Tag Archives: Psychology

STOICISM—A PHILOSOPHY, NOT A RELIGION

The term “stoicism” radiates a negative vibe through some folks. They feel Stoicism is a detached, don’t care, and humorless religion where a practicing Stoic leads a selfish existence without contributing to society or helping fellow human beings. Nothing is further from the truth. In fact, true Stoics follow an ancient, common sense, and proven lifestyle where doing good, being righteous, and having fun are paramount. Stoicism is a philosophy, not a religion.

Yes, stoicism is a philosophy—a methodology—a life view dating back twenty-three hundred years to the robe-wrapped Greeks where emerging philosophers met under a “stoa poikile” in central Athens which was a painted portico or porch where they held a “symposium” (translated to a “drinking party”). Fundamentally, they guzzled red wine, got shit-faced, and talked about relevant stuff. Athenians called them “Stoics”.

Stoicism’s practice has never gone away, although for centuries it went underground, being overshadowed and somewhat extinguished by strict conventional religions. Today, there’s a huge resurgence in studying Stoicism, seeing it as a practical rather than an abstract philosophy. Just look at what Ryan Holiday has created with his Daily Stoic podcast and blog site. Ryan has well over a million followers, and he hosts highly insightful, delightful guests.

I recently deep-dived into Stoicism. It was part of research and development for an entertainment series I’m creating, City Of Danger, where a lead character is a practicing Stoic. My rabbit hole led me to reading Meditations written by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in AD 161-180. It was enlightening, to say the least. I’ll go into what Meditations speaks to, but first let’s have a Cliffsnotes version of what Stoic philosophy really is.

At its core, Stoicism teaches you to attend to things you can control and dismiss things you can’t control. Virtue is the highest good in Stoicism, and there are four core virtues in Stoic teachings—wisdom, temperance, courage, and justice.

Wisdom is knowledge. “The chief task in life is simply this. To know and separate matters so I can clearly say to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own.” ~Epictetus

Temperance is moderation. “If you seek tranquility, do less. Do what’s essential—what the logos of a social being requires, and in the requisite way. Which brings a double satisfaction: to do, less, not better. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, is this necessary.” ~Marcus Aurelius

Courage is action. “Life is like a military campaign. One must take action, serve on watch, act in reconnaissance, fight on the front line. So it is for us—each person’s life is like a battle. You must act like a soldier. Two words of action must be committed to memory and obeyed. Persist and resist.” ~Epictetus

Justice is righteousness. “Commit to justice in your own acts. Which means thought and action resulting in the common good. What you were born to do. Justice is the source of the other three virtues. After all, how impressive is courage if it’s only about self interest? What good are temperance and wisdom if not put to use for the whole world?” ~Marcus Aurelius

Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius were only a few of the ancient Stoics. Actually, Marcus Aurelius never claimed to be a philosopher—only a student of Stoics like Epictetus. And while Marcus Aurelius was the most powerful ruler in the world during his time, Epictetus was merely a crippled slave—a poor man who, arguably, became the most influential Stoic in history.

Other notable Stoics of history were Zeno (334-262 BC) who started the movement, studying under Cleanthes (331-232 BC) after being shipwrecked and financially ruined. Lucius Seneca (4 BC – 65 AD) was another Stoic philosopher who was perhaps the most outspoken. If you want to hear reality and plain truth, read Seneca’s On the Shortness of Life. He’s brutally straightforward.

Ryan Holiday is, in my opinion, the most influential of modern Stoics. He mentors leading sports figures, military commanders, and political leaders in person, as well as common guys like me online. Sahil Bloom is an emerging Stoic who I find completely credible and motivating. And there’s no one like Thomas Sowell to tackle life’s big issues and put them in Stoic perspective.

Aside from these ancient and current thought leaders’ influence, there are no bounds to what you, as an individual, can benefit from by studying Stoicism. After all, Stoicism is a philosophy, not a religion. It’s a methodology—an outline for living well, doing good, and enjoying life—a smorgasbord where you can take what you need and leave the rest.

Philosophy comes from the Greek word “philosophos” which means the love of wisdom. Stoic philosophy doesn’t evoke a higher power or enforce strict practitional dogma. It’s a collection of views based upon a collective experience—an experience gleaned from understanding the dichotomy of what you can control and what you cannot control. In other words, being stoic.

