The Curiosity of Each Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

Are you the kind of person who wants to feel swept away by the discovery of new and exciting possibilities? Or are you someone who enjoys taking things apart to figure out how they work?

All of us are curious, but we all show it in different ways. And your Myers-Briggs® personality type has a part to play in the type of curiosity you have. That’s what we’re exploring in today’s article!

But before we begin, I want to clarify something. Your personality type should never be a box that keeps you trapped within certain rules or specifications. Many things impact your tastes, preferences, and lifestyle choices. While I enjoy writing about certain trends or patterns among specific types, don’t ever feel like these patterns are firm rules you can’t stretch beyond. Perhaps you are an ISTJ, but you relate more to the curiosity of an INFJ. That’s okay! Perhaps you grew up with an NFJ parent who had a huge impact on you, or perhaps you had other mentors who influenced the type of curiosity that you developed over the years.

Just remember that it’s okay to be curious in a way that doesn’t fit your type perfectly – there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ That being said, let’s dive into the common patterns of curiosity of each of the 16 personality types. And let me know what you think in the comments!

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our new personality questionnaire here. Or you can take the official Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) here.

Curiosity and Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type

The ENFPs – The Possibility-Seeking Champions

For ENFPs, life is a captivating journey of discovery and exploration, where they unravel new concepts, possibilities, and futures. The present moment ignites their curiosity with sparks of inspiration, evoking a cascade of ideas and potential for the future. “What if?” is a question their mind is always asking. What if there’s meaning in everything around them? What if they changed something in their environment and it sparked a domino-effect of other changes? What if we looked at a situation differently? What if there was a connection between one thing and another

ENFPs are driven by an insatiable curiosity about what lies ahead, both for themselves and those around them. They relish the beauty of change, evolution, and transformation. To an ENFP, the world is a kaleidoscope of possibilities, waiting to be reshaped and seen through different lenses. Every object carries a symbolic significance; a blooming flower symbolizes the growth and beauty of a talent being explored, while a stormy sky evokes the trials and triumphs of navigating life’s challenges. Every moment holds meaning, every detail brims with potential in the eyes of an ENFP.

Discover more about ENFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ENFP, The Visionary Personality Type

The ENTPs – The Innovative Trailblazers

The ENTP personality type is driven by a relentless desire to invent, explore, and discover ingenious solutions. They possess an insatiable curiosity that propels them to constantly push the boundaries of possibility. While they often seem random or disorganized, they also find meaning in that. In unpredictability and chaos they can find connections that would be less visible in a structured, predictable setting. Rather than settling for the familiar, ENTPs strive to break new ground and create something extraordinary that has never been seen before.

For ENTPs, curiosity drives them to not only discover new possibilities, but figure out how things work. Often as children they were punished for taking apart various household objects to figure out what pieces were inside and how they fit together and functioned. ENTPs also enjoy taking apart ideas, theories, and rules. Why do we believe what we do? What’s logical about it? Why is something right or wrong? Why is this “universal truth” universal? This curiosity can give them an argumentative streak and a tendency towards hairsplitting. But it also helps them to form logically consistent worldviews and principles that they see as guiding them on the correct path in life.

Find out more about ENTPs: 10 Things That Terrify ENTPs

The INFPs – The Idealistic Crusaders

INFPs are profoundly curious about what matters to them and others on a deep level. They yearn to understand the driving forces behind people’s actions, motivations, and the values that underpin different behaviors and worldviews. Their desire is to connect deeply with stories and gain insights into the complexities of human nature. They strive to comprehend “the human experience” on a profound, personal level.

Merely living life isn’t sufficient for the INFP. They want to understand life. They want to know the “why” behind their choices and feelings. Their focus is introspective, as they ask themselves: “Why do I feel this way?” “What drives this desire?” “Why am I pursuing this path?” “What is this emotion telling me?” This curiosity leads them on a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness that never ends.

INFPs are also global thinkers who want to find connections between seemingly disparate events. They are curious about the world, other cultures, other lifestyles, other religions, and other philosophical systems. They want to know what it’s like to be someone else, to live another life, or think in a different way. Ultimately, they want to find the “inner truth” of things – whether that’s a person, an event, or a concept.

As Intuitive Perceivers, INFPs also revel in exchanging ideas, bantering, and coming up with creative possibilities. They love animated, thought-provoking discussions, exploring potential and gaining insights about new things. To the INFP, every moment holds the potential to unveil a new, life-changing path.

