Who Was J.R.R. Tolkien: An INFP or a Different Type?
J.R.R. Tolkien, the legendary author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, has captured the imaginations of generations with his rich, imaginative worlds. But what personality type did he embody? Many have speculated that he fits the INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) personality type, while others believe his focus on details and factual accuracy points to a different typing. This article explores the evidence and contemplates the possibility of different personality types that could better describe J.R.R. Tolkien's unique creative process.
Understanding INFP
INFPs are known for their introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving traits. They are imaginative, deeply passionate, and value authenticity and personal growth. They often have rich inner lives and are driven to explore complex ideas and emotions. While many writers are believed to be INFPs, what makes J.R.R. Tolkien's case special?
The Controversial Questions: INFP vs. INTP
Beyond the general traits that many writers might share, what specific characteristics do we look at when considering J.R.R. Tolkien's personality?
Challenging Established Norms
Like INFPs, INTPs (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving) are curious, innovative, and highly imaginative. They enjoy re-defining boundaries and pushing against established norms. However, INTPs generally have a logical, analytical approach that sets them apart. Tolkien might have had a unique blend of analytical and intuitive traits. For instance, he ??t the emphasis on the mechanics of his world-building, an aspect that could align more with the Thinking (Te) function of INTPs.
Both INFPs and INTPs are known for their deep, meaningful relationships and complex ideas. Tolkien's world, with its rich characters and detailed history, could be seen as a testament to both traits. But his focus on factual accuracy and the importance of tradition and faith might point more towards an INTP-like approach.
Tolkien's World-Building and Personality Type
Tolkien's ability to create an extensive, intricate world is a hallmark of his writing. While this world often appears fantastical, Tolkien's world-building is meticulously detailed, almost to a fault. This level of attention to detail is characteristic of both INFPs and INTPs but can be more easily associated with the INTP's dominant function, Thinking (Te).
Te vs. Fi in Tolkien
A key aspect of determining Tolkien's personality type is distinguishing between his Thinking (Te) and Feeling (Fi) functions.
Te types, like INTPs, are logical, conscientious, and detail-oriented. They prioritize accuracy and factual correctness. Tolkien's refusal to edit his work and his focus on the world's mechanics suggest a strong Te function. He was more concerned with the accuracy of his linguistic and historical details than with the emotional or subjective experiences of his characters.
Fi vs. Ne in Tolkien
Tolkien's deep emotional connection to his characters and his strong sense of tradition and faith are traits associated with Feeling (Fi). However, his world-building process seems to be more about factual accuracy and detail-oriented world creation, which aligns more with Introverted Sensing (Si). Ne types, who are open to new ideas and blending reality and fantasy, might not align as closely with Tolkien's meticulous world-building approach.
Tolkien's world-building is not just about creating a series of events or a storyline; it's about the development of Middle-earth as a complete, detailed universe. This level of detail points to a strong Introverted Sensing (Si) function.
Conclusion and Further Speculation
While the exact personality type of J.R.R. Tolkien remains a matter of speculation, his world-building process, focus on tradition, and factual accuracy suggest that he was perhaps more of an INTP rather than an INFP. While both types are creative and imaginative, the level of factual accuracy and world-building details in Tolkien's work align more closely with the dominant Thinking (Te) function of the INTP personality type.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PERSONALITY TYPES ARE TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND OURSELVES AND OTHERS, BUT THIS SHOULD NOT LIMIT OUR APPRECIATION OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN'S GENIUS. WHAT MATTERS IS HOW HE CLEVERLY AND DEGRAPHICALLY BUILT THE WORLDS OF MIDDLE-EARTH.
**Related Keywords:** J.R.R. Tolkien, INFP, INTP, MBTI, Fictional World Building.