Another core principle of Stoicism is valuing your limited time. Memento Mori is an often-heard saying. Translated from Latin, it equates as “remember death” or to “appreciate the moment”. It’s also said, “You could leave life right now”. You’ll often see a Memento Mori image with a tulip representing life, a skull portraying death, and an hourglass reminding you of time. Many practicing Stoics carry Memento Mori and Four Virtues medallions in their pocket.

Although Greek was the main language used by the early Stoics, Latin is the most common carrier of Stoic quotes. Here are a few common Latin sayings and translations you’ll find in a brief study of Stoicism:

Summum Bonum — Living well, highest good, true virtue.

Festina Lente —Make haste slowly, faster is not better.

Carpe Diem — Seize the day, waste no time.

Fac, Si Facis — Do it, if you’re going to do it. Let the rubber hit the road.

Quidvis Recte Factum Quamis Humile Praeclarum — Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble.

Semper Fidelis — Always faithful, do the right thing.

Per Angusta Ad Augusta — Through difficulties to honors, the obstacle is the way.

Amor Fati — Love of fate, a reason, a purpose.

Fatum Ingenium Est — Character is fate, destiny.

Semper Anticus — Always forward, keep going, get better.

Vivere Militare Est — To live is to fight, train, life kicks us around.

Part of my research process in any subject is to encapsulate the key points on paper. I use sheets of 11 x 17 white bond and basically map out the concept and highlight the takeaways. Last week I took time off, and I did this mapping thing with the ideas of Stoicism and with the content of Meditations written by Marcus Aurelius. See the images. (Note from my wife: What kind of guy goes on vacation and spends his time perched at a woodland picnic table by our cottage reading and annotating scriptures quilled by an old dead Roman?)

I didn’t find Meditations to be an easy read, but it helps to know the context in which it was written. Scholars agree that Marcus Aurelius, who wrote it in Greek, never intended this work to be public. These were private thoughts that he journaled for himself during his period as Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. There are twelve parts or “books” to Meditations, and they show a continual progression and evolving simplicity of his views on life. Particularly on death.

Scholars also agree that the books have nothing to do with mental meditation which is generally perceived to be a relaxation method. Likely, the works were never titled “Meditations” and nowhere in the text is the translation for “meditation” found. Some critics claim the work is a hoax as the documents didn’t surface until a thousand years after Marcus Aurelius’ death.

The original Greek to Latin manuscripts are said to be housed in the Vatican and are not available for public view. Numerous translations exist in English and other languages. Note that Marcus Aurelius spoke Latin as a working language but wrote in Greek which was the scholarly language of the day. The English version I read was prepared by Gregory Hays and is the version recommended by Ryan Holiday who offers an online course in how to read and interpret Meditations. It was a challenging read, but by following the course I found it well worth the time to help understand the Stoic mindset.

Stealing from Ryan Holiday and The Daily Stoic, here are 12 Stoic Rules for Life:

  1. Own the morning.
  2. Focus on what’s in control.
  3. Don’t suffer with imagined troubles.
  4. Treat success and failure equally.
  5. Do one thing every day.
  6. Make beautiful choices.
  7. Ask “Is this necessary?”
  8. Love your fate.
  9. Speak with the dead.
  10. Be strict with yourself and be tolerant with others.
  11. Turn obstacles upside down.
  12. Memento Mori. Be aware of your mortality and love life.

And stealing from Marcus Aurelius and Meditations, I’ll leave you with this quote:

“When you need encouragement, think of the qualities of the people around you have: this one’s energy, that one’s modesty, another one’s generosity, and so on. Nothing is as encouraging as when the virtues of wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice are visibly embodied in the people around us, when we’re practically showered with them. It’s good to keep this in mind.” ~Marcus Aurelius

WHAT MAKES CRAZY CONSPIRACY THEORISTS TICK?

A conspiracy theory is the belief that a plot by powerful people or an organization is working to accomplish a sinister goal—the truth of its existence secretly held from the public. Conspiracy theorists see authorities—governments, corporations, and wealthy people—as fundamentally deceptive and corrupt. Their distrust of official narratives runs so deep that they connect dots of random events into what they believe make meaningful patterns, despite overwhelming conflicting evidence, or absence of supporting evidence, to their conclusions. Aside from a lack of reason and common sense, what makes crazy conspiracy theorists tick?

First, let’s look at what Time Magazine identified as the prominent conspiracy theories believed by the American public. These were identified in a recent poll, and I’m not kidding you. Some people actually swallow these kooky concoctions.