Discover more about INFPs: 10 Ways to Spark Your Creativity as an INFP

The INTPs – The Creative Prodigies

For INTPs, life is all about becoming an expert. They have a never-ending curiosity that leads them to dig deep into the intricate details of their interests. They love exploring the inner workings of ideas and theories, making connections, and analyzing the principles and underlying components of everything. While their thought processes may seem random to others, they are actually internally coherent and logical. It’s like they have this mental matrix with countless connections, allowing them to think beyond the usual boundaries.

INTPs are curious about anything that leaves room for imagination and further discovery. They have an amazing knack for linking unrelated thoughts and exploring countless paths in their search for clarity and understanding. Whether they’re figuring out how the new iPhone works, debating Jung’s theories against Freud’s, or analyzing the special effects in modern films, they love getting a clearer and clearer picture about how things work.

As Intuitive-Perceivers, INTPs are also curious about the future. How will patterns unfold over time? What could they change in the moment that will create a plethora of new possibilities in the future? Extrapolating ideas and theories about the future is something that sparks their curiosity and gives them a desire to explore new paths in scientific or theoretical discovery.

Explore more about INTPs: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an INTP

The ENFJs – The Visionary Mentors

ENFJs have a deep curiosity about the inner workings of people’s lives. They are fascinated by individual narratives and the various motivations, desires, and aspirations that drive each person’s unique story. Their keen interest in understanding others extends beyond mere surface-level interactions. Rather they want to unearth the profound emotions and beliefs that shape human actions and reactions. Just as a maestro conducts a symphony, ENFJs strive to orchestrate harmonious interactions and relationships, a feat possible only because of their empathic curiosity and their longing to comprehend the nuanced human psyche.

The ENFJ’s curiosity often drives them to fields in leadership and counseling. These mentors use their understanding of people’s inner lives to inspire, motivate, and bring out the best in them. They are curious about what makes a person tick, what fuels their passions, and what soothes their fears. To ENFJs, every person’s life is a riveting book, each chapter revealing a new layer of complexity and depth, and they are the eager readers, always ready to turn the next page.

ENFJs are also captivated by the concept of ripple effects and the patterns that shape life’s flow. They are fascinated by how a single event, a minute action, can trigger a series of changes, creating a ripple that extends far beyond the initial point of impact. This fascination fuels their ability to predict outcomes and anticipate future scenarios. They are adept at reading patterns, connecting dots, and foreseeing possible human effects, which often gives them an uncanny ability to guide people towards beneficial choices and steer clear of potential pitfalls.

Find out more about ENFJs: ENFJs, INFJs and Empathy Burnout

INFJs – The Insightful Mystics

INFJs have an inherent fascination with the mysteries and profound intricacies of human behavior. They are intrigued by the deeper meanings and hidden patterns that govern our actions, thoughts, and motivations. Their curiosity often leads them to spend countless hours pondering life’s existential questions, continually seeking to unravel the “Why’s” of the universe. Why are we here? What is our significance? What is our purpose? These questions frequently play on an INFJ’s mind.

Beneath the INFJ’s calm and serene exterior lies a whirlpool of thoughts, ideas, and speculations about the human condition. Often they are able to shift perspectives, grasping how other people feel in wildly different contexts. This ability to shift perspective often gives them the title of “Empath.” Their uncanny ability to understand subtle shifts in behavior and to foresee potential outcomes often leaves others in awe.

INFJs have a particular fascination with abstract, conceptual topics. Many INFJs find themselves drawn to subjects like religion, spirituality, science, and psychology. Their ultimate quest is to navigate through life with a profound sense of purpose, constantly seeking out any subject that ignites a spark of meaning or depth. They are less curious about things and more curious about people. They are less curious about material gain and more concerned with meaningful connections and deep understanding.

Discover more about INFJs: How INFJs Say “I Love You”

ENTJs – The Strategic Directors

ENTJs possess a potent curiosity about cause and effect, patterns, and ripple effects. They are constantly striving to comprehend how actions today can shape the outcomes of tomorrow, akin to a game of chess, where every move is calculated and strategic. Sometimes this means they climb the corporate ladder, and other times this means they head non-profits that are working to improve the world.

