INTP (introverted inntuitive thinking perceiving) is one of the sixteen personality types defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test. INTPs are a relatively rare type, making up about 4% of the population.
INTPs are creatures of logic. Calm, controlled, and studious, INTPs are driven by the search for reason. For INTPs, the principles behind anything can be figured out given enough time. In fact, INTPs often get caught up on thinking for its own sake; the stereotypical figure of the “absent-minded scientist” is based on INTP behavior.
It can be an effort for INTPs to remain grounded and relate their thinking to the real world, and others can see them as distant and unemotional. But the pure rationality that an INTP brings is a powerful tool for unlocking problems when it’s applied properly.
Here are some famous people who fit the INTP personality type.
SCIENTISTS
Albert Einstein src
Charles Darwin src
William Harvey src
INTPs are naturally drawn to scientific fields, where their intellectual gifts are most useful.
- Albert Einstein, German physicist. source
- Charles Darwin, English naturalist. source
- Marie Curie, Polish physicist and chemist. source
- William Harvey, English physician. source
- William James, American psychologist. source
PHILOSPHERS
Friedrich Hayek src
Rene Descartes src
Adam Smith src
Other INTPs are drawn to philosophy, seeking broader universal principles.
- Immanuel Kant, German philosopher. source
- Hannah Arendt, German-American political theorist. source
- Adam Smith, English economist. source
- Herbert Spencer, English philosopher. source
- Friedrich Hayek, Austrian economist. source
- Blaise Pascal, French philosopher. source
- Eckhart Tolle, German-Canadian spiritualist. source
- Rene Descartes, French philosopher. source
- Thomas Aquinas, Italian priest and theologian. source
ATHLETES
Dikembe Mutombo src
Art Monk src
Cathy Freeman src
INTPs are not common in the athletic field, since they prefer intellectual activities, but some INTPs do use their minds to aid them in competition.
- Dikembe Mutombo, Congolese center. source
- Art Monk, U.S. wide receiver. source
- Cathy Freeman, Australian sprinter. source
POLITICIANS & WORLD LEADERS
Abraham Lincoln src
Alan Greenspan src
George Soros src
Some INTPs apply their analytical abilities to the problems of politics.
- Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President. source
- James Madison, U.S. President. source
- John Quincy Adams, U.S. President. source
- John Tyler, U.S. President. source
- Gerald Ford, U.S. President. source
- Alan Greenspan, U.S. Federal Reserve chairman. source
- George Soros, Hungarian-American hedge fund manager and political activist. source
- Edward Snowden, U.S. whistleblower. source
AUTHORS
Robert Heinlein src
Thucydides src
Harper Lee src
INTPs are also attracted to writing, another intellectual pursuit.
- Harper Lee, U.S. novelist. source
- John le Carre, English novelist. source
- Stanley Crouch, U.S. poet and jazz musician. source
- Thucydides, Greek historian. source
- Randall Munroe, U.S. cartoonist. source
- Robert A. Heinlein, U.S. author. source
MUSICIANS
M.I.A. src
Liam Gallagher src
Mark Mothersbaugh src
INTP musicians are not pack-followers. They’re not afraid to experiment, innovate, and take risks.
- Liam Gallagher, English singer. source
- Henry Mancini, U.S. composer. source
- Neil Peart, Canadian drummer. source
- Mark Mothersbaugh, U.S. musician. source
- Glenn Gould, Canadian pianist. source
- Bob Moog, U.S. inventor of the Moog synthesizer. source
- Aphex Twin, Irish electronic musician. source
- M.I.A., English hip-hop artist. source
BUSINESS
Larry Page src
Paul Allen src
Many of the biggest names in Silicon Valley innovation today are INTPs.
ARTISTS & ENTERTAINERS
Tina Fey src
Dustin Hoffman src
Ellen Page src
Being logical doesn’t mean INTPs can’t also be witty and amusing — or intense and dramatic.