From lowest to highest percentage, they are:

10. The Reptile Elite — Among us are flesh-eating, blood-drinking, shapeshifting, extraterrestrial reptilian humanoids bent on enslaving the human race. The British Royals and the Bush family are part of the group, as was Margaret Thatcher.

9. The CIA and AIDS — Thinking is that the Central Intelligence Agency was out to destroy homosexuals and blacks, so they invented the deadly HIV virus and injected it in place of hepatitis vaccinations.

8. Holocaust Revisionism — Most deniers accept that the internment camps existed but claim the numbers of people murdered are greatly exaggerated. General Eisenhower saw this coming when he forced hundreds of civilian witnesses to tour the camps and bear the truth to the world.

7. Jesus and Mary Magdalene — These folks claim Jesus and Mary Magdalene were a married couple, but Jesus occasionally shared her with his disciple, Peter. They attribute this to the Gnostic Gospels which were discovered in 1945 and claim it’s being covered up by the Vatican. Mainstream scholars dismiss as the Gnostic Gospels as even being authentic.

6. The Moon Landings Were Faked — According to this crowd, none of the Apollo missions happened. They were filmed on a Hollywood lot, or possibly at area 51. Watch this priceless clip of Buzz Aldrin punching conspiracy theorist Bart Sibrel in the face. Click Here

5. Secret Societies Rule the World — If you’re a member of the global elite, then you’d already know this. And you might belong to one or more of many groups; the Illuminati, Freemasons, Skull & Bones, Opus Dei, Bilderberg Group, or maybe even have a seat on the Council of Foreign Relationship. Sorry, your Costco card won’t cut it.

4. Paul McCartney is Dead — Supposedly the Beatles covered-up the real Sir Paul’s death in 1966 and an imposter has been in his place ever since. Maybe I’m Amazed, because I saw a recent clip of Paul McCartney in front of tens of thousands at Hyde Park takin’ a swing at Pretty Woman with Bruce Springsteen. If he’s an imposter, he’s some good at it.

3. Area 51 and Aliens — There’s a real Air Force base at Groom Lake, 150 miles north of Las Vegas, where all sorts of black op aircraft are tested. Like most military installations, public access is restricted, but you can get a good look at it on Google Earth. The resolution is excellent, but I couldn’t find any saucer-shaped craft or ET-looking creatures. Oh, right… they keep them inside… or maybe back at Roswell.

2. 9/11 Cover-Up — Apparently 42% of Americans believe the attacks on the New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania were orchestrated by some arm of the U.S. Government. Sad.

1. The JFK Assassination — The mother of conspiracy theories.  Times’ poll reports that only 32% believe that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. So, two-thirds of Americans truly think their 35th President’s murder is unsolved? How can that be?

Well, it comes down to mindset.

I’m not saying that conspiracies don’t happen—even at a mass scale. The Holocaust was a massive conspiracy to exterminate the Jews. The Nazis totally believed the Jews were a threat to their existence. It was an article of faith within the Third Reich.

9/11 was a monstrous conspiracy—orchestrated by Bin Laden and al-Qaeda. The Russian Revolution was a conspiracy. So was the American Revolution—fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Nixon conspired to hide Watergate. Abraham Lincoln was murdered through a conspiracy. So was Julius Caesar. Don’t forget Stalin, the Mexican Drug Cartels, and Scientology. And don’t get me going on Klaus Schwab with his Fourth Industrial Revolution, Davos, and the World Economic Forum.

If some conspiracies are true, then how do you determine which ones are false? The more these characteristics apply, the more likely the theory is wrong:

  • “Proof” of the conspiracy emerges through dot-connecting without any hard, physical evidence.
  • Execution requires large and complex elements.
  • The agents require nearly super-human powers.
  • Everyone maintains secrecy.
  • There is a grandiose ambition for control.
  • The plot ratchets from small to large events.
  • Everything has a sinister overtone.
  • Facts and speculation are mingled without assigning degrees of probability.
  • The theorist is extremely suspicious of authority—government and private.
  • The theorist refuses to consider alternative explanations, seeking only confirmation of the theory.

I understand the mindset of real conspirators. It’s all about money, power, and/or self-preservation. But what about the tin-foil hat crowd?

