Which better reflects an individual’s intelligence: their spoken words or written words? Most people might initially think writing because that is how the most intelligent ideas are spread: in books. But, essentially, speaking is to writing as taking a test is to taking an open-book test. When writing, the “book” is every book ever—the entire internet: Google, Wikipedia, academic papers, etc. All of human knowledge is at your fingertips.
Continue readingTag Archives: introversion
The Big Five and INTP
A couple of years ago I wrote about how I was an INFJ according to the Meyers-Briggs personality type indicator, but it turns out I might actually be an INTP. Back then I took several MBTI tests and got INFJ more times than not (though there was some variation). Now when I take the test, more times than not, I am an INTP (though again there is some variation, sometimes getting INTJ). The more I read about INTPs, the more that type seems to fit me. One thing is clear, however: every time I take the test, then and now, I am always firmly IN (Introverted and iNtuitive), it’s only the last two letters (thinking/feeling and perceiving/judging) that vary. Continue reading
The Evolutionary Advantage of Shyness and Social Anxiety
I used to think of my shyness and social anxiety as a disorder—something wrong with me. As if I got unlucky and inherited a genetic defect. Then, I heard that social anxiety is not something you’re born with—it’s developed. Which didn’t make sense either because I’ve been shy and socially anxious my entire life. It wasn’t until I learned about evolutionary psychology that everything started to make sense. I was born with the tendency to be shy around strangers and worry about what other people think of me, but that wasn’t a genetic mistake. Shyness and social anxiety were actually an evolutionary advantage. Continue reading
Haruki Murakami on Introversion
I briefly talked about Haruki Murakami’s memoir, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, in my “Top Ten Books I Read in 2016” post, but I thought this book was worth expanding on, particularly Murakami’s passages about his introversion. Continue reading
MBTI Personality Types: I am INFJ
I’ve recently become interested in personality types and the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). After taking several free online tests (16personalities.com has a good one), I’ve discovered I am an INFJ. Continue reading
Best Books I Read in 2016
As 2016 is winding down, I thought I’d do a best-of list, but it won’t be a “best books released in 2016,” since there are too many I have yet to read. Instead, I’ll do a list of the best books I read in 2016, regardless of when it was originally published.
Introversion vs. Social Anxiety
I used to feel bad about being alone. I felt like there was something wrong with me. That I should be hanging out with friends like everyone else. But when I was with people I felt just as bad because I was so uncomfortable. There was no way for me to win. Continue reading
Is Hollywood Biased Against Introverts?
I recently listened to an episode of the Broken Projector podcast that featured an interview with a Hollywood literary manager. He talked about what he looks for in a prospective screenwriter client and gave some good advice, chief of which is to “write a great script,” but I was a bit disheartened by something else he said. Continue reading
Social Anxiety in Movies: Roger Dodger
Roger Dodger is about Nick (Jesse Eisenberg), a shy nerdy sixteen-year-old high school student from Ohio who visits Roger (Campbell Scott), his cool confident fast-talking uncle in New York City. Roger takes Nick out for a night on the town to teach him how to pick up women. Continue reading
Social Anxiety in Movies: Choking Man
What’s it about?: Choking Man is a psychological drama about Jorge, a young Ecuadorian immigrant with extreme social anxiety who works as a dishwasher in a Greek diner in Jamaica, Queens, New York. The story basically follows Jorge and his interactions with his diner co-workers, including an overbearing extroverted cook and a pretty Chinese waitress. Continue reading