[Tactical Panda]

On one hand there is always the natural doubt that should be present in keeping an eye on the authority you lend to your understanding.

Yet there seems to be a notion among some on the internet that INTJs may be completely out of it - that any contribution they make under their own management may be baseless or a product of intuition overcoming reason.

I am skeptical of the latter, as it is seemingly unfounded. Everyone is entitled to make their own decisions and stand accountable for it, and I am yet to have seen an INTJ I know who has genuinely hostile to reason. Although disagreement would be a different issue entirely - as it should be in a healthy, mature world.

So, I propose we examine our lives, like any sane human beings possibly should.

(Just because the internet is at times crazy, unaccountable and unreasoned, it doesn't mean we can't have something well thought out to examine or discuss.)

- - -

My personal input / contribution.

I don't think my evaluations of my life are entirely accurate all the time. Sometimes I assess my life in a poor light when things seem disheartening, other times things seem promising. I learn and mature and make mistakes, I hope.

Even when I'm completely worn out and my intuition seems to cease to function or contribute to anything, the world carries on without me. The biggest change during these times is a sense of stress - how will I grasp a plan for sorting out the latest university project? I become reactionary, and the world is just what the world is, I don't really make any assessments of it or what it could be. A friend cancels a meet up. Well thats great. Thats more or less the extent of the assessment given the situation.

When I understand anything, it gives me a little hope that I can create meaningful change.
When everything seems to point in a bad direction, I just try to sleep it off.

If I have any authority, at best its sometimes just the same old plain authority that comes from someone genuinely trying to be truthful and reasonable. This is how I understand it. This is how we know it works. This is the possible risks. This is what seems to cause those risks and why. Etc.

If not in a position of authority I submit my understanding when I can for others to assess. Its all good.

When no authority structure exists, I'll discuss reason. If you say something I disagree with, I don't rely on pulling authority. When I can I point out contridictions or dangers in other people's reasoning until they explain how they work. I don't have some divine authority - I'm just honestly trying to be truthful and reasonable - the best a flawed individual can muster. I'm open to discussion as long as discussion is likewise open. Like when you investigate if someone holding you up to high standards is holding themselves up to the same.

If I was crazy... I suppose I wouldn't doubt myself. Or I would undoubtably doubt myself. Either unhealthy extreme would suffice, I suppose.

If I was just an ordinary person, which I really do regard myself to be, I don't see how that would stop me from being able to do things like ask "how does this work" or "why did you do that" or "if you do this, will this happen" or "how does this and this work when they seem to contradict here". For me, intelligence isn't authority, it isn't a play for power. Perhaps it is exercised because it is a part of me - perhaps it is directly how I relate to most things. A position of authority does not grant the moral right to supress thought or inquiry - that seems crazy, since to a degree everyone is accountable to the management of their own lives.

[Ad Infinitum]

I can't tell you how much I love this post. A call to reason? Challenge accepted!

I see myself as being objective in most circumstances. I try to use reason to dictate how I act initially in a situation, and intuition to dictate how I proceed once facts are assembled.

I really dislike the thought that my actions could be made without full use of my thoughts, but I suppose it is possible. The only time when I can be certain that intuition dictates my actions is in matters of trust. I (like many INTJs) have a really difficult time fully giving my trust to anything/anyone, especially when authority is involved.

I'm not overly concerned about any of this. It seems like a normal ratio of thought and intuition, though I have no problem with being a little crazy. I've been misunderstood for all of my life, so I can find a little comfort in the thought that I'm alone. It's only on this forum that I feel sane, and for that I thank you all.

[e30sequel]

Good stuff. We here have all managed to arrive at this seeming nirvana but functioned and grew without it anyway - and successfully at that, despite the depressing other 98% and their constant onslaught. I found that questioning authority and keeping an eye on them is crucial and necessary. Some choose to concern themsleves with the rules they put in place and guarding THAT - so who is not scared of watching them - of course intj!! That is what is important as this authority figure can do WAY more damage if left unattended. Ok, losing train of thought but support this thread.

[Qjiggy]

I find myself at this point that I do have to watch over my authority. Often I look for opportunities for overall result, which in turn good for me. But the first thought to come is to better everyone else affected in the case. I do support utilitiriasm for this purpose-wait for something to screw up then fix it. I apply this on my personal and work life but I can contest that neither has brought me happiness but just a sense of accomplishment.