In American Conspiracy Theories, political scientists Joseph Uscinski and Joseph Parent conducted an “extensive empirical study” on the subject and found: Conspiracy Theorists are often caricatured as a small demographic composed primarily of middle-aged white male internet enthusiasts who live in their mother’s basements—but that’s wrong. Conspiracy theories permeate all parts of society and cut across age, gender, race, income, political affiliation, educational level, and occupational status.

What gives? How does a cross-section of should-be normal people get so distorted in their thoughts and believe in really weird things?

Quassim Cassam, who published a peer-reviewed paper title Conspiracy Theories, is a professor of philosophy at the University of Warwick. He’s embarking on a study on why people believe in outlandish theories. Part of this work is to answer why people get pushed to extremes like joining ISIS.

Professor Cassam says: It seems to be because of the kind of thinker they are, or to put it bluntly, because there’s something wrong with how they think. It’s the peculiarities of their intellectual constitution—in a word, their intellectual character. It’s what social psychologists call a conspiracy mentality.

Cassam goes on: The gullible rarely believe they’re gullible and the closed-minded don’t believe they’re closed-minded. Closed-mindedness is the toughest intellectual vice to tackle because it’s in its very nature to be concealed from those who have it. There’s no reasoning with those kinds of people.

I found an article in Sage Journals where Willem van Prooijen of the University of Amsterdam summed it: Conspiracy theorists tend to have one thing in common—they feel a lack of control over their lives.

Some DyingWords followers know I’m a life-long student of the John F Kennedy Assassination, and I’m completely satisfied beyond all doubt that Lee Harvey Oswald did it—acting alone. Part of my research was checking online chat boards on the JFK forums. Lemme tell you—there are some whacko, nut-jobs out there. One of them made repeated death threats to me via email for calling out BS in the JFK CT department.

I believe there are four reasons why people believe JFK’s murder was a conspiracy. These reasons probably apply to most conspiracy theories and theorists.

1. They don’t have the correct information to understand the case facts.

2. They haven’t got the personal knowledge, or experience, to properly interpret the evidence.

3. They simply want to believe in a conspiracy.

4, They don’t have the mental capacity for critical thought process.

Professor Cassam is right. There’s no reasoning with those kinds of people.

WHAT’S YOUR MYERS-BRIGGS PERSONALITY TYPE?

“The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) is the best known and most trusted personality assessment in the world. It’s helped develop effective work teams, build stronger families, and create successful careers. The MBTI assessment improves quality of life for you and your organization. Giving you this personalized way to take the assessment fulfills our mission: bringing lives ‘closer to our heart’s desire’.”

This descriptor is from the home page of the Myers-Briggs Foundation—an organization that furthers the 1940’s work of psychologists Katharine Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs-Myers, who furthered Carl Jung’s theory. They categorized people into four principal psychological functions by which humans experience the world—sensation, intuition, feeling, and thinking—and that one of these four functions is dominant for a person most of the time.

Sounds familiar… I took this personality test a few years ago and jotted the score in my notebook. Hmmm… might make a good blog topic so I’ll take it again and compare to the old score… lemme take another look at what this thing’s all about.

Myers & Briggs developed an “introspective, self-report questionnaire designed to indicate psychological preferences and typing how people perceive the world and make decisions”.

Paraphrasing from Wikepedia (this is not-so-exciting stuff—promise it’ll get livelier), “Carl Jung’s typology theories postulated a sequence of 4 cognitive functions (thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition), each having 1 of 2 polar orientations (extraversion or introversion), giving a total of 8 dominant functions. The purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by Jung understandable and useful in people’s lives.” I hope so because this is a pretty wordy explanation.

The theory’s essence is that seemingly random variation in behaviors is actually quite orderly and consistent, due to basic differences in the ways individuals use their perception and judgment.

Wiki goes on “Perception involves ways of becoming aware of things, people, happenings, or ideas. Judgment involves ways of coming to conclusions about what’s been perceived. If people differ systematically in what they perceive, and in how they reach conclusions, then it is only reasonable for them to differ correspondingly in their interests, reactions, values, motivations, and skills.”

Okay. Starting to make sense to me. Tell me more about these 8 functions.

“In developing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the aim was to make the insights of type theory accessible to individuals and groups. They addressed 2 related goals in the developments and application of the MBTI instrument:

  1. The identification of basic preferences of each of the 4 dichotomies specified or implicit in Jung’s theory.
  2. The identification and description of the 16 distinctive personality types that result from the interactions among the preferences.”

Whoa. 16? Thought there was 8? Not following the math.

“Stick with us,” they said. “We evolved — 4X4=16.”

