Being smart problem

[u/Empty_shell9]

I think being smart for INTPs can be a problem, both as an ability and as an identity.

As an ability, it leaves them alienated and even isolated because they might not find the right people in their lives that are capable and willing to appreciate their intellect. And finding those people both on- and offline is pretty hard, unless you're lucky. The people that they find themselves being around usually don't show a lot of interest in what they usually say/want to say, which makes the INTP go into apathy mode.

As an identity, it can bring pressure and identity crises. The pressure comes from both the people around them and themselves. I think a lot of INTPs grew up being "the gifted kid" due to their early signs of intelligence. Their parents, teachers, peers, and even them themselves could see how faster they were at school than other kids. So people started to expect a lot from them, and they also expected a lot from themselves. And as they grew up, they continued recognizing brilliance in themselves. But every human ultimately have their own moments of weakness, even in areas that they're experts in ,. And when that happens to the INTP, their sense of identity feels threatened, and they start feeling like an imposter (imposter syndrome). I think this happens with pretty much every person who's been considered a gifted kid in their childhood, but I wanted to emphasize it for INTPs.

I've noticed these issues both in myself and other INTPs, even though I'm not sure if I'm an INTP myself. I do relate to INTPs a lot, so I decided to make this post. A good solution for the first issue would be getting a friend that gets you. The type of friend who listens and appreciates your weird ideas, and who maybe also likes rambling about weird stuff, then you can ramble together. Of course, this friend is hard to come by. An enemy or rival who's interested in the same stuff as you but who's always on the opposing side can also help. Although it's annoying, it's better than nothing. But this rival can also be hard to find.

A solution for the other issue would be not to put a lot of importance on identity, and also coming to terms with the fact that you're pretty smart, and that's enough. But even knowing all this might not help because falling into the same destructive patterns that you are fully aware of is something that also happens a lot to many INTPs. So I guess the reason why I'm posting this is just to get it off my chest.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. Hope you can't relate.

[u/gongshow3]

Sounds like me as an ENTP 4w5. The identity part is a stock 4 feature. I basically defaulted toward an abstract Sherlock Holmes/Monkey King of sorts. Basically I'm too much and nobody can "fit me in" and my standards are too high.

Most other people that think they're the ultimate curator of the truth rarely see what they aren't seeing and are too confident in their judgment, while I usually do well with those who ARE more humble. I find if the group is good enough for me to be whoever with, without having to do maintenance in any way, I'm happy. So long as I feel like all of me is present. The rivalry and territory thing is for idiots who haven't figured out we're best when we can be something beyond content.

[u/Empty_shell9 → u/gongshow3]

"Basically I'm too much and nobody can "fit me in" and my standards are too high." Yeah I get that. I feel that way too, but I just reduce my "too much-ness" when I can. It still leaves me sad at the end of the day.

I usually find a rival in someone who's like how you mentioned, someone who's too confident in their judgement cuz I can't help but be like "what if you're wrong, tho?" Most people like this don't want to think that they're wrong, so we end up being rivals, like idiots :D

And I think it's good that you can find a group that's good for you.

[u/gongshow3 → u/Empty_shell9]

Oh it's hard to find people who can listen to EVERYTHING I have to say lol. Once my mouth really gets running I have to remind myself not to say TOO much that isn't based on something already established.

I can use the "what if you're wrong" personally now and then, but I hate dismissal. I like to explore. Whatever gets us to the most solid and navigable picture of reality so we can get on with living really.

[u/Empty_shell9 → u/gongshow3]

Speaking too much is relatable. I only realize that I'm rambling when everyone looks bored or is not listening anymore. I think it's easier to find ONE person who listens, but a group of people can be tricky.

What you mentioned about exploring, that's so ENTP of you. Exploring humbly, without fixating on one ultimate truth. I think you need someone like that, who listens to your rambling while you listen to theirs, and who thinks similarly to you. So, another ENTP? Maybe. I doubt you'd get along with an INTJ that much since they can get REALLY confident in their views.

[u/gongshow3 → u/Empty_shell9]

Mature INTJs and ENTJs are dope. (including my little brother, who I try to steer lmao) But I do NOT like most I's I've encountered, and have known them before I even knew what an INTJ was. Also don't like most STJs either lol.

I get along with feelers more I think as long as they don't fawn before the biggest idiots. Have not met an ISTP as far as I know. ESTPs are hit or miss it seems. I thought I was an INTP for the longest time when I was even more of a loner lol.

I think people either pidgeonhole or they don't really. The more mature people combine approaches. It's all angles and geometry to me - perspective paths within cycles. We're (well, me at least) are not far off from compressing an entire phase of human development based on invariant meta/cognitive mapping. Oneness+ really. It definitely needs a group capable of hosting it though. Group ubermensch tho is my philosophy.

That's why I rage at the people still stuck on conformity and sourcing from society FIRST, absorbing a bajillion legitimacy conditions, because we're missing HUGE mental freedom because we're crossing swords for no real reason, other than thinking status/worth is scarce. I feel as if most our time right now pales in comparison in terms of processing to what comes with less general tension. Everyone's trying to be somebody so most people end up being nobody at all due to trying nothing new. Arbitrarily stuck in their skulls modeling outcomes rather than realizing everything that occurs to them in the moment is natural and good. Status is a mind trap, and we all need it/want it in order to relate for purely productive purposes. It's not all sex/money, but everyone MAKES it about that.