- Tina Fey, U.S. actress. source
- Dustin Hoffman, U.S. actor. source
- Sigourney Weaver, U.S. actress. source
- Geoffrey Rush, Australian actor. source
- Gabriel Byrne, Irish actor. source
- Rick Moranis, Canadian actor and screenwriter. source
- John Cusack, U.S. actor. source
- Bob Newhart, U.S. comedian and actor. source
- Gregory Peck, U.S. actor. source
- Andy Richter, U.S. comedian. source
- Ellen Page, Canadian actress. source
- Amy Smart, U.S. actress. source
- David Cronenberg, U.S. director. source
- Kate Moss, English model. source
- Ben Stein, U.S. economist, television pundit, and actor. source
- Diane Lane, U.S. actress. source
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, U.S. actresses and designers. source
- Asia Carrera, U.S. actress. source
- Kristen Stewart, U.S. actress. source
- Jesse Eisenberg, U.S. actor. source
FICTIONAL CHARACTERS
Sheldon Cooper src
Yoda src
Hermione Granger src
Finally, here are some people from the worlds of fiction who display INTP characteristics.
- Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. source
- Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. source
- Death from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books. source
- Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. source
- Bruce Banner, alter-ego of the Incredible Hulk. source
- Tom Branson from Downton Abbey. source
- Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park. source
- Violet Baudelaire from the A Series of Unfortunate Events books. source
- Yoda from Star Wars. source
- Velma Dinkley from Scooby-Doo. source
- Eugene Porter from The Walking Dead. source
- Neo from The Matrix. source
- Maester Luwin from Game of Thrones. source
- The 9th Doctor from Doctor Who. source
- Haymitch Abernathy from The Hunger Games. source
- Dr. Bunsen Honeydew from The Muppets. source
- Dr. Gero from Dragonball Z. source
- Brian Johnson from The Breakfast Club. source
- George McFly from Back to the Future. source
List of Famous People With ISFJ Personality
List of Famous People With ISFP Personality
List of Famous People With INFP Personality
List of Famous People With ESTP Personality
Larry David = INTP
Me as well. It’s why I have no friends. That and because I’m an ass
Best comment on the internet. Now I don’t have to comment.
… but you did anyways.
we are ass that enjoy ourselves.
I also admit to being an ass. Many random people come around and I kinda try to play my role and let them yap while trying to truly see their point of view, but ultimately, if I don’t try to inject my own opinion into the conversation I end up bored and un-stimulated, feeling like the discussion was just a one-sided factless rant. Evolution made a pre-emptive strike when it comes to INTP. Maybe though, in a few hundred/or thousand years….. (that is, if there still is a humanity)… who knows if our niche personality would or would not help bring this wayward son of a species in a better direction…
Yeah I take full responsibility of the “ear-beating of words” you just have to endure, but I think you’ll get the basic message I’m trying to relay.
Are there any I.N.T.P. s from Australia here ? I am looking to link up .
Hey mate im from aus, 20 y.o keen to talk about this stuff and how you cope in society etc.
Love it! Majority are great people to belong to in the same group!
Hermione is waaaay too organized to be an INTP There’s no way.
LOGISTICIAN PERSONALITY (ISTJ)
I’d say Hermione might be an INTJ!
I agree. She would probably be an INTJ.
not really she is also a master of improvisation, disorganised (explains why she is late to class)
But her hair was always a mess and never cared about her clothes it seemed. I still say INTP since I always felt so similar to her (INTP) and I was still organized enough to do well in class etc. Just maybe a stronger J than most.
She has messy hair in the books.
Wish there were more people of color on the list.
Why? Are you a racist?
Hon, there’s a reason. INTPs are 4% of the populace. And frankly idgaf if I offend your social justice ideals in stating people of color LACK any form of INTP analytics. Go look into racial IQ averages while you’re at it, and the correlation of INTPs w/ high IQs.
-a Jew, if you’re wondering. Technically Caucasoid (^:
3%
I am black.
I am INTP.
Try again.
There is an exception to every rule plus you’re forgetting all the sports people on the list
I second that notion. I’m also an INTP, whom also happens to be black.
INTP doesn’t always make someone instantly intelligent, but they usually are. Try again, person.
I’m a Jew too and I think you’re full of shit
You’re not very clever are you? If INTP’s represent four percent of the population, and people of color are a part of the population (around 12 percent in America) certainly there would be quite a few INTPs among people of African descent.
-an Atheist, if you’re wondering. Only half caucasoid.
Screw it. If you’re my personality you are “my people.” It’s a rare treat to have a good conversation with another INTP.
I am of color – black and I am INTP. I guess when I become “famous” they will put me to the list. Not sure where you are getting your data.
You racist.
That didn’t even cross my mind. Maybe I’m just color blind.
All the athletes were and yoda.
Steve Urkle is totally an INTP for example
One of them is green. What more could you want?
Sheldon Cooper is way to rigid and organized to be an INTP.
