The ISTJ is classified by the Myers-Briggs Test Indicator as Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging. This would mean that they are the Inspector archetype which is typically seen as the diligent investigator or accountant, but who knows how bright the ISTJ actually is.
ISTJs are logical, pragmatic, and understand how to plan and improve things. This makes them naturally bright, even if they’re not capable of the abstract thought and lack of pragmatism required to be an intellectual. Their need for order and efficiency makes them very valuable individuals.
So, if you’re really itching to know about how clever ISTJs are and what their intellectual capacity is, then read on!
Inside The Mind Of An ISTJ: The Inner Workings
ISTJs are classified by the Myers-Briggs Test Indicator as having the traits of Introversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judging. This means that they are highly pragmatic, analytical, and measured as individuals that prefer to make inferences from logic instead of emotions, unlike other MBTI types.
We all know of the ISTJ as the rigid, studious and disciplined type. Some would make the assumption that because of these traits the ISTJ is more likely than others to be more intelligent as we often tend to associate logical guidance with inherent intelligence.
However, you can’t always judge a book by its cover when it comes to measuring an MBTI personality’s intelligence. This is especially true when it comes to analyzing the private, reserved and often mysterious ISTJ.
Are ISTJs smart?
When it comes to practical knowledge the ISTJ triumphs above the rest. They are very adept at understanding the internal processes behind how things, especially systems, function. ISTJs love to solve the mysteries behind their work if it improves efficiency and performance.
Since this MBTI archetype is incredibly pragmatic, they take time to understand the ins and outs of what they’re doing. They might not be as sly or as inconspicuous about their intentions towards others as other personalities however, this does not mean that they are stupid.
ISTJs are considered to be the most intelligent of the Sensing MBTI personalities because of their critical thinking style which often involves persistently assessing the circumstances and details behind past and present actions to guide their future actions.
As a result of this unique combination of MBTI traits, the ISTJ is an excellent problem-solver, and they practise this skill set when they tackle their work. Their methodical approach also allows them to fully investigate the causes behind things that other MBTI types would miss.
The ISTJ also has some of the measured MBTI traits associated with higher performance on IQ tests such as Introversion and Thinking. This makes them the most intelligent of the Sensing personalities.
The ISTJ possesses a natural raw intelligence, tenacity and commitment that makes them excellent investigators and private detectives. They also tend to fair very well with accounting-related jobs along with technician work usually related to hard sciences and engineering.
Are ISTJs Intellectuals?
Because the ISTJ is focused on the more pragmatic aspects of life they will often neglect things that require a more abstract or theoretical thinking process. They are oriented toward the here and now, so it’s particularly rare for them to focus on things that fall outside of this area.
Intellectuals occupy thinking styles that fall outside the norm and focus on things that often do not pertain to what is happening at the moment. As a result, this means that they are usually very uncommon among the general population most of which who tend to focus on real events.
Even though most ISTJs typically aren’t considered intellectuals, they are naturally bright and analytical individuals that have a great knack for fixing and tinkering with things to improve efficiency and productivity.
How ISTJs Think
The ISTJ is almost obsessed with efficiency and improving the functions of their work, therefore they are naturally very methodical and rational individuals. This mindset makes the ISTJ personality very constructive. As a result, they dislike laziness and avoiding one’s duties.
Being introverted makes the ISTJ naturally more inclined to keep to themselves and their own work. This pattern of behavior affects their thinking skills to be limited to their own lives and work. They are not selfish, but this trait influences how they focus on things and use information.
Sensing also makes the ISTJ very aware of the events and things that are happening around them. Therefore, their choices are informed by facts and common sense which makes the ISTJ very money conscious and conservative.
As ISTJs are the thinking type they rarely make inferences from emotions and feeling processes. Instead, they prefer to be guided by logical judgement. Consequentially, the ISTJ often clashes with other feeling types such as the INFJ or ENFJ.
Naturally, ISTJs are classified as judgers as opposed to perceivers. As a result, the ISTJ is very oriented toward analyzing reality and the way things are objectively.
The ISTJ And Others: How They Interact With And See Them
Reserved and inwardly focused, the ISTJ is surprisingly protective and supportive towards the ones that they love. This is the complete opposite of the perception held by other people that ISTJs are cold and aloof.
They often have a strong moral compass and sense of honesty, often a result of their need to maintain order and make sense of the things happening around them. Their commitment and integrity means that ISTJs often make reliable friends, partners, and employees.
When it comes to parenting the ISTJ is also often a good fit as they provide strong foundations for learning through supportive personalities and innate drive to instruct others. They are also often patient and gentle as parents who strive to see the best happen for their children.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about ISTJs and how they think, you’ll come to realize that they are naturally intelligent individuals who aim to solve the problems around them, especially to improve their productivity. Even though they might be intellectuals or as cunning as other personalities, the brightness and diligence of the ISTJ should never be overlooked. They are the pillars of society that uphold order, morality, and industrious behaviour.
