Exploring Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Introverted Intuition, or Ni, is one of the eight cognitive functions laid out by Carl Jung. The cognitive functions are the basic building blocks for each of the 16 personality types. Exploring Introverted Intuition (Ni) is the eight, and final, installment of this series. If you want to read the previous ones, check out Exploring Extraverted Intuition (Ne), Exploring Extraverted Feeling (Fe), Exploring Introverted Sensing (Si), Exploring Extraverted Thinking (Te), Exploring Extraverted Sensing (Se), Exploring Introverted Feeling (Fi), and Exploring Introverted Thinking (Ti). We’ve been referencing Carl Jung’s Psychological Types as we worked through these. The aim is to provide a realistic picture of each cognitive function, that covers both the core underlying rational and possible external manifestations.
Who uses Introverted Intuition?
Every personality type has a cognitive function stack made up of only four cognitive functions. In other words, since there are eight functions in total, only half of the 16 personality types have Ni, namely the NJs and the SPs. However, with that in mind, the SPs often devalue Ni, since it is either in the third or fourth slot of their function stack. (Their Extraverted Sensing, or Se, often overrules their Ni.) Therefore, this article primarily applies to the NJ types, which are INTJ, INFJ, ENTJ, and ENFJ.
The NJ types will be the ones prioritizing Ni, and thus will lean on it heavily in their daily lives. They will have the greatest range of use for the function, in both the positive and negative directions, although they will be the most apt of all the personality types to use it in a healthy, and positive way.
The Core of Introverted Intuition
Introverted Intuition, or Ni, is an introverted perceiving function based on intuition. Introverted functions in typology are subjective, which means internally focused. (Read more here: Objectivity vs. Subjectivity) In other words, NJs prioritize their abstract insight into reality, which has been formed from subconscious pattern recognition.
10 Characteristics of Introverted Intuition
Bear in mind, that some of the information below will describe core cognition, while other parts will describe common behavioral trends. You don’t have to relate to everything 100% in order to be an NJ.
1. NJs translate their observations of reality into abstract imagery
It’s commonly known that intuitives strive to read between the lines, or peer beneath the surface. When it comes to NJs, Ni causes them to see reality not for exactly what it is, but rather, an abstract representation or image of what reality is. In other words, they condense what they see in reality down to a subjective, vague impression, which they use to gain deeper insight. They view what they’re seeing as the root, core, or essence of whatever it is they are observing. Once they’ve formed their underlying image or subjective interpretation, they often discard the details, because only the final picture actually matters to them. This is why NJs are often called “big picture oriented”. It’s not that other types can’t see the overarching ramifications of something, but NJs specifically focus on perceiving a more condensed summary, allowing them to not get bogged down by details. (Of course, there are downsides and potential pitfalls to missing details.)
2. NJs view their past in a detached way
Naturally, everyone is affected by their past, and subject to trauma. Don’t take this statement to an extreme. However, there is a key distinction here to be made between Si and Ni. I try to avoid doing a lot of comparisons in these deep dive articles, to keep the focus solely on the cognitive function being discussed, but Ni and Si are so commonly confused that this seems important. SJs form subjective impressions by internalizing sensory details of events. NJs don’t do this, which is why they often view their past in a more detached way. Their impressions of the past are better described as symbolic or vague. They’re more likely to forget or miss the detailed, physical ramifications of a past action or event, since they translated that happening into an overall, representative image.
3. NJs use subconscious pattern recognition to predict the future
Many make the mistake of describing NJs as psychics, due to introverted intuition stereotypes, but that is not realistic. Rather, as with both introverted perceiving functions, they use their internalized impressions of reality to perceive what will happen in the future. It’s important to realize that an NJs predictions will only be as good as their experiences allow them to be. These personality types often don’t remember where their insight comes from, because they view it as irrelevant, but it has a source, regardless. An NJ shut-in with no life experience will likely be very bad at making realistic predictions. In addition, insights or predictions regarding people and their emotional states is not as likely to be the strength of an INTJ or ENTJ, since that domain is more of a feeler’s specialty. NFJs focus more on emotional ramifications, while NTJs focus on physical ramifications.
4. NJs struggle to support their insights with concrete information
The unfortunate downside of forming impressions detached from sensory details is that the NJs usually struggle to provide concrete information to support their insights. In other words, they may tell you the “vision” that they’ve perceived, and view it as an inevitable, inescapable truth. However, they may be unable to produce a plausible explanation for why that vision or prediction is true. So, to others, the NJ’s insight may seem random or made-up. As a result, people will often demand that the NJ provide concrete facts, logic, or observable details to support their claims. This often leads NJ to feel extremely frustrated, wishing that people would just trust their insight.
