INTPs are the logicians or thinkers of the MBTI typology. They are great problem solvers with great curiosity about the world around them. When the MBTI typology is compared with enneagrams, a significant number identifies as an INTP 5w4.
If you are friends or partners with an INTP 5w4, you can agree that they are quite intriguing. If you are having problems getting to know them better, you might learn a thing or two from this article.
What Would an INTP 5w4 Look Like?
INTP 5w4 are very sufficient people. They pride themselves on being competent and self-sufficient. They strive to achieve this by gathering as much knowledge as they can.
Thus, INTP 5w4 tries to avoid relying too much on others for anything. They are on a constant quest to discover as much as they can from the world and their various projects.
INTP 5w4 will look very much like your typical INTP for various reasons. First, INTPs are mostly typed as enneagram 5s.
This matches some of the core and most important traits of the INTP such as alone time and being great thinkers. However, because their wing is type 4, some of the core traits of the INTP might also be altered.
However, the degree to which this happens will often depend on the strength of their wings. For an in-depth description of enneagram 5w4, you can click that link.
What is the Basic Desire of the INTP 5w4?
The basic desire of the INTP 5w4 is to become self-sufficient and significant. They want to stand out for what they know and can do. Thus, accumulating knowledge is simply a good place to start.
However, they also want to make sure they are unique and different from others.
What is the Basic Fear of the INTP 5w4?
The basic fear of the INTP 5w4 is becoming incompetent. They are scared of not being self-sufficient and having to rely on others for their needs.
How 5w4 changes the Natural Tendencies of the INTP
As earlier stated, a lot of things about the INTP will stay the same if they are type 5. However, because of their wing, you can expect some of these changes.
1. Interest in Art or Music
INTP 5w4 will have an interest in arts or music. Depending on their wing, this might just be a slight interest or a major one.
Thus, INTPs might learn to play an instrument or try drawing. This can be a major thing or a side interest for them.
2. More Sensitive
INTP 5w4s will often have a more sensitive side. Depending on their wing, this can be a slight change or a significant one.
Their sensitive side will be more obvious to those around them. Type 5s are generally known to be detached and often aloof. However, this changes slightly for this type.
This leads to a more developed extroverted feeling function for the INTP.
However, INTPs are still INTPs. Thus, they will always put rational thinking first.
3. More inclined to learn on their own
Type 5s and INTP share one thing in common. They want to keep learning. Thus, this is heightened when both types are placed side by side.
Because type 5 wants to be self-sufficient and their wing wants to be independent, INTP 5w4 will often choose to learn things by themselves.
This might see them dive into research projects on their own and make tremendous progress. Some of the best self-taught professionals today are INTP 5w4s.
By doing this, they further prove to themselves that they are independent.
4. Outward Show of Affection
Let’s be clear. INTPs are still INTPs. Thus, outward show of love will not be easy for them. However, INTP 5w4s are going to be better at this.
They will find a form of outlet to express this better. This might be through writing. INTP 5w4s often make great poets.
No matter the outlet, their partners will be shown more outward expressions of love.
5. More Isolated
When compared with INTP 5w6, INTP 5w4s will be much more isolated. While type 6 seems to be more neutral, type 5 and type 4 are usually introverts.
Thus, INTP 5w4s really enjoy their alone time. They do not look forward to anyone messing with it. They won’t even let you.
New Weaknesses of the INTP 5w4
1. More Detached
As earlier stated, this type will be more introverted. Thus, they will be more detached and separated from others.
Their hobbies or projects are going to take center stage in their life. If not properly balanced, this can put a strain on their relationship with loved ones.
2. Extremely Stubborn
INTP 5w4s will be a lot more stubborn than typical INTPs. 5w4s brings with it some core values that they live by.
Thus, INTP 5w4 will hold on to those values and resist any attempt to sway them. While this makes them less likely to be people-pleasers, it can also hold them back in many ways.
It might also make them believe that their point of view is always the right one.
3. More Subjective
INTPs are known to be rational thinkers. However, because of their wing, INTP 5w4s are going to look more subjective than normal INTPs.
They might hold certain strong sentiments and refuse to let go of them even when proved wrong. Depending on the strength of their wing, this might be a big part of them or a slight alteration.
INTP 5w4 vs INTP 5w6
Wondering if INTP 5w4 and INTP 5w6 are any different? If you are, here are some of their core differences.
| INTP 5w4 | INTP 5w6 |
| They have more interest in Arts or music | They have more interest in being secured |
| They are more likely to take risks to achieve their goals | They are less likely to take risks in life |
| INTP 5w4 is more sensitive. They can be mistaken for INFPs | INTP 5w6s are more rational. They can be mistaken for INTJs |
INTP 5w4 vs INTP 4w5
Wondering if you’re an INTP 5w4 or INTP 4w5? Here are some of their common differences
1. Dominant vs Balanced Logic
One big difference is how they use logic. With INTP 4w5, it’s more balanced and measured. They are able to use logic and emotions in different situations accurately.