Sheldon is an INT
I think more ISTJ
I know what you mean, however I think he is an INTP. This is especially apparent earlier on in the series, he definitely seems like a primary Ti user. Also, his overall quirky behaviour is seen throughout the series with his Ne, questioning everything. The key thing is that he over uses his Si, as seen with taking methodical approaches at times and going by the system (at times). It’s his inferior Fe though that is also prominent. Very hard call though.
I think this list Downplays the role of intp. 4 US presidents happened to be intp. Most famous mathematicians have been intp. The major contributors to theoretical physics also, how about Higs and his particle lately?
I have been told I am naive when that person does not understand what an INTP is all about. So sad and irrational of them to be so short sighted. There are pluses to being an INTP but the big downside is just not being understood by so many.
I am wondering if personality types are genetic. Does anyone know for sure?
You’re wondering because you wonder if it’s “reversible.” lol I do as well. Being in harmony and in sync with one’s fellow man seems/feels so much better than standing apart, especially as a guy ages and we seek more meaningful connections in the everyday world. It’s a sad, lonely road, but personally I can say I’ve met and befriended some people from very different personality types who eases that burden from time to time. The key is in truly valuing their opinion and realising they “might know something you don’t,” (which is true, as you can’t disprove it!! wait… ) as Jordan Peterson would describe it. And that’s hard for an INTP, lmao,but also true. You never know if they might have some paradigm-shifting idea you never thought of!! :P
That’s what I was wondering too- there’s 7 people in my family and I’m the only “thinker” in my family. Of course everyone thinks, but as a core trait, all of my family are F’s.
Father: INFJ
Mother: ESFP
Older sister: INFP
Me; INTP
Older brother: ENFP
Younger sis: ESFP
Youngest sis: ENFP
I’m still yet to find out what my other relatives’ types are. And I’ve still not found another INTP out of anyone I know personally. My boyfriend is an ENTJ, and apparently our types are extremely compatible which I’ve found an ongoing pattern with the 2 core traits in others’ relationships.
For example:
ENTJ ~ INTP (NT) Intuitive Thinking
ISTP ~ ESTJ (ST) Sensing Thinking
ENFP ~ INFJ (NF) Intuitive Feeling
etc. (you get the picture). But if you don’t, here’s a quick summary- 2 types with the same 2 middle traits and the opposite 2 outer traits are more likely to be compatible than types with only 1 trait in common or opposite,
My mother(ESFP) and my father(INFJ) don’t really get along too well…. at all. They aren’t
(My younger sisters are still pretty young and a lot of their answers were mutual. Plus I don’t think their personalities are fully developed, by the time they’re my age I’m certain their MBTI type will be different, or even within a year).
In what universe is Ian Malcolm an introvert?
Fantastic list. Thank you for the time and effort put into it.
Uri Orlov (Nicholas Cage “Lord of War”) is also a fictional CLASSIC INTP
Dr. Gero from DBZ omg lol
I was like whoever sourced fictional characters all the way down to there is clearly demonstrating genuine effort
ｇｏｏｄ ｓｔｕｆｆ 仮ンワ
Lincoln has come up in my INTP list and my Depression list I should prob start reading up on him
Agreed. Hermoine is definitely too organized to be INTP. J Maybe??
Hi I’m intp too
S.th looks missing in the list. Doesn’t it? Ohh yeaaah, its SHERLOCK HOLMES!! You forgot he is an INTP? The Sherlock in the series is INTP.
Woody Allen’s speech pattern and body language are very INTP-ish. Lots of Jews with this personality type!
You put Sigourney Weaver as INTP and entj please get your stuff together.
Oops, you’re right! I’m happy to say that Mrs Weaver just stopped being ENTJ ;-) Thanks for the correction!
I’m curious to know why Woody Allen and Aubrey Plaza aren’t here.
Yeah Aubrey Plaza is hilariously INTP, lol. I appreciate and respect her for being the wacky weirdo that she is.
…And Jesse Eisenberg is missing too.
Sheldon Cooper is NOT an INTP. He does his laundry on the same day every week, has the same food on the same night every week, has a rigid schedule, notoriously inflexible in varying that schedule, etc. — that all would drive an INTP totally and utterly bonkers. nope. try again.
Dont know, Si Third Function helps INTPs to handle habits, such as having a balanced diet, or so. For example, me, I weight almost all my food close to everyday just to measure my calories and stuff, and Im still an INTP.
