Are Most INTJs 'uncool'?

[Jgib5328]

I've been getting the impression from what I've read that most INTJs are 'uncool'. I don't mean that the INTJ is actually uncool, but in a subjective way that they'd be judged in society. It just seems like most INTJs don't play sports or are really socially awkward and don't socialize often. What I'm conflicted on is that the INTJs in literature or TV are generally really cool or bad ass (Gandalf, Hank Rearden, John Galt, Voldemort, Mr. Burns etc), while the INTJs that I've seen aren't close to that. Now I know these are fictional characters, but you can share similar characteristics with these guys, I certainly can identify with all of them.

I'm not trying to insult anyone, I am just curious.

[AgentofGaming]

Yes, I agree.
And you forgot to mention Stewie Griffin

and Dilbert is probably INTP

[lowbrass]

I've had my share of various "uncool" accusations even while doing subjectively "cool" things. However, at work, I'm definitely revered a bit and after 8 years, getting more and more irreplaceable. Thank compartmentalization. What's really wrong, is that many people I've met at work have said stuff about me that I wish was true... like the older women calling me a "young stud", but I'll be damned if I ever told them the real truth.

[dandylion]

I have a friend who frequently calls me either a geek or a nerd which are both "uncool" terms. :/ Just because I hang out at the library all the time during school instead of choosing to stand around doing nothing productive... Psh. A couple Fridays ago when I announced I was happy that class was going to be over soon so I could go home, that same friend said, "Oh my gosh, you want to go home? [I got confused by this at first.. who doesn't want to go home after a long day of dumb classes?] You're such a nerd! I'm going to the mall..." I just wanted to slap her.

I don't understand why I have to go out often or stop being in the library to be "cool" or just not nerdy/geeky. Plus, I hate going to the mall. Overpriced crap, skanky bitches, and fat people gorging.

Wow, that kind of turned into a rant... But yes, it is unfair that just because we're not as outgoing as most people, we're considered "uncool." Don't they know, if it wasn't for us "uncool" people, we probably wouldn't have internet, cell phones, iPods, medicine, space ships, and a whole other stuff people depend on every day? They take all that stuff for granted. Friggin' bastards need to be shot off their high horse and left to die. Or better yet, burn.

*an angry INTJ*

[Richard0612]

I don't understand why I have to go out often or stop being in the library to be "cool" or just not nerdy/geeky. Plus, I hate going to the mall. Overpriced crap, skanky bitches, and fat people gorging.


Finally, someone that agrees with me!
I mean, I do go shopping, but it's always for something useful and never to just 'browse'. When other people [and this isn't just girls!] say that they are 'going shopping' I often say 'What for?', and the response I get 85% of the time is: 'Oh, nothing just to browse.'. How bloody pointless!

If people call me a 'nerd' or 'geek', I say either 'Thanks!', or 'And you're what, a sheep that follows the crowd and does things purely to fit in?'. Which one I use depends on how evil I'm feeling! ;D

[Vortex]

IN the social hierarchy, geeks are "coolish", while nerds are most assuredly uncool. I'd personally say the difference between them is the degree of outright ignorance of standard social practices, with geeks being better at blending in / staying a little social, with nerds just totally /ignore society. Just my personal opinion based on what I've observed.

I wouldn't classify myself as "cool", but I've found that I almost tend to generate cults.. In debate in highschool I was nearly revered or something, although my influence extended only to those that knew and respected me. It most definitely wasn't like being a jock with instantaneous school/social network spanning popularity. So uncool? Nah - more like "overly specialized with no regards to social niceties", resulting in a love/hate relationship with those that truly know you, and those that don't.

[slut poacher]

i dont care about being cool. the people who think that they are setting the standard for coolness are some of the least cool people ever. being a spaz naturally is far cooler than putting up a facade, especially if the facade is one that can be readily purchased or is based around another persons image. perfect example: i once had a wigger (sorry about the semi-racist sounding name, but it is the only word to accurately describe these buffoons) trying to tell how it is and that i "dont know shit" to which i replied "i dont know shit! you dont know shit! you dont even know you're fucking white!". spaz for life and proud of it.

[AgentofGaming]

They even call you a nerd if you don't study or goto the library.

So if they try to attach some negative connotation to it,
just tell them "Thanks for the compliment, I'll hire you when you, [get unemployed]/[drop out of school]"

This usually applies because people that do well in school, don't use the term nerd or they use it in a positive way.

[INTJgal]

i was pretty cool in high school. (strongly correlated to being athletic myself, and friends with the jocks since i was three feet tall?)

