Are TPs (INTP, ISTP, ENTP, ESTP) The Rule Breakers?

TPs (meaning INTP, ISTP, ENTP, and ESTP) have gained the reputation of being rule-breakers, but why is that? Is there any substance to it? Oftentimes, I see people use rule-breaking as a reason for them being a TP, rather than another type, such as an FP. However, is that really a fair association? Does breaking rules mean that someone is a TP? And will TPs always be rule-breakers? Below, I’m going to share my thoughts on this subject, as both an ISTP and someone who’s studied personality theory.

Why Do People Break Rules?

There are multiple factors going into why people break rules, which is why I shake my head whenever I see people make rule-breaking all about TPs. I am going to cover why TPs have specifically gained this reputation, but first I want to mention some broad, universal reasons why people break rules, to bring us all back down to the real world, of real people. (Personality theory sometimes makes people forget how to think practically.)

1. Impulse of the moment

So many people, in the heat of the moment, do something without thinking or without considering the consequences. Of course, in personality theory, this type of action is often tied to perceivers, because being a perceiver, on average, makes someone’s actions a bit less calculated, or a bit less cautious. Perceivers are usually more willing to act on impulse, and react without considering the long-term consequences. In other words, they may break an inconvenient rule without giving it much thought in the moment. However, you have to be a bit careful with generalizing all perceivers that way. Maturity can teach perceivers to rein in their detrimental impulses, just like morality can stop perceivers from yielding to incorrect impulses. In addition, there are some perceivers out there who are more cautious, just like there are some judgers who are more impulsive (like the EJs).

2. To Prove a Point

Others break rules simply to make a point, or prove that they can. Maybe they’re trying to fight the system, or maybe they’re trying to prove that nothing can control them. Whatever it may be, this type of rule-breaking is intentional, and any personality type can fall into it.

So, Why Are TPs Known For Breaking Rules?

When it comes to TPs specifically, a contributing factor would be the fact that they’re perceivers, as I mentioned in the previous section. However, there is a more specific reason why rule-breaking has been associated with TPs. Namely…

TPs prioritize Introverted Thinking (Ti)

The Thinking dichotomy is a judging dichotomy that’s focused on logic. For those with Extraverted Thinking (or Te), that logic function focuses on the external world, resulting in a desire for logical structure or order. But, in the case of Ti, that function is turned inward, focusing on their internal world. So, what does this mean? Well, I could go into how they’re ordering their mind, categorizing and sorting information, etc. But that wouldn’t be the point. The point is that they’re not naturally tuned into the world of external order (ie: the rules). Sure, TPs aren’t ignorant. They’re aware that rules exist, but they don’t view rules in a “black and white” way. TPs often reinterpret rules based on what makes sense to them (ie: their internal logic), or perhaps the core principle behind the rule. In other words, if they can’t make sense of the rule given the context, they may disregard it. In these moments, they aren’t necessarily trying to make a point, and they may not consider what they’re doing as breaking a rule. Because the rule is irrelevant to the circumstance. Of course, this tendency can be “weaponized” in the sense, that you might find TPs who flippantly break rules, gleefully causing chaos as they go.

Related Articles: Introverted Judging Functions (Ti/Fi), The Myers-Briggs Personality Types As Villains

Do TPs Ever Respect The Rules?

Everyone knows that SJs are known for being rule-followers, which is why anyone who’s seen following the rules often gets SJ stamped metaphorically stamped on their forward. However, when it comes to following rules, there are two main factors at play, that can apply to more than just the SJ.

1. Risk and Reward

SJs, out of all the personality types, tolerate the least amount of risk on average. The same cannot be said about the TPs. However, that doesn’t mean that TPs won’t look at a situation and decide that the risk of breaking the rule outweighs the benefit. In fact, that’ll probably happen frequently. Many rules, irrelevant or not, are not worth the effort it takes to break them. So, it’s very possible to find TPs out there who, for the most part, abide by the rules even though they may view them as stupid or unnecessary. (Although, reality check, SJs don’t always blindly agree with rules either. Many begrudgingly adhere to them out of obligation.)

2. Moral Development

All personality types, including TPs, can learn the importance of respecting authority, even though it might be done somewhat begrudgingly. Of course, TPs are well-known for not respecting authority of the sake of it. Respect must be earned. Until then, TPs like to treat everyone as equals. However, while TPs often feel this way, some learn the importance of playing the game, because without any kind of established authority, social systems fall apart. Therefore, the TP who demonstrates an adequate respect for authority because they recognize the utility in it has tapped into their lower Extraverted Feeling (Fe) cognitive function, because that is the cognitive function they use that focuses on external order (as opposed to Te in other personality types).

What About the FJs?

Perhaps you’re wondering about FJs now, because they also use Introverted Thinking. Of course, their Ti isn’t in the first or second slot, so it isn’t prioritized. However, you’ll occasionally see FJs loophole rules or rationalize them away, just for different reasons. Oftentimes, if they’re dismissing rules, it’s because the rule is getting in the way of a greater good. Perhaps they are sympathetic to someone’s circumstances, and feel like that person should be cut some slack. Or, the rule is harming their social group in some way. Remember, their Ti is in service to Fe, so when they’re rationalizing away a rule, it’s usually for a Fe purpose. Otherwise, these personality types are more tuned into external structure, and less inclined to rock the boat.

In Conclusion…

That’s about all I have to say on the subject. The generalizations that people apply to personality types (such as rule-breaking) often lose nuance along the way, resulting in misunderstandings, which is what I wanted to demonstrate in this article. I hope it made sense. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!