Strix Amalgam Personality Thing


"To outsiders, [they] may appear to project an aura of 'definiteness', of self-confidence. This self-confidence, sometimes mistaken for simple arrogance by the less decisive, is actually of a very specific rather than a general nature; its source lies in the specialized knowledge systems that [they] start building at an early age. When it comes to their own areas of expertise - and [they] can have several - they will be able to tell you almost immediately whether or not they can help you, and if so, how. [They] know what they know, and perhaps still more importantly, they know what they don't know.



[They] are known as the 'Systems Builders'... perhaps in part because they possess the unusual trait combination of imagination and reliability. Whatever system an [they] happen to be working on is for them the equivalent of a moral cause... both perfectionism and disregard for authority may come into play, as [they] can be unsparing of both themselves and the others on the project. Anyone considered to be 'slacking,' including superiors, will lose their respect -- and will generally be made aware of this; [they] have also been known to take it upon themselves to implement critical decisions without consulting their supervisors or co-workers. On the other hand, they do tend to be scrupulous and even-handed about recognizing the individual contributions that have gone into a project, and have a gift for seizing opportunities which others might not even notice.



In the broadest terms, what [they] 'do' tends to be what they 'know'. Typical ... career choices are in the sciences and engineering, but they can be found wherever a combination of intellect and incisiveness are required (e.g., law, some areas of academia). [They] can rise to management positions when they are willing to invest time in marketing their abilities as well as enhancing them, and (whether for the sake of ambition or the desire for privacy) many also find it useful to learn to simulate some degree of surface conformism in order to mask their inherent unconventionality.



...[They] are usually extremely private people, and can often be naturally impassive as well, which makes them easy to misread and misunderstand. Perhaps the most fundamental problem, however, is that [they] really want people to make sense. This sometimes results in a peculiar naivete...[they] expect inexhaustible reasonability and directness.



Probably the strongest...assets in the interpersonal area are their intuitive abilities and their willingness to "work at" a relationship. ...[T]he Intuitive function can often act as a good substitute by synthesizing the probable meanings behind such things as tone of voice, turn of phrase, and facial expression. This ability can then be honed and directed by consistent, repeated efforts to understand and support those they care about, and those relationships which ultimately do become established...tend to be characterized by their robustness, stability, and good communications.



[They] are idea people. Anything is possible; everything is negotiable. Whatever the outer circumstances, [they] are ever perceiving inner pattern-forms and using real-world materials to operationalize them. Others may see what is and wonder why; [these people] see what might be and say "Why not?!" Paradoxes, antinomies, and other contradictory phenomena aptly express these intuitors' amusement at those whom they feel may be taking a particular view of reality too seriously. [They] enjoy developing unique solutions to complex problems.



Beneath the quiet exterior, [they] hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life. The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing. [Often] accurately suspicious about others' motives, they are not easily led. These are the people that you can rarely fool any of the time. Though affable and sympathetic to most, they are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words.



They have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables [them] to know and be known by others intimately.



Thinking in this auxiliary role is a workhorse. Closure is the payoff for efforts expended. Sensing's extraverted attitude is evident in this type's bent to savor sensations rather than to merely categorize them. Indiscretions of indulgence are likely an expression of the unconscious vengeance of the inferior.



Introverted intuitives, they enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes... [they] readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect. Their amazing ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others gives [them] their reputation as prophets and seers. Unlike the confining, routinizing nature of introverted sensing, introverted intuition frees this type to act insightfully and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis.



Like many other ...types, [they] find themselves caught between the desire to express their wealth of feelings and moral conclusions about the actions and attitudes of others, and the awareness of the consequences of unbridled candor. Some vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies. Such confidants are chosen with care, for [they] are well aware of the treachery that can reside in the hearts of mortals. This particular combination of introverted intuition and extraverted feeling provides [them] with the raw material from which perceptive counselors are shaped.



The... thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the... thinking function is operative that [they seem] most aloof. A comrade might surmise that such detachment signals a disillusionment, that she has also been found lacking by the sardonic eye of this one who plumbs the depths of the human spirit. Experience suggests that such distancing is merely an indication that the seer is hard at work and focusing energy into this less efficient tertiary function.



They are twice blessed with clarity of vision, both internal and external. Just as they possess inner vision which is drawn to the forms of the unconscious, they also have external sensing perception which readily takes hold of worldly objects. Sensing, however, is the weakest of [their] arsenal and the most vulnerable. [They] may be so absorbed in intuitive perceiving that they become oblivious to physical reality. Under stress, [they] may fall prey to various forms of immediate gratification.



They are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, they tend to be idealists, and ...are generally 'doers' as well as dreamers. This rare combination of vision and practicality often results in them taking a disproportionate amount of responsibility in...various causes.



They are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people - a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, they are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious 'soul mates.'



While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals they will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent 'givers.' As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic ....character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood - particularly by those who have little experience with this rare type.



Due in part to the unique perspective produced by this alternation between detachment and involvement in the lives of the people around them, [they] may well have the clearest insights of all the types into the motivations of others, for good and for evil. The most important contributing factor to this uncanny gift, however, are the empathic abilities... which seem to be especially heightened in [this] type (possibly by the dominance of the introverted N function).



This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain...talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon... it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a 'tug-of-war' between vision and idealism and the practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. [I]t [may be] difficult...to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings.



Usually self-expression comes more easily to [them] on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, [they] are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, [they] can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths.



...[They]...are 'systems builders'- [but] most 'systems' are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their systems may for these reasons be conceptually "blurrier" ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to take for granted -- yet it is these same underlying reasons which make the resulting contributions to society so vital and profound."



Yeah, Ego, yeah.

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