5. NJs, due to introverted intuition, struggle to verbalize their thoughts
Similar to the above point, NJs often struggle to verbalize their thoughts, since their mind is a well of abstract impressions. Therefore, these personality types will trend toward speaking in terms that are too vague, and leaving out necessary context. Introverts will usually be worse when it comes to this, preferring not to speak at all until they’ve thought things out well in advance. Either way, it will usually take NJs a little extra effort to place words to their thoughts. Of course, they can produce lengthy explanations when given the proper time, but in impromptu situations especially, they may notice that people frequently feel the need to ask them for more information.
6. NJs prepare for reality by making advanced plans
NJs have a low extraverted perceiving function (Se). This means that they prefer to make advanced plans to prepare for what might happen in the future. Out of all the NJs, INTJs and INFJs will be most reliant on making advanced plans, since their Se is inferior. They’ll struggle to be spontaneous, or to act without a plan in place ahead of time. On the other hand, ENTJs and ENFJs may actually appear spontaneous (like a perceiver), because they are extraverted and have decent confidence in their Se. However, they also usually have a plan in mind as they’re approaching situations. They’re just quicker to adapt that plan (or form plans) in response to ever-changing circumstances. Bear in mind, some NJs will actually allow others to do the planning for them, depending on the situation. An NFJ is more likely to relegate the planning aspect to a trusted individual or group, while an NTJ may desire more physical control of the situation. Of course, this can vary.
7. NJs usually have a long term ideal in mind
NJs typically have a long term ideal or goal for how they want their life to play out. The healthy NJ will form long term plans to ensure (to the best of their ability) that this ideal becomes reality. Of course, reality may not always live up to their expectations, or the NJ may fail to form reasonable expectations. It’s important to remember that these types are not superhuman. They can fail to actualize their vision, and they can even fail to try, instead remaining content to live in their fantasy of what could be.
8. NJ plans, due to introverted intuition, are usually flexible
For the record, everyone can get detail-oriented about things that are really important to them. However, NJs focus more on the impression something gives them, rather than fixates on the exact details. They may form a goal in which they envision a very specific outcome, but they don’t often meticulously plan out the path to that outcome. They form more “flexible” plans that are capable of adapting to the current data that they perceive in the world around them (Se). As a result, they usually don’t struggle to shift their plan when given new information, so long as the picture they’ve envisioned at the end of the road is still achieved. Although, since NJs generally trend toward vagueness, if that vision is not achieved precisely the way they imagined, they may struggle to explain why because all they know is that the impression they’re getting from the final product is wrong.
9. NJs, due to low Se, physically detach from the moment
To be fair, introverts in general can struggle to be fully present. However, it’s a bit different for NJs. NJs often find themselves mentally living in the future, or their idea of what the future might be. Unfortunately, this means that they can’t always fully engage in the present moment, since they’re so focused on where that present moment is going. Earlier, I explained that these personality types may look back on a past event and feel detached from it because of the way they form impressions. Another reason why they may feel detached from a past memory is because they failed to enjoy that moment when they were in it. As a result, they may look at a picture or interact with a memento of some kind, but not feel any kind of emotional or personal connection to the event it represents.
10. NJs are interested in narrowing down possibilities, not generating them
Ne and Ni are actually very distinct forms of intuition, just like Se and Si are distinct forms of sensing. NPs (with Ne) are interested in entertaining all the many possibilities, purely for the fun of it. NJs may find this aspect of NPs to be frustrating, because Ni users are constantly looking to perceive the final outcome or reach the desired endpoint. As judgers, they’re not as interested in the process as much as they’re interested in the result. NJs may perceive possible futures, but they’ll quickly want to narrow these down to the most probable.
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Is it possible for NJs entertain possibilities for recreation or enjoyment but that’s not their primary focus?
Isn’t living in the idea of “what could/should be” an intuitive trait?
1. Yes, it’s possible.
2. Not necessarily. For instance, when people refer to Si users as “living in the past”, they’re effectively doing the same thing: living in the idea of what should be (based on what was). There’s just different means the different types will go about it.
I like how on point this article is! Keep up the quality work.
Though, I wonder why the term “judger” is more collective among Introverted Judgers, Extraverted Judgers, and Introverted Percievers? Are you referring it in a cognitive term or using dichotomies?
I’m typically referring to the dichotomy usage of the word “judger”, which is the most widely accepted usage, unless I further define the word with either “extraverted” or “introverted”.
