strengths and weaknesses. It also gives them a sense of what they’re like and how to reach their full potential. But the test has received criticism due to its limited scientific authentication and validity; people are fluid in their personality types and report changing a letter or two on different days they take the test. There is also concern that it has become a sort of personality horoscope, a tool of bogus or dubious merit.

In my opinion, the test and system are fairly accurate in explaining a lot about people’s preferences and why they are the way they are. It also helps make people feel better about who they naturally are and how to take advantage of their strengths. But there are issues with some of the characteristics; the divide between Introverted/Extroverted (I and E) and Perceiving/Judging (P and J) is pretty fluid and not clear cut. For instance, some people are smack dab in the middle of introversion/extroversion (like me) and others tend to be spontaneous and free on the inside, but live very structured lives on the outside. These characteristics also don’t really tell much about who you get along with or are the real core of who you are; people often act extroverted and can be sociable in bursts but are introverted at their core.

The two characteristics that seem really core to people are Sensing/Intuiting (S and N) and Thinking/Feeling (T and F). The other two seem more malleable and apt to vary over time. Sensors and Intuitives have real, genuine differences that define their lives; Sensors prefer the here and now and being in the present while Intuitives prefer the world of possibilities and ideas. Thinkers and Feelers also have differences; Thinkers are generally more rational and objective while Feelers are more in touch with their feelings and emotions. Thinkers tend to be more honest and impersonal, focusing on the facts at hand. Feelers focus on the people and emotions, the personal side of a situation. The combinations of these two preferences create 4 distinct categories of people, which seem to correspond well to the reality of the world.

The combination of ST produces people who prefer Sensing and Thinking: people who are down-to-earth and task-oriented. A good name for these folks would be Pragmatists. They tend to value the immediate facts and reality of a situation and making fair, impartial decisions on the basis of these facts. They tend to be very practical but can come off as insensitive and stubborn due to their characteristics. They pride themselves on being efficient and logical; this draws them towards practical pursuits like vocational trades, policemen, firefighters, and corporate administration. You can rely on these folks to get the job done.

The combination of SF produces people who prefer Sensing and Feeling. These folks are down-to-earth, warm, and relationship-oriented. They are driven to help the people close to them and make sure society functions smoothly and politely. They desire harmony and are considerate and people-oriented. They can be very susceptible to societal pressures and can have trouble responding to conflict or criticism. Additionally they are often bound tightly to social norms and seek to maintain traditions and established values, but that doesn’t mean they can’t change and become more tolerant. They are skilled in people-oriented jobs like nursing and coaching, keeping society together as a whole.

The combination of NT produces Intuitive Thinkers. These folks are intensely logical and rational; they love exploring new ideas and theories. They enjoy being innovative and coming up with new scientific and technological ideas; they also, depending on their inherent capacity for risk-taking and extroversion, become ruthless, decisive leaders that usher in new technologies and innovation. NTs are very creative and original, but they can also be insensitive and weak at dealing with the feelings of others. They also have a disinterest in the more day-to-day, administrative work required to achieve their visions; that’s the kind of stuff the STs are more inclined to focus on. They excel in positions of innovations like being scientists, engineers and startup founders.

The combination of NF produces Intuitive Feelers. This is the category I most fit into. These folks are idealistic and live in the world of possibilities. They are drawn towards helping other people and working for the common good of all, regardless of social norms or tradition. They are warm and friendly, skilled with dealing with and motivating other people. They are concerned with the broader issues affecting society and can devote themselves passionately to causes they believe in. While they are very benevolent and inspiring, they can also be too idealistic and reluctant to accept harsh truths or reality. They excel in public administration, coaching and teaching; they can be very powerful advocates for people and change if they find the right balance between their idealism and reality.

There is overlap between these categories, but I feel they are broad enough to effectively divide people based on their preferences and role in society. The ideal society would be run by Intuitives with a balance between Thinkers who solve intellectual problems and Feelers who work on societal and personal problems. The bread and butter of society would be the Sensors, who form the majority of society and excel at the routine, day-to-day tasks of life. Both sides must live in harmony. Without Intuitives, society would be stagnant and unchanging, vulnerable to external shocks and threats that disrupt the established order. Without Sensors, society would break down and the visions and ideas of Intuitives would never get implemented in the right way. Thus both sides need each other in order to thrive and succeed.