uncontrollable-entpness

[uncontrollable-entpness]

An ENTP would find someone that intellectually challenges them and then start behaving as if you just tickled their private parts. 

. . . the brain is a private part 

[uncontrollable-entpness]

The Defeat of A Debater

I categorize my debates as such

To learn, gather information, develop an understanding of -something- 

For entertainment 

To execute an intention of mine; i.e. to show someone of their flaws in their logic/reasoning. . . which can either intentionally or unintentionally affect their emotions

The first one is more significant on my interest to grow (as an individual).

The second one explains itself. 

The last one is probably a bit more tricky. Because I’m not really fueled by the intention to prove someone of their flawed absolutes in return for the pleasure of feeling superior. But that I intend as such to expand the perimeters of their perspective. In hopes they will recognize it as only a perspective . . . a small portion of the human experience. All factors being counted for -and that which goes unnoticed- . . . are elements that can be singled out and broken down. 

Defeat to me is not when someone can prove me wrong, or show me my own faults. I think being proven “wrong” is essential for an ENTP to grow and mature.

But when a person who is so firm in their beliefs, will not acknowledge their very own faults. That those very beliefs, when expressed, have a negative effect on society. 

People who are so convinced that their ideals should be modeled by the entirety of their community . . . prevents the very diversity that I as an ENTP admire so much. The death of diversity (in thought, in culture, in exposure to knowledge, and more) will be the defeat of me. Because those confinements, those limitations . . . are ones that I simply do not agree with. A singular thought, a hive mind - isn’t exactly the place of paradise for a “debater”. Especially when the hive is devoted to that singular mode of thought with a profuse passion. 

Conformity . . . what an absurd word. 

[uncontrollable-entpness]

A Jumble of Convoluted Truths

Every time I conjure up a post, I try my best to balance between opinion/personal experience and prevalent “truths” of the ENTP personality type.  

“Truth” being:

The immovable things that are fundamentally apparent, regardless of the consistent change of interests between -isms and -ologies of an ENTP. The foundations that goes beyond philosophy, political compass, intellectual pursuits. And while those foundations go beyond, they are still influenced by those -things- by choice. (I want to return to the choice aspect later) 

What do I think of -things- thus far? Well, as an ENTP, I think when I am capable of removing my emotional affiliations to a -thing- (be it a memory, a field of knowledge, an interest, etc), I am capable of identifying and defining the exact thing for what it is (primarily that which has affected me, and then I build a list of assumptions of what it could mean to those in society, and then I try to figure out what it is structurally . . . under various lights of examination).

A relationship is a relationship. The feelings it brings me are feelings. The experiences are experiences. Recognized for what they are singularly, and understood by their connections and influences among each other. 

That is what I think is so important to an ENTP, making something understood to the core. And that understanding can be “simplified” or “complex”, but as long as I am to understand it entirely (in my very limited view possible). And while I am to define those things, and recognize my limitations in those varied definitions, I also tend to my emotional side by providing reason and logic, connections between thing-and-feeling. 

And I could find ways to associate this with the cognitive functions, to really exemplify why I -think- of this as such. But I’m just doing a semi-mind dump. You know? I mean, the blog itself is an attempt to be equal parts informative and light-hearted.

I think what I as an individual like to remember and highlight is that “Everything is a choice”, which is why I debate even monotonous things. I have a few reasonable notes to highlight when discussing the notable stereotype of an ENTP. But I’ll provide something short for a food for thought:

Unless I explicitly tell you what I believe in, what I follow . . . you are in a persistent state of developing an unsure idea of who you believe me to be. And even then . . . if you believe in growth and change for yourself, are you to limit the idea of me being a stagnant individual, incapable of growth for myself? We may not share this opinion, but limitations are an absolute bore. . . 

Eh . . . but even that statement can’t ring true for a handful of individuals. Luckily, it only really means much to me. The significance of that meaning is a limitation in itself. Here is a loaded question that is fun to spark discussion:

Is truth found or is it manufactured in the mind?

Well, onto the next post I suppose.

[uncontrollable-entpness]

The ENTP Depth of Extroversion

The Debater - The Visionary - The Originator - The Inventor

ENTPs have more depth to them than just being verbally quick and cerebrally stimulating. As with other personalities, there is “more than meets the eye”.  ENTPs are structurally designed like labyrinths. 

ENTPs aren’t instantly deceiving and deception isn’t necessarily the word I would associate with the personality type as a whole. It is widely recognized however that ENTPs know how and when to socialize. Their appearance in the external world is defined by circumstances and internal stand-point. Their preference of socializing is best expressed through intellectual discussion and arbitrary debate. By instinct, this personality type appears to have all the pages accessible and open, yet the words inscripted onto them aren’t easily read. 

Overview 

An ENTP engages with their environment with the intention of gathering (primarily knowledge) of the world; this could be people, things, theories, experiences, etc. (anything that extends beyond their version of “self”). 