Huh?

“We took Jung’s base and turned it into 4 questions:

  1. What’s your favorite world? — Do you prefer to focus on the outer world, or on your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I).
  2. How do you absorb information? — Do you prefer to focus on the basic information you take in, or do you prefer to interpret and add meaning? This is called Sensing (S) or Intuition (N).
  3. How do you make decisions? —  When making decisions, do you prefer to first look at logic and consistency, or first look at the people and special circumstances? This is called Thinking (T) or Feeling (F).
  4. How do you structure? — In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided, or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options? This is called Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).

When you decide on your preference in each category, you have your own personality type, which is expressed as a 4-letter code. The 16 personality types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instrument are listed here as they are often shown in what is called a “type table”. Casually, they’re grouped into 4 personalities:

Analysts

INTJ — Architect —  Imaginative & strategic thinkers with a plan for everything.

INTP — Logician — Innovative inventors with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

ENTJ — Commander — Bold, imaginative, and strong-willed leaders who will find or make a way.

ENTP — Debater — Smart and curious thinkers who cannot resist an intellectual challenge.

Diplomats

INFJ — Advocates — Quiet and mystical, yet very inspiring and tireless idealists.

INFP — Mediator — Poetic, kind, and altruistic, always eager to help a good cause.

ENFJ — Protagonist — Charismatic and inspiring leaders who are able to mesmerize followers.

ENFP — Campaigner — Eager, creative, and socially free-spirits who always find a way to smile.

Sentinals

ISTJ — Logicistian — Practical and fact minded individuals who’s integrity cannot be doubted.

ISFJ — Defender — Very dedicated and warm protectors, always ready to protect loved ones.

ESTJ — Executive — Excellent administrators, unsurpassed at managing things and people.

ESFJ — Consul — Extraordinarily caring, social and popular people, always ready to help.

Explorers

ISTP — Virtuoso — Bold and masterful experimenters, handy with all kinds of tools.

ISFP — Adventurer — Flexible and charming artists, always wanting to explore or experience something new.

ESTP — Entrepreneur — Smart, energetic, and highly perceptive people who truly enjoy living on the edge.

ESFP — Entertainer — Spontaneous, enthusiastic, and energetic people; life is never boring around them.

Interesting, I thought. I’ll take the test again and show DyingWords followers what makes me tick. So, I googled around and found 3 different FREE approaches to the M-B test. I took them all:

  1. Humanetrics — http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp
  2. My Personality Test — http://www.my-personality-test.com/personality-type/?gclid=CM2N_4CetsgCFQhsfgodXiEGjw
  3. Truity Type Finder — http://www.truity.com/test/type-finder-research-edition

I also checked the Myers-Briggs site at http://www.myersbriggs.org/ but they want $150 to sign-in, although it comes with an hour of shrink time if anyone’s interested.

So, how’d I make out?

INTJ — Every frikkin’ time, including the one I did a few years ago.

How accurate is it? You be the judge. Here’s my INTJ psychological diagnosis from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator:

The INTJ personality type is the Introverted Intuition with Extraverted Thinking type. Individuals that exhibit the INTJ personality type are knowledgeable, inventive, and theoretical, whether they’re working on long-term personal goals or creative projects in their professions. They are “big-picture” thinkers, creating constructive ambitions and planning for them accordingly. Myers-Briggs test INTJ types hold a clear idea of what they would like to accomplish in their future, and they use that vision as motivation to complete all of the necessary steps to obtain their dreams. This dedication to their visions and their ability to find ways to achieve them make INTJ types high-functioning employees:

  • Their looking-towards-the-future mentality helps them to create original and inspiring ideas for companies, as well as a well-thought-out plans for achieving these goals.
  • Value the intellectual ability of themselves and those of others, and place a high importance on it.
  • Can be adamant and commanding when the professional environment requires a certain level of authority.
  • Because of their ability to think long-term, they are often placed in (or place themselves in) authoritative positions in business and groups.
  • Quick to find solutions to challenges, whether that requires basing their solutions on pre-conceived knowledge or finding new information to base their decisions off of.
  • Can relate newly gathered information to the bigger picture.
  • Enjoy complicated problems, utilizing both book and street smarts (logical and hypothetical ideas) to find solutions.

