Albert Einstein MBTI

Einstein Picture

There is no dispute that the MBTI of Albert Einstein is INTP. What is your mbti? We will go through why that is the case. We will do so using the functional stack of the INTP by viewing each of the cognitive functions in the INTP’s ego.

Albert Einstein has Introverted Thinking(Ti) as his dominant function. His mathematical proficiency was apparent at an early age, independently discovering the original proof of pythagoras theorem at age 12. This showcases his affinity for logic and his desire to understand concepts for himself.

An avid exponent of rote learning propagated in schools, Einstein could not accept mathematical formulas at face value and memorize them. Instead, he had to derive them in order to be convinced of their validity.

As a theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein did not require empirical evidence to come up with his theories. Rather, he utilized thought experiments and his own imagination coupled with mathematical refinement to discover the truths of the universe. In fact, it took years for special relativity to be confirmed by astronomers.

As Einstein was an independent thinker, he distrusted authorities and did not believe they had all the answers, or even the right ones. His need for autonomy led him to be absolutely miserable working as a patent clerk.

Einstein Picture

Albert Einstein has Extraverted Intuition(Ne) as his auxiliary function. He uses his theory of special relativity and writes papers on its applications to various academic fields. This is typical of Ne users, who starts with a principle and see various possibilities in which the principle can be applied.

Not only was Einstein a remarkable physicist, he also had numerous other intellectual interests, such as philosophy, politics and music. It is not uncommon for Ne users to have multiple interests, especially in abstract subjects.

Einstein came up with his best ideas when he was sailing aimlessly at sea. As Ne users are aware of many possible futures, they often need time alone doing nothing but ponder through all their options. Oftentimes they have an epiphany when daydreaming.

Einstein Picture

Einstein has Introverted Sensing(Si) as his tertiary function. Einstein often complained that he had a bad memory, not being able to remember the “speed of sound”. As Si is only his tertiary function, Einstein has a relatively poor memory compared to those with Si as their dominant or auxiliary function.

However, Einstein’s poor memory has been exaggerated and misrepresented. Even though he could not remember certain practical details such as where he left his keys, it was because he was ruminating about something else and not actually because he had a bad memory. He was still able to recall key physics theories. After all, INTPs still have introverted Sensing in their ego.

It is apparent that Einstein did not have Extraverted Sensing(Se) in his ego. He was often unaware of his surroundings, forgetting his address and even his destination. This absent mindedness is archetypical of the INTP, as they often have their heads in the clouds refining their mental model(Ti), going through their ideas(Ne) or reminiscing the past(Si).

Despite having numerous interests, Einstein found comfort in physics. Si users stick to what they enjoy. When he worked at the patent office where he had little autonomy, he sought refuge in pursuing his ideas of the universe on the side.

Einstein Picture

Einstein has Extraverted Feeling(Fe) as his inferior function. Just as how INTPs neglect their feelings, Einstein neglected those around him, putting a strain on his personal relationships with his wife and children. Faced with the death of family, Einstein would not express any emotion and instead bury himself in his work. As the INTP lack Introverted Feeling(Fi), Einstein probably did not know how to feel.

When Einstein did express his emotion, it came out as outbursts. He created unreasonable strict rules for his wife to follow as a condition for not divorcing her. This included doing all the housework and not expect any sexual intimacy or even conversation from him.

INTPs, like all types, get better at their inferior function as they get older. Einstein was an infamous womanizer, marrying twice and bearing illegitimate children, not to mention having numerous affairs.

An interesting fictional physicist is Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.