Tertiary Functions Part 2: Se/Si/Ne/Ni

Hey everyone! This part two of my tertiary function descriptions. As before, there seems to be a lot of varied opinions as to the tertiary function’s inner workings and usefulness. We’ve seen everything from assertions that it can be healthy for it to replace your auxiliary function to it being only slightly more useful than your inferior. As with any set of extreme opinions, it seems to be that the truth usually falls somewhere in the middle. Needless to say, we disagree with both those extremes. Our personal experience with tertiary use would be what we might describe as playing with fire. While fire can be a very useful and effective tool, if you use it carelessly, you are bound to get burned. We feel like this encapsulates tertiary function use quite well. When used properly, it can be another powerful cognitive tool for you to draw on when needed, but get overconfident or lean too heavily into it and it could spell disaster for its user.

In this article, we are going to focus on the Perceiving functions. In essence, your tertiary function tends not to be super over thought or hyper focused on. One typically just views it in a semi detached way, finding its attributes and influences on yourself as just a state of being, of sorts. So, let’s dive into each of the perceiving functions, and the general thought and behavioral patterns that we’ve observed from them.

Se: surprising adaptability/invigorated by the unexpected

Tertiary Se is wielded by the Te and Fe dominants. This allows for the wielders to have a degree of adaptability when it comes to in-the-moment unsuspected glitches to their plans. You may find that they are more willing to work around and adapt to the changes in their sensory environment, and depending on the circumstances, find those challenges to be, in some ways, exciting and invigorating. Those experiencing someone using tertiary Se may be surprised when it comes out in full force, possibly viewing the sudden flexibility or chaotic indulgences as out of character for the user.

At its best, Se allows for in the moment flexibility and adaptability to life’s unexpected moments. They will be able to see objectively how the current situation is unfolding and adjust accordingly. However, the danger is that it can lead to split second in the moment decisions that were not fully thought out. These actions could lead to catastrophic consequences. The user can become too indulgent or hasty; feeling little need to think too far in advance or get ahead of changing circumstances.

Si: deep sensory wells/detailed construct for new ideas

Tertiary Si is wielded by the Fi and Ti dominants, which gives richly detailed sensory information for them to call back on. These perceptions of the sensory will aid in the formation of what they find to be true. It allows for an anchoring point from which to launch off new concepts, ideas, and possibilities. Those experiencing someone using tertiary Si may be surprised when it comes out in full force, possibly viewing the sudden nostalgic, rooted, or sentimental takes as out of character for the user.

At its best, it produces a solid base of personalized knowledge and experiences from which to derive their truths. This can lead to a very detailed and elaborate construct consisting of both precise beauty and stunning creativity. However, the danger is that they can become overwhelmed with information making it hard for them to see past their own experiences and what could be. This can make it hard for them to see a clear path forward, or can lead to them becoming disillusioned as a by-product of their negative experiences.

Ne: willingness to experiment and fail/playful curiosity

Tertiary Ne is wielded by the Te and Fe dominants. This gives these wielders a sense of playful curiosity that leads to experimentation within their realms. Ne gives them a fascination with ideas and concepts and drives them to the unknown, tempering their Si. They may end up getting the sudden urge to try a new way of doing something or tinker with the established order to see if they can improve upon what is already in place. Those experiencing someone using tertiary Ne may be surprised when it comes out in full force, possibly viewing the sudden urge to change things around or the excitement over many theoretical ideas one after the other as out of character for the user.

At its best, Ne allows for improvement of already established structures to be improved through well thought out experimentation. They will be able to see multiple possibilities and ways to improve things. They tend to have less concern over failed experimentation, giving themselves the room to explore. However, the danger is that it can lead to the quick changing of one’s mind in very forceful ways and adhering to ideas that should just be discarded. Alternatively it can manifest as not being able to settle on a course of action, excitedly starting down a path only to suddenly drop it later.

Ni: flexible direction/balanced perspectives

Tertiary Ni is wielded by the Fi and Ti dominants, which can give them impressively accurate perceptions of how the future will unfold. It will balance out the very present oriented nature of Se with impressions of alternate future routes that the information could lead to. Those experiencing someone using tertiary Ni may be surprised when it comes out in full force, possibly viewing the sudden predictive or pointedness in speech as out of character for the user.

At its best, it provides a longer term direction for the user to follow without it being too locked in, in other words a flexible goal. It gives them enough of a glimpse into what will be so that they are rarely surprised when things come to pass, as they had considered it as a possibility. It can also lead to balanced perspectives, paying attention to both the objective reality and subjective impressions they are taking away from it. However, the danger is the noncommittal nature of this combination can lead to apathy when it comes to future planning. This leads to no real or meaningful progress being made. In other words they won’t see a point in planning far enough in advance to be adequately prepared for the future.

In conclusion…

Having your perceiving functions sandwiched in the middle provides a balanced perspective on your outer and inner worlds that also balances the sensory and intuitive information you’re taking in. If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 here. Sound off in the comments below!