They’re Strong Planners With Great Follow-Through

INTJ personality types are long-term goal-setters, creating plans to bring their goals to completion, and then following this plan using thought-out approaches and procedures devised by the INTJ. They are self-reliant, individualistic, and self-secure. INTJ personality types have a large amount of faith in their own competence and intelligence, even if others openly disagree or the opposite proves true. This also makes Myers-Briggs Type Indicator-assessed INTJ types their own worst critics, as they hold themselves to the highest standards. They dislike turbulence, perplexity, clutter, and when others waste their time and/or energy on something unimportant. This MBTI type is also succinct, analytical, discerning, and definitive.

In their personal lives, Myers-Briggs test INTJ types exhibit many of the same behaviors that they do in their professional lives. They expect competence from their peers and are more than willing to share their intelligence or ideas with those around them. Occasionally, INTJ personality types may find it difficult to hold their own in social situations, whether that is due to their actions or their opinions. To others, MBTI Assessment  Test -assessed INTJ types seem set in their ways or opinions because of their high respect for themselves, but oftentimes reality is just the opposite, with the INTJ type taking in new tidbits of information at all times, evaluating their own opinions and ideas accordingly. They are also often seen as a tad distant, closed off from others emotionally but not intellectually.

Sometimes INTJ Types Are Too Confident

This distance associated with this MBTI test-assessed personality type can occasionally progress to the point of negativity. INTJ types can close themselves off so much that they stop revealing what they are thinking/how they are coming to certain conclusions, which can make it seem as though they are simply rushing through a task. They can often do just that—jumping to underdeveloped endings without considering all new or present information. This flaw can also cause Myers-Briggs test assessed INTJ types to overlook important data and facts necessary to achieve their goals.

Their high level of competence coupled with their big-picture way of thinking can sometimes cause problems for this Myers-Briggs type. Because so many of their ideas are long-term, INTJ type ideas can occasionally lack the ability to fully come to fruition.

In their relationships with others, MBTI Test-assessed INTJ Personality Types may come off as judgmental, especially to those who aren’t as openly enthusiastic about the INTJ types ideas or intelligence. If they feel that others are not viewing them as highly as they view themselves, there is also a chance that they will not necessarily provide the level of feedback that that individual may need. However, by concentrating on developing their Sensing and Feeling, the INTJ type may fashion more intimate connections with their peers, spending less time in their heads and more time engaging with the world around them.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator INTJ personality type uses their big-picture thinking along with their logical problem-solving skills to succeed in a variety of occupations, usually those requiring scientific reasoning/understanding and those that involve building or creating something scientifically tangible. For these reasons, Myers-Briggs Test assessed INTJ types often find themselves choosing careers such as plant scientist, engineer, medical scientist, internist, or architect. MBTI test INTJ types also find themselves leaning towards those professions that require them to hold an authoritative position or a leadership role, such as a management consultant or a top executive.

To be successful in these problem-solving careers, Myers-Briggs test INTJ types must learn to consider short-term goals and opportunities as well as their already over-arching, long-term goals. This can include immediate priorities, career choices that the INTJ values but may not consider rational, and present values that INTJ type may be neglecting in favor of their long-term vision. Creating immediate and long-reaching goals for yourself can help you level your thinking and focus more on the moment.

Furthermore, this MBTI personality type may have a hard time dealing with sudden life changes or events. By allowing yourself time to think about immediate goals and surprising situations without focusing solely on the long-term outcome, you can be ready for unforeseen circumstances that may come their way.

One of the most important strategies that the Myers Briggs Type Indicator test INTJ type can implement to be successful in the workplace is to open themselves up to new people, new experiences, and new ideas. If you find yourself closed off or antisocial in the work environment, slowly opening yourself to other networks and creating personal relationships with those around you can help you become a more well-rounded employee.

How accurate is this?

Actually, it makes me look like a bit of an asshole. Far from perfect. A bit of a get-er-dun prima-donna when, in fact, my biggest criticism over the years is that I’m too nice of a guy for my own good. Anyway, it was a good mental exercise which made me think for awhile, and I got a kick outa being matched with notable characters with the same personality. Factual ones were Rudy Giuliani (Good Gawd), John F. Kennedy, and Hannibal— leader of the Carthaginians. Fictional characters were the protagonist and antagonist in Silence Of The Lambs, Clarise Starling and…. yeah — Hannibal Lector.

So, I challenge you. You can have a FREE psychological analysis just like mine. Go ahead and take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® Test at:

At very least, it’s a buncha fun. C’mon DyingWords group. Take the test ‘n tell us who you are!