By contrast from the INFJ and INTP enigma, the ENTP is a type of puzzle that is complex even to themselves. They are universally paradoxical. While they appear open on a surface-level, feelings to them aren’t simple nor are they understood as easily. 

The ENTP grapples with emotions by organizing them into logical boxes. The way an ENTP understands their feelings is by beating them into categorized cells. This rational approach makes them appear almost “mechanical”. Paired with their vibrant optimism however, they are able to express a more careful and gentle side. This circulates back into their hyper-awareness of the atmosphere in social settings. 

This process is performed so smoothly, an average onlooker wouldn’t recognize how deep the ENTP is performing underneath. 

Socializing for an ENTP is also seen as a performance art. It’s draining to a degree but not in the way of how an introvert would describe it. For an ENTP, the world is a variety of things, but it isn’t their home-base. The construction of reality for them is among the likes of being a playground, a soundboard, a canvas, etc.

Once the ENTP has gathered enough data from the external existence of things, they recede into their mind and become introspective. This form of introverted thinking can happen either in various forms of solitude or happen as the information is being taken in. 

Detachment from Conditions

By dissociating the “self” from the “world”, an ENTP has the ability to maintain and control their mental state of being. ENTPS are peculiarly balanced between cynicism and optimism. They aren’t easily controlled or persuaded by the emotions of people. It’s not because they are naturally optimistic, but it is because they make it a conscious choice to be as such. It is in their nature to be critical of life “as-is”. Therefore, they use the balance of optimism to prevent the woes of the world to push them in a downward spiral. Meanwhile, when found in a series of emotional whirl. . . it is often felt through to avoid the bottling.

[uncontrollable-entpness]

The ENTP Cognitive Functions

(NeTi) ENTP 

There are many great websites, books, and videos on the internet to help people understand their cognitive functions for any Myers-Briggs type. As a fellow ENTP, I am here to relay any of the information that I have found and put it in a way that I understand so that others may be capable to gain some insight and knowledge to formulate a general understanding or spark questioning within my conclusions. 

The Myers-Briggs divides the cognitive functions and uses them to identify with their primary function(s) according to each individual. It’s great to know about cognitive functions because you get an in-depth understanding about your personality type and how it breaks down. 

Simply put, the MBTI is the tip of the iceberg. The 4 letters which identify you as an individual are the strongest/prominent functions. As an ENTP, the traits that prevail are Extroversion, iNtuition, Thinking, and Perceiving. Cognitive functions that apply to the ENTP:

Dominant Ne | Extraverted Intuition 

Auxiliary Ti | Introverted Thinking 

Tertiary Fe | Extraverted Feeling 

Inferior Si | Introverted Sensing

According to Carl Jung, there are 8 Jungian Cognitive Functions. Each function is described as either extroverted or introverted. For each personality, these functions are stacked according to their strength or level of consciousness. With the ENTP, the dominant function is extraverted intuition. Dominant function identifies an individual’s strength and/or purpose. Activities that stimulate the dominant function are what fuel roles that satisfy a type. Auxiliary function is the supporting role that assists the dominant function. For an ENTP it is introverted thinking. The lower end of the stack are the tertiary and inferior functions that are least prominent (and most likely least developed). In this case, it is extraverted feeling and introverted sensing. All functions come with high benefits when balanced and reached maturity. 

My input towards how accurate Jung was able to encapsulate human complexity is that (personally) I don’t use the functions or types to place people in a box. They are best used as framework to understand people better in a very “broad” manner. If I were to give anyone advice (as unsolicited as it is), is to remember that if you want to know someone, just flat-out begin getting to know them as an individual. The MBTI and cognitive functions are practical when learning to understand oneself. And only supplementary when learning how a person interacts with their inner and external world, and bringing awareness to the communication processes and styles of people. 

Here is one thing I liked from an article on Thought Catalogue:

“ Understanding cognitive functions is imperative to understanding type. The four-letter dichotomies cannot possibly explain the complexity of our personalities – we are all thinkers, feelers, sensors and intuitives in various situations. The cognitive functions allow us to understand when we use each function and how it impacts our decision-making process.“ - Heidi Priebe

How To Self-Type?

If you’re taking a test online and it applies to you with 100% accuracy, great! However, if you are skeptical and are willing to dedicate time, I suggest by beginning with reading about all 8 cognitive functions. You are the only one that knows yourself best, so having someone else type you can sometimes (and often does) lead to mistyping. Identify the functions you resonate most with and try your best to organize/order them. Easier said than done for some people. 

The Attitudes | Extraversion & Introversion

The indicator of “e” or “i” signifies the effect on a function (Jung). It is also the preference in which a person has over their situational placement (MBTI). 