ENTJs also have an insatiable curiosity about metrics, goal-achievement, and strategic development. They are enamored by the science of success, meticulously analyzing performance indicators, productivity metrics, and success rates to optimize outcomes. Their minds function like a well-oiled machine, always calculating, strategizing, and planning several steps ahead. They are often drawn to leadership roles where they can leverage their strategic prowess and their relentless drive to reach defined goals.

For ENTJs, curiosity does not kill the cat; instead, it gives the cat a roadmap to success, laying out efficient routes and ingenious tactics to conquer and achieve. Their inherent desire to understand what drives success often leads them to create groundbreaking plans, transforming obstacles into opportunities. But ENTJs aren’t all about goals. They also have another side that cares about philosophical subjects. As Intuitives, they are often captivated by the deeper meanings of existence and the implications of life. They might take a step back to ponder the great questions, but at the same time, endeavor to find solutions that make an impact in the real world.

Discover more about ENTJs: 24 Signs That You’re an ENTJ, the Director Personality Type

INTJs – The Enterprising Visionaries

INTJs – often perceived as quiet and stoic – are in reality, profoundly curious beings. They are engrossed by big-picture questions that delve into the very essence of our existence and the universe. Questions like, “Why are we here?” and “What is the universe?” are not mere ponderings for them, but intellectual challenges they strive to decode. Their curiosity is not limited to surface details, but rather, it is a journey into the heart of intricacies, patterns, and complexities. They are driven by a relentless pursuit to understand life’s profound mysteries or grasp the cosmos. This depth of curiosity, while not always outwardly apparent, shapes their thought processes, governs their actions, and fuels their intellectual pursuits. They may appear reserved on the outside, but inside, their minds are vibrant universes of curiosity and exploration.

Despite their penchant for the abstract, INTJs are also incredibly curious about practical implementation – how to make plans and ideas work in the real world. This is where their Extraverted Thinking (Te) truly shines, as they often dedicate just as much intellectual prowess to the logistics of executing ideas as they do to the ideas themselves. They revel in the challenge of transforming intangible ideas into tangible actions, often creating systems or strategies to ensure efficient execution. INTJs are commonly found pondering questions such as, “How can we make this work?” or “What’s the most effective approach?” Their curiosity is not just about formulating concepts but also about executing them in the most effective manner. This blend of theoretical curiosity and practical ingenuity makes INTJs unique problem solvers, capable of not only envisioning grand ideas, but also bringing them to fruition.

Find out more about INTJs: 24 Signs That You’re an INTJ, the Strategist Personality Type

ESFPs – The Spontaneous Explorers

ESFPs are fascinated by the myriad experiences that make life vibrant and meaningful. Their curiosity is ignited by the tangibility and immediacy of the world around them. They are not merely spectators but active participants in life’s grand spectacle, keen to absorb every nuance of the moment. Something as basic as a dance becomes a profound exploration of rhythm, human connection, and expressive freedom for them. They are curious about experiences, flavors, sounds, textures, and sights. Their mind asks questions like “What opportunity is available right now?” or “What does that feel/taste/smell like?” or “What brings me joy?” They embrace spontaneity as a source of discovery, pursuing paths less traveled in order to uncover hidden gems of experience that others may have missed.

ESFPs are also deeply curious about people and their stories. They love meeting new friends and are fascinated by everyone’s unique perspectives and experiences. They’re curious about what makes people tick and what drives them. As Feeling-Perceiving types, ESFPs are also curious about their own motivations and values. Why do they like what they do? What are their unique tastes and interests? Why do they get a gut feeling when something seems bad to them and why do they feel so intensely when something seems good? Exploring themselves is important for healthy ESFPs. It helps them make decisions and take actions that are aligned with their values rather than getting swept away in impulsivity.

Discover more about ESFPs: Understanding ESFP Sensing

ESTPs – The Bold Adventurers

ESTPs, often known as the ‘Daredevils’ of the personality types, have a compelling curiosity towards experiences that add a rush of adrenaline and intensity to life. They are enthusiastic indulgers in the present moment, seeking experiences that ignite their senses and stimulate their adventurous spirit. Their curiosity drives them to actively engage with the world, whether this means pursuing extreme sports or experimenting with flavors in the kitchen. The thrill of the new, the uncharted, the daring – these are the experiences that awaken the ESTPs’ zest for life. They are constantly wondering, “What would make life more exciting?” or “What can push the boundaries of my comfort zone?” For ESTPs, curiosity is the compass guiding them towards exhilarating and vibrant life experiences.

