Gary Gibson further explores the Myers-Briggs Personality types, solidifying the theories discussed here in the past:
Rationals are by nature individualistic and unconventional thinkers who are more comfortable in the world of ideas…. This group contains: Architects (INTP), Inventors (ENTP), Field Marshals (ENTJ), and Masterminds (INTJ). Interestingly, most libertarian types seem to come specifically from the last group, the Masterminds; the Intuitive Thinker whose other traits are Introversion and Judgment.
Mr. Gibson explains how the Guardian type makes up the bulk of the population (39 to 53% of people), followed by the Artisans (17-29%), Idealists (13-21%), and Rationals (9-19%). He believes that the Artisans team up with the Idealists in opposition to the Guardians, who he describes succinctly (and with more than a hint of a frustration to which I can relate):
The Guardians meanwhile are happy with "good enough to have kept us alive so far" and are more likely to defend the status quo no matter how immoral or unworkable that quo is in the long run.
It’s an interesting read for those of us who’ve explored this concept in the past. (N.B. Mr. Gibson’s voluntaryist beliefs may offend the classical liberal mindset).
I’ve taken the test many times and have alternated between INTJ and INTP. I’m unsure which questions are interpreted differently as to cause my vacillation. Regardless, I prefer architect over mastermind if I had my druthers. Not one who’s mastered his mind, I’m attracted to the analytical exercise of building things – whether they be buildings or systems.
Reading Gibson’s article reminded me of a quote from Bastiat: “The plans differ; the planners are all alike.”
Maybe the planners are different after all. Looking back through history unseen by Bastiat (the totalitarian regimes of the 20 century), I think he would’ve concluded that differences in plans and planners mattered little to the resultant carnage that ensued.
It’s only rational.