The ENTP extroversion is commonly described to be closest to the border of introversion in comparison to other extroverted types. Among the extroverts, an ENTP has strong capabilities to communicate easily and maintain conversational depth due to a prominent Ne (extroverted intuition). Having a dominant Ne associates with quick wit and ease of articulation. However, Ne also requires a high demand of processing in the mind. It is also followed with Ti as an auxiliary function which is regarded as significantly introverted. 

So you have one of the least extroverted functions (of the extroverted ones) and the most introverted functions (of the introverted ones) as the top two. Does that make any sense (?). There is a high demand of a rich inner-world, but the capability to articulate it when necessary/preferred. 

ENTPs are very engaged in conversation that is stimulating to their interests but are also easily capable of fluidly transitioning into conversations that aren’t of their expertise.

*the following two paragraphs are coming from personal experience*

As an ENTP, the best way I can justify the introverted extrovert dynamic is that when I am in demand for intellectual stimulation, I easily devote my time to spewing out ideas and exploring logic, theory, and philosophy of other human beings. Whereas, when I demand time for the self, I’d much rather spend time alone. This can vary from individuals. But at its core, an ENTP has very vivid borders for our extroversion that prevent getting into the inner world which remain very tight knit. So there's this weird dynamic as coming off as if we are open books, but in actuality . . . the words printed on that book are either encrypted or full of riddles. This is also dependent on the scenario and individuals in which we are conversing with. 

In summary, ENTPs are extroverted to the degree that it is fulfilling when is driven by a purpose. An ENTP will converse when necessary. That necessity is defined differently to each ENTP which is why I think we’re also some of the most complicated types. People see us as mindlessly argumentative, which can be confusing to us when we recognize our true intentions are to figure out and understand just exactly what another person means with their words. 

The Brain Process | Perceiving & Judging

The gray-matter’s method to the madness is characterized by its form of taking information and making decisions; that in which is first perceived then judged. Knowing that there are 8 functions, they are comprised of 4 varying ways to perceive and 4 different ways to judge. To understand the 8 functions is to understand the 16 types.  

ENTPs have a “P” (taking in information) preference when encountering the outer world. It is a preference that would much rather use spontaneity as opposed to order (which is a “J” function). With the outer world, an ENTP likes to understand it as opposed to establishing order. 

Internally, the world of an ENTP could possibly be quite different. Where it has the possibility of taking on the orderly nature of the “J” preference. Bear in mind, judging is referred to making decisions as opposed to placing things under scrutiny/being judgemental. 

The Perceiving Functions | Intuition & Sensing

Ne (dominant)

Si (inferior)

The dominant function of the ENTP is extraverted iNtuition which is a perceiving function. Those with a dominant Ne are loaded with ideas. iNtuition is often associated with looking into the future and developing multiple ideas/pathways in which we can reach an end-goal. These ideas can be reached/developed quite rapidly. There is some struggle with having to deal with details due to interest in the “bigger picture”. However, the Ne is really good at making connections and interlinking information between people and events. 

The least developed function is introverted Sensing. For those with dominant Si, it is good at applying “action”. The ENTP is commonly known for being terrible at time management and dedication to projects due to an underdeveloped Si. Because the NeTi is a stack of the never-ending thirst for knowledge, the Si often gets disregarded and forgotten. As an ENTP matures and develops their Si, projects are more likely to be brought to fruition and completion. The Si is also referred to memory recollection. Si compares real-time experiences to past ones that can remind the ENTP what was relatively good or bad/ what produced “x” outcome. Due to its inferior placement, the ENTP forgets it. I often catch myself after screwing up and realizing my mistakes or inconsistencies could be solved by “simple solutions”. My favorite reddit referenced Si as “taking care of your shit; the function”

The Judging Functions | Thinking & Feeling

Ti (auxiliary)

Fe (tertiary)

The auxiliary function of the ENTP is introverted Thinking. ENTPs strive for intellectual stimulation and knowledge. While ideas are processed at Ne, the Ti kicks in and analyzes, rationalizes, and elaborates on those complex hypothesis. Ti likes to get clear and logical. This isn’t to say that ENTPs are emotionless, however . . . it is important for an ENTP to have an objective understanding of things within their focus. 

Tertiary function Fe kicks in when socializing. Backed by pure logic and drive for knowledge, Fe is the thrill of sharing and exploring those observations made by an ENTP. Fe is what gives the ENTP their charm in communication. Fe knows how to use knowledge to fuel humanitarian/philanthropic causes. ENTP Fe is like “Hey! I’ve got ideas and I would like to share them”. 

The ENTP Shadow Functions 

It has been stated (sources unknown) that an individual cannot develop all 8 functions. There are 4 conscious functions (2 highly or moderately developed and 2 which still run but aren’t as primary). Shadow functions are the ones which aren’t within the spotlight. When brought up, can cause trouble/turmoil/issues particularly when stressed or induce stress. 

However. . . I have been working on this blog posts for 3-ish hours and have come to the conclusion that this is ample information for a post. In true ENTP nature, I am off to go work on something else haha. Thank you!