ESTPs also harbor a profound curiosity about how things work. Their minds are like intricate puzzle solvers, ceaselessly fascinated by the mechanics of objects, systems, and processes. Whether it’s understanding the inner workings of an engine, deconstructing a complex gadget, or learning the structure of a new language, ESTPs thrive in unraveling mysteries of the tangible world. They are inherently practical and hands-on, often preferring to learn by doing rather than through abstract theorizing. “How does this work?” or “What makes this tick?” are questions frequently occupying their thoughts. This curiosity extends beyond physical objects, venturing into the realm of social dynamics and interpersonal relationships. They are keen observers, adept at reading people and situations, and using these insights to navigate their world effectively. For ESTPs, understanding the how’s and why’s serves as a gateway to mastery, competence, and ultimately, accomplishment.

Learn more about ESTPs: 10 Reasons Why ESTPs Make Amazing Friends

ISFPs – The Artistic Explorers

ISFPs, often perceived as the artists of the personality types, hold a deep curiosity about their own motivations and values. They are constantly introspecting, seeking to unravel the layers of their own complex emotions, preferences, and desires. Questions like, “Why does this matter to me?” or “What truly motivates me?” often resonate within them. They are passionate about understanding their authentic selves, eager to align their life choices with their core values. This introspective curiosity leads ISFPs on a profound journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to lead lives that are not only fulfilling but also deeply harmonious with their innermost self.

ISFPs are captivated by the richness of experiences, sights, sounds, textures, and tastes that life offers. Their perception of the world is akin to an artist’s palette, full of diverse and vivid hues waiting to be explored. An encounter with a new flavor, a unique texture, a melody unexplored, or an unseen vista can ignite a spark of curiosity within them. They see life as an endless tapestry of experiences, every thread contributing to the whole. Their instinctive question is often, “How does this experience enrich my life?” or “What new sensation does this bring?” This profound curiosity about sensory experiences turns their life into a ceaseless exploration, where each new discovery adds depth, color, and resonance to their existence. The world, for ISFPs, is a grand symphony of experiences waiting to be savored and appreciated, each note played contributing to their ever-evolving understanding of life’s rich tapestry.

Discover more about ISFPs: How ISFPs Say “I Love You”

ISTPs – The Independent Discoverer

ISTPs want to understand the inner workings of objects and are curious about all the components that make something work. They have a knack for problem-solving; but that ability to problem-solve didn’t come from nowhere. It’s born out of an insatiable inquisitiveness that has led them through life with questions like, “How does this work?” “What is this made of?” or “How can I improve this?”

The ISTP’s curiosity drives them to physically interact with their environment. They love to explore with their hands, getting a better understanding of how things work by taking them apart and putting them back together again. Most ISTPs I know have either rebuilt computers or tinkered with motorcycles, tailoring them to their own specifications. I’ve also known ISTP artists who experimented with colors and textures, creating incredible art that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

ISTPs also have a curiosity that drives them towards exploration and novel experiences. Their independent spirit is ignited by the thrill of new environments, unfamiliar sensations, and the adrenaline rush that accompanies bold adventures. Sometimes this curiosity manifests as a desire to explore new terrains, be it hiking up a rugged mountain trail, diving into the depths of the ocean, or embarking on a road trip to unvisited locales. Other times this shows up as a desire to build, experiment, and create. The question, “What would this feel like?” or “What would happen if I changed this?” is a frequent visitor in their minds, driving them to experiment with new foods, music genres, artistic expressions, or even sports.

Discover more about ISTPs: The Top 25 Favorite ISTP Movies

ESFJs – The People-Driven Explorers

ESFJs are deeply curious about people, their values, tastes, and traditions. Known as the “caregiver” types, they are profoundly interested in understanding what makes individuals tick, what they love, and what they hate. A typical question bouncing around an ESFJ’s mind might be, “What is important to this person?” or “Why does this person prefer this over that?” This people-oriented curiosity allows ESFJs to form deep connections, easily empathize with others, and offer support in a way that resonates with the individual’s unique needs and preferences. Their fascination with people’s tastes and values reflects in their social interactions, where they strive to build bridges of understanding and create harmonious environments for everyone.

