Perception may be real, even when it isn't reality.

It doesn't matter how intelligent, insightful, or experienced one actually is; if someone subjectively perceives them in a particular manner, everything they communicate to them is going to be passed through that filter of (mis)perception and will be "heard" exactly how the receiver wants to hear it, regardless of if it was what the communicator truly conveyed or not. 

What's also thought-provoking is that the inverse is also true. Meaning, there are people who perceive incompetent individuals as brilliant and everything they say therefore sounds profound as it resonates with the ego-based component of the filter and arouses an optimistic assurance.

Learn to drive one of these, or expect to ride in a box car

"Know thyself"

Some may have heard of the MBTI, or "Myers-Briggs Type Indicator". The Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an introspective self-report questionnaire indicating differing psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. Me, I'm a MBTI INTJ+T type. 

Discovering the MBTI and determining my type has been a very insightful and introspective experience.  I've recently been exploring the "+T" (Turbulence) designator for my specific type which has been as insightful, or actually explanatory, as initially discovering my type.

For example, I recently read the following on INTJ+T:

Their turbulence may be related to their introversion as well as to the fact that many INTJs are “highly sensitive persons” (HSPs). While INTJs may not see themselves as emotionally sensitive, they are often sensitive in other ways. They may for instance, be easily overstimulated or overwhelmed by external stimuli, such as crowded or noisy environments. This may engender deep feelings of unease or anxiety, perhaps even culminating in a migraine or panic attack.

Check, check, check, and check.

But while this may seem like a weakness, the author offered the following:

Unfortunately, people too often overlook the positive side of INTJs’ sensitivity, namely, its contribution to their perspicacity and perceptiveness. If we think of a sensitive nervous system as one that is highly attuned to all sorts of stimuli, it should not surprise us that INTJs can pick up on nuances and subtleties that are lost on other types. This, of course, goes hand-in-hand with their intuition, which requires the accurate perception of raw data (and lots of it) to work its magic.

BTW, the definition of perspicacity is as follows:

Perspicacity is a penetrating discernment —a clarity of vision or intellect which provides a deep understanding and insight. It takes the concept of wisdom deeper in the sense that it denotes a keenness of sense and intelligence applied to insight.

 So since the INTJ is the overall rarest personality type, and the +T even rarer, perhaps in a sense it is an example of a higher evolution of the mind.  Or maybe not even an evolution per se, but rather a more true example of a mind attuned to survival in the natural environment we lived in for thousands of years prior to where we have landed now.

It's tough at times and sometimes the hyper vigilance is exhausting and I do get those negative manifestations mentioned, but at the same time in the right situations my INTJ+T traits really shine and I'd not trade them for anything.

I guess one could say that I have learned to see my INTJ+T traits as my super powers, but as comic book fans know; all super powers come with some sort of price.

Twitter, a hate machine

Twitter is a hateful place, and I almost wonder if it isn't by design.

I had been Twitter-free for some time but due to some software development "networking" I revisited it and started following key folks related to technologies I've been using. Many of the virtual events feature Twitter handles of the presenters or require Twitter to ask questions.

So I figure "if I only follow these folks it won't be so bad, right?" Wrong. It also reinforces how wise it has been on my part to decline employment with a certain software company four times if it is filled with such smug urbanites who feel their limited reality is the best reality and everyone else is just ignorant.

It's funny as each of their profiles will say something like "opinions are my own", etc., but then the accounts are featured on official company broadcasts.

It amazes me how consumed some of these people are with hatred and rage. But the thing is there is some algorithm that seems to keep this hatred bubbling up through trends. Not to mention, when you click a trend, it seems to deliver the most hateful tweets which amplifies the echo chamber of hate.

It's like Twitter is the real life equivalent of "two minutes of hate" except it's not two minutes, it's 24/7 and all around the globe, and I bet there are key people sitting back gloating over this social engineering tool they have enacted.

After composing this, I think it's time to get the heck off Twitter again.  I'm surprised I lasted nearly two weeks.

10 Things You Should Know When Interacting with an INTJ

1. There is Literally Nothing Between the Lines
It’s very simple, but some people just can’t seem to fully grasp the idea of this reality. I say what I mean. That’s it. There are no hidden and obscure messages to be found between the lines. What I say, is what I mean. 

2. Don’t (Try to) Surprise Me
There are different types of surprises, and some are ok. Surprise me with my favorite dessert in my office, I’m all for it. But any surprise that somehow affects my plans is generally unwelcome. 

3. I Actually Do Have Feelings (On Occasion)
Yes, I know, it’s hard to believe. I feel things very deeply, I can be emotional, and I can be very sensitive. The only thing is — all of this happens on the inside, where I can keep it between myself and I. On the outside, I may appear cold, unable to feel or sympathize, and basically a robot.

4. Don’t Get Offended
Remember when I said that I say what I mean? Keep that in mind when you ask for my advice or opinion. I will tell you the truth, without sugarcoating it. 

5. Don’t Worry About Offending Me
It goes both ways. I don’t get offended if someone tells me I’ve done something wrong, just explain the problem so that I can fix it. If I ask for your opinion on something, I expect you to tell me what you really think. 

6. Be Real, or Get Out
I recognize manipulation, lies, and bullshit miles away and have zero tolerance for it. I will not explain or say anything most times, since calling someone on it usually leads nowhere. I’ll just walk away and put a hard stop to any existing relationship when this happens.

7. An Argument is Not a Fight
If you say something that I disagree with, I may tell you what I think. You’ll defend your stance, and I will challenge it. This is not a fight, it’s more of a debate. You can change my mind if you have a strong argument that makes sense to me. I really do want to know why you have a certain opinion on something, I’m not just picking a fight with you.
Keep in mind though, if you say something that is just wrong, I will just correct you and provide supporting facts/evidence as proof. I will not argue if you continue to stand by a wrong statement, since I have already corrected you and do not like to repeat myself.

8. Efficiency is Life
I am an efficient person, and I like to make sure everything is done in the most efficient way possible. My love for efficiency means that anything inefficient can literally piss me off, especially if I am ignored or brushed off when I provide a better way of doing things. 

9. This is My Face
Seriously, do not tell me to smile. Actually, don’t tell anyone to smile unless you’re a photographer or something. That’s just disrespectful. I am expressionless most of the time, I am not sick, I am not angry, I am not sad, nothing is wrong. Stop asking.

10. Alone Time is the Best Time
I need my alone time every day. Spending time with other people, even people I care about, is exhausting. I enjoy being alone and lost in my thoughts or imagination, I enjoy doing things alone like reading, writing, playing music, etc.