Do INFJs Feel the Need to Be Different and Ostracize Themselves?

Not at all. INFJs have a deep need to be themselves and be authentic. However, others ostracize me because of this.

INFJs' Authenticity and Social Dynamics

INFJs don’t want to be different; we want to be ourselves. We delight in others being themselves and discussing philosophical and political-economic beliefs. Our goal is to encourage more people to pay attention and help out. We want to be genuinely interested in what others say without assuming a crush. We seek like-minded individuals to support our chosen goals and arrange social time in a way that allows for independence, like cats enjoying their own space.

We want people to be kind and seek ways to avoid hurting each other. We are believers in understanding and listening without judgment. We want others to understand and be willing to discuss various topics, such as fandoms, history, etc., to a level we do for their interests.

The MBTI and Carl Jung's Legacy

The discussion here brings us to a critical point where MBTI and the original ideas that nurtured it diverge.

Origins and Intentions

Carl Jung’s work was never intended to become a digital culture dogma. Extroversion and introversion were seen as the polarities of human personality, dynamically manifesting differently over time. Jung made it clear that he didn’t intend his ideas to be used in an absolute prescriptive manner.

The Evolution of MBTI

Today, many people treat MBTI as if it were an absolute science, determining outcomes based on personality type. This is a grave misunderstanding.

Carl Jung noted that our personalities are dynamic, not predetermined by pathology. Members of the MBTI faction have taken his work in a dangerous direction, suggesting that personality clubs determine outcomes. This is deeply flawed.

Jung observed that we each possess a range of traits, which can shift and change in response to life conditions. He did not suggest that we each belong to a definite type, as his ideas have been misinterpreted and distorted.

Reevaluating MBTI

Given these insights, we must critically reevaluate the MBTI approach. It should be seen as a rough map of personality variations rather than an absolute truth. We need to question its value and consider alternatives.

Ultimately, INFJs seek authenticity and an environment where we can be ourselves without feeling ostracized. Instead of labeling ourselves as though we belong to exclusive clubs, we should focus on understanding and respecting one another's authentic selves.