Intriguingly, ESFJs also have a keen curiosity about history and details from the past. Their interest in the past is tied to their desire to understand the context, tradition, and precedents that shape present circumstances and people’s behaviors. “What historical event led to this?” or “What traditions do I want to carry into the future?” are typical musings of an ESFJ. Their curiosity about history extends to personal histories as well, where they show a deep interest in understanding individuals’ backgrounds, their growth journeys, and past experiences. This curiosity helps ESFJs appreciate the tapestry of time, how it influences the present, and how it can provide valuable lessons for the future.

ESTJs – The Pragmatic Captains

ESTJs have a deep-rooted curiosity about systems, structures, and efficiency. They love to figure out ways to turn a big problem into a series of manageable tasks. Their pragmatic minds constantly ask, “What is the best way to achieve this?” or “How can we improve efficiency?” This curiosity is not just theoretical; ESTJs are action-oriented individuals who are eager to apply their insights into everyday operations. They love hearing how people overcame obstacles, made something work, or improved a system or habit. Practical tips and tricks are always exciting for ESTJs, especially if they can be implemented right away.

Interestingly, similar to their ESFJ counterparts, ESTJs also hold a fascination for the past, but for slightly different reasons. They are curious about how past decisions, actions, and methods have shaped current practices and the world around them. Questions like, “Why was this done this way in the past?” or “What lessons can I learn from what happened before?” often linger in their minds. They believe that understanding the past can provide valuable insights for the present and future, helping to avoid previous mistakes and build on past successes. This practical application of history translates into their systematic approach to problem-solving, where past experiences serve as a guide for current and future endeavors.

ISFJs – The Gentle Protectors

ISFJs are deeply curious about the past and how it shapes one’s identity. They often delve into their own chronicles, analyzing life experiences and events to comprehend how they’ve evolved over time. This introspective curiosity leads them to ponder questions like, “What life events have shaped me into who I am today?” or “How has this past experience influenced my present choices and beliefs?” By reflecting on their personal narratives, ISFJs not only gain a deeper understanding of themselves but also learn valuable lessons that guide them in their future journeys. This type of ‘historical curiosity’ extends beyond personal experiences, leading ISFJs to show a keen interest in cultural traditions, family histories, and societal norms that have evolved over time. Many ISFJs love exploring their family trees, or historical events that have occurred in their hometowns.

In addition to their fascination with the past, ISFJs also showcase a profound curiosity about people and their individual beliefs, desires, and concerns. They have an innate desire to understand what makes people happy, sad, angry, or scared. This curiosity sparks questions like, “What are the core values that drive this person?” or “What would this person need to feel comfortable?” Understanding people at a deeper level enables ISFJs to empathize with them, providing support that resonates with the individual’s unique needs and aspirations. Their curiosity about people is often directed towards building deeper connections, nurturing relationships, and creating harmonious environments that cater to the collective well-being of all involved.

Find out more about ISFJs: Are ISFJs Rare? A Look at the Protector Personality Type

ISTJs – Detail-Oriented Discoverers

ISTJs are inquisitive about facts and details from the past. Their curiosity stems from a strong value for tradition and a desire to understand the foundations on which present systems and structures are built. They thrive on specifics, often finding themselves absorbed in questions such as, “What exactly happened at this historical event?” or “What were the essential details that led to this outcome?” This detail-oriented curiosity allows ISTJs to delve deeper into topics, extracting insights that others may overlook. Their keen interest in the past, coupled with their penchant for details, results in a unique ability to remember and recall factual information, which they can use to inform decisions and increase their understanding of the world around them.

Along with their fascination for historical facts, ISTJs are zealous discoverers of practical tips that can simplify daily life. They are intrigued by efficient systems and processes, and how they can be improved or optimized for better results. This practical curiosity drives them to ask, “How can this task be done more efficiently?” or “What can be done to streamline this process?” They relish in discovering practical solutions that can enhance productivity and functionality, whether in their personal lives or in their workplaces. This love for practicality often leads them to share these valuable tips and tricks with others, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of their teams and communities.

Discover more about ISTJs: What ISTJs Do When They’re Really Stressed Out

What Are Your Thoughts?

Did you enjoy this article? Do you relate to what was said about your type? Let us know your experiences and any insights you have for other readers in the comments!

Discover even more about your personality type and take the path to more self-understanding and personal growth in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type,  The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!