Why Are INFJs So Rare? There Are A Few Reasons
The Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza is quoted as saying, “All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.”
Such is the case of the rarest personality type in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): the INFJ.
Today, we’re going to explore the world of the INFJ to understand why they are such a rare gem in the realm of personalities.
Table of Contents
What is an INFJ?
Before we dig deeper, let’s break down the acronym INFJ. It stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. These four traits combined create a personality type that is deeply introspective, empathetic, and driven by a strong sense of purpose.
The INFJ’s four primary cognitive functions are:
- Introverted Intuition (Ni): This function allows them to see patterns and connections between ideas, making them skilled at understanding complex concepts.
- Extraverted Feeling (Fe): This function enables them to be empathetic and in tune with others’ emotions, making them great listeners and nurturers.
- Introverted Thinking (Ti): This function helps them process and analyze information, often leading to a strong understanding of various subjects.
- Extraverted Sensing (Se): This function, although not as strong in INFJs, allows them to be aware of their surroundings and appreciate sensory experiences.
Why are INFJs so Rare?
There are a few factors that contribute to the rarity of the INFJ personality type. Here’s a little glimpse into the magical world of INFJs and what sets them apart:
1. They Have A Unique Combination of Cognitive Functions:
INFJs possess an extraordinary combination of cognitive functions that you won’t find in most other personalities.
With their introverted intuition, extraverted feeling, introverted thinking, and extraverted sensing working in perfect harmony, they bring a truly distinctive perspective to the table. This remarkable blend makes the INFJ stand out like a shining star in a vast galaxy of personalities.
2. Their Unique Balance Between Introversion and Extroversion:
While INFJs are primarily introverted, their extraverted feeling function allows them to connect with others in a way that many introverts may find challenging. This balance between introversion and extroversion adds to their rarity and makes them uniquely capable of understanding and navigating both social and introspective realms.
2. Their Deep Sense of Intuition and Empathy:
The strong intuition and empathy that INFJs possess truly set them apart from the crowd. Their ability to dive deep into the emotions of others and understand their feelings can make them seem almost magical or otherworldly. This uncanny knack for empathizing with others further contributes to their rarity and allure.
What makes the INFJ cognitive functions so unique?
The unique combination of cognitive functions in INFJs truly sets them apart from other personality types.
It’s why this personality type is so rare: you don’t often see this combination in people.
Here’s a breakdown of how these traits interact and some real-world examples to illustrate their distinctiveness:
Introverted Intuition (Ni) and Extraverted Feeling (Fe):
INFJs’ dominant function, Ni, allows them to understand abstract concepts and make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. When paired with their auxiliary function, Fe, they’re able to use their deep understanding of human emotions to create meaningful connections with others.
This blend of intuition and empathy enables them to support and uplift those around them in a way that is both genuine and insightful.
They are adept people readers and know how to dig beneath the surface to figure out what makes a person tick.
This is why INFJs make great therapists.
Their strong intuition allows them to quickly grasp the underlying issues their clients are facing, while their extraverted feeling function enables them to empathize and offer meaningful advice tailored to the individual’s emotional needs.
Introverted Thinking (Ti) and Extraverted Sensing (Se):
While these functions are less prominent in INFJs, they still contribute to the uniqueness of their personality. Their tertiary function, Ti, aids them in processing and analyzing information, while their inferior function, Se, helps them remain aware of their surroundings and engage with the sensory world.
This leads to quite an interesting paradox where INFJs can be both analytics and scientific, and emotional.
It’s why some INFJs, perhaps unexpectedly, can be drawn to the world of tech. But they also experience the unfortunate position of being too emotional for “the thinkers” and too analytical for “the feelers.”
They do a little dance in between the majority of people who sit more firmly at one end or the other of the personality spectrum.
Why The INFJ Balance Between Introversion and Extroversion Is Unique:
INFJs primarily rely on their intuition (thanks to their dominant function, Introverted Intuition). This gift allows them to see the world through a lens that perceives patterns, connections, and underlying meanings.
Their strong intuition makes them great at understanding complex concepts and anticipating future outcomes.
But that’s not where their story ends!
You see, while INFJs are introverted at their core, they possess a secret weapon: Extraverted Feeling.
This secondary function helps them connect with others, understand their emotions, and express empathy. In other words, they have this amazing ability to build deep and meaningful relationships with people.
(Mind readers? Not quite, but close!)
So, what does this balance between intuition and extroversion look like in real life?
Picture an INFJ at a social gathering. They might start off observing from the sidelines, taking in the atmosphere and reading the room. But once they feel comfortable, they can seamlessly engage in heartfelt conversations, genuinely connecting with others and making them feel seen and understood.
They have this incredible knack for balancing their introspective nature with their people skills, making them truly stand out from the crowd.
The uniqueness of the INFJ lies in their ability to tap into their intuition to understand the world around them while also harnessing their extraverted feeling to form deep connections with others.
This special combination of traits allows them to navigate both the introspective and social realms with grace and ease, making them a rare and captivating presence in any situation.
Final Thoughts: Why are INFJs so rare?
And there you have it! We’ve delved into the captivating world of the INFJ, exploring the reasons behind their rarity. From their unique combination of cognitive functions to their profound sense of intuition and empathy, the INFJ stands out as an exceptional personality type.
As you continue to investigate the diverse landscape of Myers-Briggs types, it’s nice to take a moment to appreciate the distinct beauty of the INFJ.
After all, it’s their remarkable characteristics that make them such an intriguing presence in our lives. Here’s to acknowledging and celebrating the enigmatic, the exceptional, and the ever-fascinating INFJ!
Want to learn more about INFJs?