Yeah, INTPs usually have a pretty thin physique. They have to use some dedication to achieve that. That usually means not eating, because they aren’t athletic.
INTP’s have a very strong connection with their own well-being. I’ve always worked hard on my strength, flexibilty, balance, endurance, control, blah blah, hell, I usually over think it. For those in scientific fields you’re probably right though. What goes on inside overrides anything on the outside. When I’ve decided to munch down on a workout program and follow it religiously, I stick to it and proper nutrition, but it’s more like a cold-turkey never-smoke-again routine, leaving no other outcome to myself than death hahaha. When my mind is off chasing ideas and no health/physical routine I tend to slim out while not focusing on my physical well-being. Overall though I think INTP’s are very much in sync with their physical well-being, sometimes to the point of being hypochondriacs.
I’m a hairy af, pretty strong and athletic.
178 cm and ~82 kg
Used to play football when i was younger. Now i do strength training. Was squatting 80kg at 5×3 and 110kg one rep max first time i tried.
I eat like there’s no tomorrow and don’t get fat.
There goes your assumption about INTPs.
I’ve read that the show creator used Nikolas Tesla as a personality model for Shelden. And have seen Tesla on an INTP list. But it’s also Hollywood so writers gonna write quirks in for comedy over authenticity. That said, INTPs can be very particular about HOW they organize. They/we won’t organize everything but also don’t let other people even attempt to organize stuff they might care about. I am messy but when it comes time to do the laundry and dishes I am pretty anal about how they’re done. That might resolve the contradiction a bit on Shelden and his clothes. If they were action figures or Magic cards or microscopes rather than clothes it might seem more TP-ish.
I also gauge Tesla as an INTP. I might be wrong, but as far as I can remember, Tesla died alone, in poverty, and as a virgin, describing a pigeon he owned as something he loved “as a man loves a woman.” Let’s not be Tesla. He was such a brilliant and transformational mind for the future of humanity, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a martyr for science, if you get my drift…. It’s a rare kind of man, but I hope that those who follow in those mighty steps might innovate on them as well.
Can you add Brian May to the INTP musicians? He’s a classic INTP that should be acknowledged.
Jesse Eisenberg and Brian May?
Add Brian May.
Please add Brian Johnson from The Breakfast Club and George McFly from Back to the Future.
What about Bill Gates?
I would like to see a diverse list of INTP personalities (Black, Asian, etc.)
Brian May should be here.
Sheldon Cooper is definitely not an INTP. Whoever wrote this must not be familiar with the character at all.
Posts were wondering about INTPs of color.
INTPs were probably not successful at procreating in slavery conditions. Think too much, dead. Question authority, dead. Learn to read, dead. Get hit on, don’t even realize it. Get along well, talk too much, risk too little, still no babies. If not for academia and industry and the arts not many INTPs would survive, nevermind thrive to fame. A handy shortcut for understanding racial differences in America for last 250 years is to realize “black” is just the same as “White plus racist oppression.” It’s not perfect but it gets you to the answers.
That’s assuming that personality types are genetic. Personality is typically considered to be formed through early childhood. Also, most of those INTP’s are historical figures, which makes sense since INTP’s are known as system creators/innovators. The only modern INTP’s that are recognized as such, tend to be in the tech field since you can see the success of innovations quickly in that sector. Going back to the historical figures that make up INTP’s, it’s important to know that the history we subscribe to was written in a white dominated world by white people. There aren’t that many historically significant black people relative to their white counterparts in general, and the historically famous blacks tend to be moreso for advocacy and starting movements; which is not a very INTP thing. INTP’s that are famous in fields other than academic/intellectual endevors tend to be famous for what they did while happening to be INTP’s, not famous for their INTP-ness.
I’ve recently just tested as INTP-t. I’ve taken dozens tests after just to see but they all say the same. But there is one thing I’m horrible at math. Is anyone else INTP and also bad at math? Also feels good to know there’s nothing wrong with me. Just thought I had ADD and antisocial.
Took three tests myself and they come out the same. INTP. I suck at maths and I love being alone (I’m a very introverted person).
I have tested INTP every single time. Even when I thought I had changed my direction of thought, to some degree. Probably 30+ times, always the same…INTP
And YES, Brittany I too, am horrible at most math. Geometry, I can ace in my sleep.
It’s because of the P. Just the tiP….
In what multiverse would an INTP marry Ron Weasley?
David Byrne from Talking Heads seems like an INTP.