Mara, thank you for this. I’ve seen you and Ryan on type talks and it’s always enlightening. I’m confused because I relate to both NI & SI. Sakinorva types me as INTJ NI/FI and i’m wondering if there’s a component of FI that can seem like SI? Would love to hear your thoughts and thank you
It would depend on what you’re relating to from both. I’ve seen a lot of people equate Si to nostalgia or sentimentality, but that really comes more from the feeling function. So, emotional attachment like that is ultimately going to be tied more into Fi.
I express my gratitude to you for such a detailed analysis of the function Ni. With your permission, I would like to ask a number of questions, some of which may seem a little strange and stupid. (however, you will help me a lot).
1. You said that types with Ni on the stack often have a hard time expressing themselves verbally. Could they, because of some special predilection for literacy, not suffer from such a shortcoming? (I perfectly understand that all people are individual and many of their parameters are influenced by life experience, but for some reason I want to hear your answer)
2. Is Ni able to “fall into the rabbit hole” and spray on various topics?
3. Regarding flexible plans formed by Ni users. Their plans can be slightly modified if new information comes in that requires it, but the general course will remain the same. They will try not to drop it completely. Did I understand correctly?
4. Ni users sometimes live in their own daydreams about the future. Is it possible to draw a clearer line between Ni and Ne in this regard?
5. Narrowing the options for the development of events to a single one. People with Ni in the stack see an ocean of possibilities, but realizing that it would be foolish to hope for everything at once, they choose the most acceptable option for them and strive for it. Is there a way to distinguish between a judge and a realistic perceiver?
I apologize in advance if I made any grammatical errors. I don’t use English often.
Thank you! Glad it helped.
1. Yes, NJs can learn to express their intuition better. ENFJs and ENTJs tend to better about this, and many are very good communicators.
2. Yes, it can happen. I don’t want to pigeon-hole anyone.
3. They will usually maintain the same end goal/vision, but will adjust the path as much as necessary given current data.
4. Ni usually has more of a long term ideal which has a stronger connection to reality… just maybe an extremely distant reality. Ne daydreams aren’t always “future-oriented”, or as tied down to reality. While obviously anyone can daydream about their future in a more realistic manner, I tend to see Ni as erring on the side “distant idealized future” versus Ne erring on the side of fantastical possibilities.
5. NJs don’t want to keep all the possibilities open, or to leave their options open. They want to narrow down and decide on a path. Perceivers will be more resistant to narrowing down their options, even if they can do it quickly when necessary. So, when the option is there, you should see perceivers put off narrowing, while the NJs will be more eager to make a final decision.
Hello again. I have a couple more questions. I hope I’m not too late.
1. Dominant Ni imply constant use of internal templates? Or is it situational? I just still can’t understand on a cognitive level how this feature works. In words, the process is clear, but a deeper understanding is not available.
2. Does user Ni always capture information? Or can it ignore it (for example, due to lack of interest in it), and therefore not save the templates?
3. What are INFJ-egosites and INFJ-misanthropes like?
1. Dominant Ni is either constantly using or constantly forming/improving templates. If they lack patterns to work off of, it’ll force them to rely on their inferior Se, which is not their ideal preference.
2. Ni users can ignore information that they deem irrelevant. It’s fairly common for them to do so.
3. An INFJ like that will likely see people more like tools, or resources to be used. They may value having a group for that reason, but not necessarily be emotionally invested in the people. The other option would be an Ni-Ti looping INFJ, which may detach completely from people and deny any need for them.
This article is super exceptional, but I’d like to ask you a question.
Typically Introverted Percieving functions are describe as being either past or future oriented, which made me confused.. What does a past-oriented NJ look like?
Theoretically, a “past-oriented NJ” is an oxymoron. An NJ can have a trauma in the past that is having a clear ramification on their actions, but a healthy NJ won’t typically do a lot of conscious past referencing.
What about a nostalgic NJ who’s constantly thinking about the past and how good it was? I know everyone can do it but I want to know how dominant and auxiliary Ni users would look or act in this position or stage of life?
NJs don’t typically consider themselves to be nostalgic, but an NJ with a nostalgic streak is likely to be older or a feeler. Either way, an NJ shouldn’t constantly be thinking about the past. If they are, they’re probably depressed. If you want hyper-specific examples, you’re better off asking some NJs.
When I detach from the present, it’s often because I have picked out something someone said, or a particular mannerism, and am creating a pattern out of it. “So this is how this type of person would see it.” “With this set of circumstances, a person is likely to act in such-and- such a way.” I also often use this function to strategize or predict events based on the patterns that come to me. Whether my strategy or prediction is successful or not also gets plugged into a pattern. – ENTJ
Interesting! That makes sense. Thanks for the feedback.
