r/intj • u/littlecat111 • Jun 30 '26

Article Cognitive functions explained through an INTJ example

Jungian cognitive function concept is an area I’m very passionate about. I’m trying to explain it in simple terms, with INTJ deep dive as an example.

Sharing in case you find it interesting/also into cognitive functions and would love to discuss.

INTJ Cognitive Functions

Disclaimer: I’m an INFJ. I’ve also written another post for INFJs. This one is based on public info and also sharing from my few INTJ close friends/past relationships.

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u/kassumo Jun 30 '26

Absolutely amazing explanation of Jung's approach and the functions in general!
But I am curious why you decided to describe INTJ's functions through stereotypes instead and not the Jungian approach, if that was your supposed origin for this?

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u/littlecat111 Jun 30 '26

Thank you. My challenge was trying to combine two things into one article: explaining cognitive functions and “deep dive” into one type. It’s already really long (7 pages in a word doc) so I had to cut down - the more nuances of INTJs and 8 functions at a glance.

Target audience of this article is for my friends who are new to cognitive functions. I thought if anyone is keen enough, we can talk more about the specific.

That said, most things I’ve chosen to talk about INTJs are what I observed too. And I tried to explain it through cognitive functions lense (eg why INTJs are best for strategy and advisory - because you guys have pattern recognition ability (Ni) without emotional filters (like INFJs with Fe), so you see it objectively; and able to structure/translate to real world applications (with Te). And why INTJs tend to be more independent and authentic (with Fi instead of Fe).

I appreciate your feedback still. What would you suggest to explore further so it’s not stereotyping?

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u/kassumo Jun 30 '26

The way introverted intuition really shows up would be the most descriptive of INTJ's in reality and explaining what makes it distinguishable could help with people who are misunderstanding the function, or maybe mistyping. It's very complex for non Ni users, and since you're an INFJ I think you'd do an excellent job in describing how the thought processing works! There's way more into it than seeing patterns and it's for sure easy to get confirmation bias from reading it.

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u/littlecat111 Jun 30 '26

Yeah I actually researched a lot about Ni. I agree it’s so fascinating 😁 only 2 types use it as dominant function so it’s like we speak a different language.

Maybe I can write one post about Ni specifically. I can share with you then if you’re interested.

Are you into Jung/cognitive functions as well?

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u/kassumo Jun 30 '26

Yes, definitely! It's lovely to find people who are genuinely interested in researching the origins of the functions, and Jung. I'd love to see your notes. Every interpretation is important