[Jgib5328]

Let me set this straight, there is nothing 'uncool' about working hard in school. Working hard in school usually leads to better grades, better grades lead to a better job, a better job leads to more positive utility, whether it be money or just overall satisfaction. What is 'uncool' about working towards a better life? Absolutely nothing. At my college, which is heavily academic focused, everyone studies hard and the people who fail or get c's are the losers. The only uncool thing about working hard at school, is if that is your life and you have nothing other than that. Balance is always good.

[Tokey41]

INTJ's just don't seem built to be popular. It doesn't bother me too much though since a few close friends is all you really need. But in terms of being 'uncool', I think its on the surface. Once someone gets to know me (which rarely happens) thats probably the last thing on their minds.

Although my friend always call me a nerd she always uses the disclaimer "it's definitely a compliment!" because while she may see me as a workaholic on projects she is genuinely impressed with my grades.

[the natural]

I don't understand why I have to go out often or stop being in the library to be "cool" or just not nerdy/geeky. Plus, I hate going to the mall. Overpriced crap, skanky bitches, and fat people gorging.


I can't stand the mall; it's a totally fake environment. I don't understand why anyone would go for the food, it's the crappiest version of the fast food of every culture. Clothes are definitely over priced. Designer labels mean nothing to me. I'm not impressed by superficial displays of "status" such as brand names.

But take comfort in the fact that even though you can't figure out why all the boring shallow people like to go to the mall, your friend is infuriated at you for not finding her interesting enough to go to the mall with her. As an INTJ people know you are intelligent and if an intelligent person doesn't find you worthy I'd imagine that's a substantial insult.

[mind_wander]

I don't understand why I have to go out often or stop being in the library to be "cool" or just not nerdy/geeky. Plus, I hate going to the mall. Overpriced crap, skanky bitches, and fat people gorging.

Wow, that kind of turned into a rant... But yes, it is unfair that just because we're not as outgoing as most people, we're considered "uncool." Don't they know, if it wasn't for us "uncool" people, we probably wouldn't have internet, cell phones, iPods, medicine, space ships, and a whole other stuff people depend on every day? They take all that stuff for granted. Friggin' bastards need to be shot off their high horse and left to die. Or better yet, burn.

*an angry INTJ*
I couldn't agreed more, I don't want to sound, like an Anti-Mallholic. Not, sure if that is a true term. I stayed, from the mall about 4-5years now. How many years, do you people dislike going to the mall? I only, go there just the spear the moment, easy grab and go. If there is a long line, skipped it and go find the smaller line. Time is always raging against me, so what choice do I have waiting in a long line? If no choice, then no choice; life goes on. For alot of people, does not see that way. Long line means, insanity, for majority. For the patient people, well you can stand their and think of other things on your to do list with tons of future planning. Well thats just my 2cents here. Cool that your saying this, I could not, but help and break out laughing.





mind_wander added to this post, 2 minutes and 50 seconds later...

I can't stand the mall; it's a totally fake environment. I don't understand why anyone would go for the food, it's the crappiest version of the fast food of every culture. Clothes are definitely over priced. Designer labels mean nothing to me. I'm not impressed by superficial displays of "status" such as brand names.

But take comfort in the fact that even though you can't figure out why all the boring shallow people like to go to the mall, your friend is infuriated at you for not finding her interesting enough to go to the mall with her . As an INTJ people know you are intelligent and if an intelligent person doesn't find you worthy I'd imagine that's a substantial insult.

Thats why, they invented gift cards. You know, its a gift and a card, lol, so for those people you just don't get it. here you go, remembered send them the gift card, at their favorite store. Make them excercise, for the gift; plus, they just might lose weight, as someone mentioned. Oh yeah, if your stuck there and bored; bring your mp3 player and listened too the nice music because its going to be a long day.

[Jgib5328]

I love going to the mall, I love to just walk around and think for awhile, I sometimes do it for hours. Me and my friends just go to the mall to walk and talk, it's a good way to get a good conversation and introspect. Plus you can see all of your old high school friends, in my case at least.

[curious1]

Yes, I agree.
And you forgot to mention Stewie Griffin

and Dilbert is probably INTP

Stewie? I had pinned as an INFP. He is quite theatrical but surprisingly analytical.

[the natural]

Stewie? I had pinned as an INFP. He is quite theatrical but surprisingly analytical.

Stewie is INTJ, IMO. The theatrical side is his repressed F side asserting itself under times of stress, like when he's frustrated or feels rejected.

Dilbert strikes me as ISTJ, he's quick to judge a bureacratic process as wrong or inefficient but never really does anything to fix the problem (an INTJ would be compelled to act); he kind of snarks at his boss but ends up playing by the rules like everyone else, nonsensical as the rules may be. Of course it's possible he's such an INTJ he's fooled everyone around him and is on the verge of launching some Machievalian plan to overthrow his boss!