I have a question about what you mean by ‘details.’
Something I’ve noticed about myself for a while now is that I have a terrible memory for trivial details of my life and others’. I struggle a lot to answer questions like ‘how was your last week?’ or ‘what was a situation where you felt embarrassed?’ In these types of matters, I simply don’t know how to respond.
I also don’t have an excellent memory when it comes to academic subjects, and often I end up being very impulsive when taking exams or tests because I miss a detail here and there, even though I know the answer.
But at the same time, when I’m discussing more theoretical and abstract topics or even asking questions, I like to provide as much context as possible before getting to the point of the conversation. For example, what I’m doing right now, I’m not providing anything ‘concrete’ (involving my five senses), but I do a lot of contextualization before getting to the point. I really appreciate it when others understand my question right away and don’t leave room for interpretation. The more I contextualize, the better, to avoid any misunderstandings or receiving a different response than what I intended to ask.
I wanted to know if this type of behavior, apparently, can be considered Ni. If not, is it some other function?
Sorry for my English. I’m not a native speaker.”
We would typically associate this behavior and these tendencies with an NP. Typically, Ni or well-developed Te would encourage someone to be a bit more direct about the point before providing all the context. You may specifically be describing NTP behavior, but obviously that’s just based on the little that you’ve told me.
That’s strange, I had sent the question, but then it disappeared, so I sent the same question via email.
So, are Ni users good at drawing conclusions but struggle to develop their ideas even in writing situations where they have time to reflect and develop their thoughts? For example, when writing a post on Reddit, Quora, or Facebook?
And do NTP users find it easier to develop and provide details in their ideas even in improvisational situations where there isn’t much time to reflect?
Lastly, I still have one more question: aren’t these behaviors applicable to everyone? I believe that all individuals, regardless of cognitive function, would provide more details in a context where they have more time to think and reflect compared to an improvisational situation.
All comments need to be approved, which is why yours initially disappeared. As to your questions…
Ni users can develop their ideas in writing situations when they have time to reflect.
NPs tend to find it easier to develop their ideas or produce them in discussion with others, on the spot. Ne users have more of an active brainstorming process than Ni users. Ni users tend to process more subconsciously, which is why they’re known for having a spontaneous “eureka” moment.
“I believe that all individuals, regardless of cognitive function, would provide more details in a context where they have more time to think and reflect compared to an improvisational situation.” – Yes. I was making sure that people realized that NJs are capable of providing more detail when given enough time, since I had stated that they tend to be vague.
I think I’m starting to understand better.
I’m unsure if ‘eureka’ occurs in a single moment or can happen successively because it happens quite often to me that when thinking about a problem, an idea comes to mind, and I get excited because I think I’ve found a solution (depending on how ‘excited’ I am, I may end up making mistaken decisions). Then I evaluate this idea, and if I’m wrong, I repeat these steps until I find the right solution.
I wouldn’t have doubts that it would lean more towards the functioning of an INTJ if the time intervals were more spaced out, but the issue is that these steps can occur within an extremely short time frame. For example, situations like: ‘Ah, I understand, the answer is X,’ and then a second later, I notice an overlooked detail and realize that my idea was wrong. Then another idea arises, ‘Wait, I was wrong, the answer is Y!’ It’s almost immediate.
However, I’m also unsure if it’s a characteristic of Ne because it seems like Ne enjoys considering different ideas before evaluating the initial one that came to mind.
Anyway, I would like to know if this situation that happens to me is more related to ‘generating an abundance of ideas’ (Ne) or if it would be something like successive ‘eurekas’ (Ni).
I have a question
Is Ni able to daydream (in a linear and repetetive manner) about unrealistic fictional situations while also trying to make them a tad bit realistic? Let’s say the daydreamer isn’t interested in exploring possibilities but rather to enjoy living in his internal world of an unrealistic and fictional scenario… Daydream about it like I have described above
Would this be Ni or Ne or Si? Or something else?
Hello!
Forgive my English, it’s not my native language.
I’m 55 and ENTJ-A. From my thirties I experiencing something that I can’t explain. When I speak and I speak a lot, sometimes completely unintentional some words come out of my mouth that I have no intention to say! It’s embarrassing sometimes and cause me trouble some other times. This phrases always refereed to the future and always come true! My best prediction took 18 years to prove exact true! I have no Tourette syndrome or something else and my IQ is 148! Could this by because of my big Ni or is something else?