INTP 5w4s, on the other hand, are more logic-dominant. This is because type 5 and INTPs are the two dominant forces. So, logic will always take center stage in their lives. Emotions will always be an afterthought.
2. Energy levels
INTP 5w4s have a slightly higher energy level than INTP 4w5s. This is because type 5s are usually a bit more action-oriented than type 4. Also, type 5 becomes a type 8 when they are healthy.
It’s just a little higher than type 4 in most situations.
3. Integration and Disintegration
This follows the last point. When INTP 4w5s are healthy, they look and behave like a 1w9. When unhealthy, they look and behave like a 2w3.
When INTP 5w4s are healthy, they look and behave like an 8w9. When unhealthy, they look and behave like 7w6s.
4. Approach to Romance
Their approach to romance is also different. INTP 4w5s are generally more expressive and romantic than their INTP 5w4 counterparts. Again, this is down to the position of the enneagram types. This does not mean INTP 5w4 sucks at it. INTP 4w5s are just better.
INTP 5w4 as Melancholics
The melancholy temperament is often a perfect fit for the INTP 5w4 because of their similarities. Melancholics are often described as intense, smart, and a bit pessimistic.
INTP 5w4s are intense people. This is down to their analytical tendencies. The presence of their wing also makes them emotionally intense. However, this is suppressed.
INTP 5w4 can be pessimistic especially when the logic seems off. However, INTP 4w5s are even more melancholic than INTP 5w4s. You can click this link to read more about melancholics.
Best Careers for INTP 5w4
If you are an INTP 5w4, the best career for you will let you explore many projects. For this reason, most INTP 5w4s find themselves drawn to academics.
This allows them to explore with very little rigidity. However, several careers are suitable for INTP 5w4.
They include
- Professor
- Physician
- Writer
- Photographer
- Graphic Designer
- Lawyer
- Financial Analyst
- Human Resource Manager
- Research scientist
- Software Developer
Careers that INTP 5w4 Should Avoid
- Paralegal
- Military officer
- Law enforcement
- Receptionist
- Preschool teacher
Famous and Fictional People who were INTP 5w4
- John Paul Satre
- Sherlock Holmes
- Rick Rosner
- Elon Musk
- Albus Dumbledore
- Agent Mulder
INTP 5w4s are incredibly smart people. Their touch of sensitivity makes them the complete package.
I’m an INTP-A 5w4 who wanted to go into the Marine Corps, but am now going into law enforcement to be a police officer. I suppose I’m breaking the mold as to what careers my architypical subset of people are usually drawn to.
Hi Liam,
As far as it makes you happy and it’s something you’re passionate about, go for it! Never let the MBTI dictate what you should or should not do. Only use it as a way to learn more about yourself.
Also INTP 5w4. I went into the Marine Corps many years ago, right out of high school. People were always surprised that I was in the military honestly. Being someone that is stubborn and somewhat disobedient when it comes to the search for truth, the military was definitely not a good fit. I learned a lot and I do feel like it set me up to be taken more seriously in the civilian world, but the frustrations begin to stack up. After time, one becomes frustrated with the mentality and expectations. For one that relies on their mind, the military might not be good for you because of the expectation to blindly follow. Unless you pursue the officer path. Even then, you may find yourself feeling isolated and wondering “what did I get myself into?”
Just wanted to offer my insight for any INTPs that may be considering the military. Make sure that you truly understand the level of commitment that will be expected of you.
Hi I’m a female INTP 5w4. I think you’re quite right about ‘more sensitive’ and ‘it’s only for the loved ones’. I see myself as a typical or even stereotyped INTP (rational, precise, detached, heartless) in the past few years until I had my first romantic relationship. I can clearly feel my sentiments and rational thoughts working separately. Feelings came from nowhere and made me confused, cause it’s hard to explain to others or to myself. I can see things’ details as I always do. But in relationships it’s called ‘overthinking’ or sensitive. In short, things didn’t go well, we broke up. I’m the one who announced it. It brings me sadness (I cried more than I did in the past few years) and an intense sense of loss. But I insist we cannot be back together, even though I feel awful without him. The rational me know that we don’t match, don’t fit each other, and we would argue more if don’t break up. It also knows that the emotional me will be well soon.
Hi Lynn, thank you for your comment!
That’s sad to hear. I know you’ll heal and come back even stronger. I’m rooting for you!
could you please recommend me some good books or research articles about this type?
Hello Janitha,
Unfortunately, there are not enough books or research articles on this type. However, I am writing an ebook about this particular topic that will be out before the middle of the year.
In “What is the Basic Desire of the INTP 5w4?” part there is “The basic fear …” but there must be “desire” in the first sentence.
Hello Viktor,
That has been corrected. Thanks for the spot!