Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Personality Test

While bumming around the blogosphere today (man, I need a hobby!), I came across this personality test, which claims to be based on Carl Jung and analytical psychology. Like I said, I had nothing better to do, so I decided to have a go at it. I usually dislike personality tests, because 1: They never seem to fit me, and 2: I don't see how they could fit me, since my answers are usually based on my current mood, and not the long-term observation that the most truthful answers would require. But the results of this test actually seemed to fit me rather well (not that I particularly like everything they said, but they seem accurate). According to them, I am an "Introverted Sensing Thinking Judging" personality type, also known as an "Inspector." Here are some quotes from the results that stood out:

"As do other Introverted Thinkers, ISTJs often give the initial impression of being aloof and perhaps somewhat cold. Effusive expression of emotional warmth is not something that ISTJs do without considerable energy loss." -- Though I've said before on this blog that I'm "upbeat," this description actually sounds more like me. I mean, I'm an optimist and I'm usually more-or-less happy, but I'm not visibly happy (I get the "Is something wrong?" question a lot, even though nothing usually is) I wouldn't say that I'm "cold," but I'm definitely not one to be easily excited, and it does take me a lot to express emotion.

"ISTJs are easily frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when the second parties don't keep their commitments. But they usually keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. And when asked, they don't mince words. Truth wins out over tact." -- Sounds about right. ;-)

"SJ orientation draws the ISTJ into the service of established institutions. Home, social clubs, government, schools, the military, churches -- these are the bastions of the SJ. "We've always done it this way" is often reason enough for many ISTJs. " -- Well, they put schools in there, and I want to be a teacher, so...

And then they give a list of "Famous ISTJs," which includes George Washington, Herbert Hoover, and Christ's disciple, Thomas (which begs the question -- how did any of them take this personality test?) I'm flattered that one of the disciples is my personality type, though. :-) There are also some "Fictional ISTJs," like Eeyore from "Winnie the Pooh" (he was always my favorite), and Fred Mertz from "I Love Lucy." So what about you guys? Anyone feel like taking this test and seeing their personality type?

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