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Everything You Need to Know about ISTP

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Self-confident, thrill-seeking, and fun-loving – that’s what ISTP stands for. Also known as The Tinkerer, this ISTP personality type belongs to the SP temperament. As such, ISTPs like to think logically and realistically, while their inability to open up emotionally makes them difficult to get to know them. They like to be physically challenged, they’re always on the go, and they love hands-on projects. They like to physically see or touch the results of their actions. That’s why they’re drawn to professions such as engineering, firefighting, or mechanics. ISTPs are driven by logic and facts and they count on their five senses due to their Sensing preference.

If you recognize some of these characteristics in yourself, but you’re not sure if you’re an ISTP, you can take our free personality test to find out.

In this article, we’ll discuss the ISTP personality type in more detail in order to better understand these pragmatic and fun-loving people. We’ll explore the characteristics of ISTP in more depth while also diving into their strengths and weaknesses. Then, we’ll explore possible career paths for an ISTP person and we’ll review some famous ISTP people. Finally, we’ll compare The Tinkerer to other personality types and uncover what kinds of people ISTPs are most compatible with.

But before we tackle all this, let’s briefly examine the ISTP personality.

ISTPs are introverts, which means they direct their energy inward. They like to spend time alone and they avoid crowds. But that doesn’t mean they’re anti-social. They just prefer to hang out with a small circle of close friends and family members. That’s partially due to the fact that they hate small talk and can’t be bothered with meaningless relationships. Their life’s motto is ‘get to the point’ so, if you put them in a social setting where they have to get to know people, they might seem insensitive. They’re uncomfortable when it comes to emotional expression and instead like to make themselves useful to their friends and loved ones. They’ll be the person who comes up with a practical solution to any problem and they use logic and facts as their leading power.

The Tinkerers are exceptionally adventurous. They have an unstoppable hunger for new experiences and that’s what they look for in other people as well. They want their friends and partners to be up for going after the unknown together, and they appreciate people who are risk-takers. They rarely have fears about what’s to come, since they’re too busy living in the moment. ISTPs are positive and grounded people, and they have the ability to look at things objectively. Even when they have made a mistake they’re not afraid to admit it and most of the time they’ll go on with their life free of guilt.

In a nutshell, as the Norwegian Chessmaster, and famous ISTP, Magnus Carlsen, said: ‘Without the element of enjoyment, it is not worth trying to excel at anything.’

ISTP Key Facts

ISTPs belong to the SP temperament, meaning that they are driven by their Sensing and Perceiving preferences. Having a low tolerance for boredom, ISTPs (among the other SP temperament types) are laid back, open-minded, and adaptable. While their impulsivity has its positive sides, they rarely have a sense of purpose (and they don’t really need one) and can struggle to keep up with responsibilities.

Here are some key facts that will help you get to know the ISTP personality type better:

  • The ISTP personality type is much more common among men than women. Among women, it’s the third rarest type and among men, it’s the third most common.
  • ISTPs are commonly found among male college scholarship athletes.
  • At the same time, ISTPs are among the types who are least likely to complete college.
  • They’re skilled in technical fields and physically involved occupations.
  • ISTPs are the lowest-ranked of all types to use social coping mechanisms.

What Does ISTP Stand For?

As part of the 16 personality types, the ISTP abbreviation stands for the 4 Preferences that define this type – Introversion (I), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), and Perceiving (P). These preferences are used to describe the personality type and give insight into why they behave the way they do.

The way a person makes decisions and their approach to processing information is determined by their stack of Cognitive Functions. Similar to the preferences, each type relates to four strictly individual functions.

Let’s take a closer look at the four preferences and cognitive functions that make the ISTP personality type who they are.

ISTP Preferences

As already mentioned, ISTP stands for Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving.

Introversion describes people who feel energized by spending time with their inner selves. As such, ISTPs are focused on their inside world and they process information internally. ISTPs like to spend time alone, which is how they recharge. When put in social settings, ISTPs are likely to blend with the background and connect with few people. ISTPs are rather quiet, private, and deliberate, while they’re also internally aware.

As a Sensing type, ISTPs are extremely straightforward and direct people, who process information through their five senses. They see things as they are, and are concrete in their ways. The Tinkerers like to keep things realistic and practical, while they’re also the best at enjoying the current moment. They don’t like to think about the past or the future, and they’re incredibly positive. ISTPs rarely have a tendency for depressive conditions.

The third ISTP preference is the Thinking one, which reflects the way they make decisions. They’re extremely logical and rational thinkers, and they make their choices based on what their mind tells them (rather than what their heart feels is right). ISTPs are critical thinkers and are sometimes described as robotic. The Tinkerers value objectivity, and it’s easy for them to fix complex problems due to their ability to leave personal feelings aside.

As a Perceiving type, ISTPs’ best qualities include adaptability and flexibility. However, they’re also known as one of the most disorganized types, who learn best on the go. They rarely have a plan for action but it seems like it works out for them regardless. ISTPs are spontaneous and they’re often the ones who change tracks midways. If you know an ISTP, then you’re aware of how fast they can make or cancel plans. ISTPs also dislike routine and are easily bored.

ISTP Cognitive Functions

Everybody engages the world through their four Cognitive Functions. The cognitive functions of a personality type are a combination of preferences and energy direction (inward or outward). The cognitive functions are structured depending on the impact they have on the person. Primary and secondary have the strongest influence. So let’s take a closer look at each one of them. In a nutshell, the ISTP functions are as follows:

  • Introverted Thinking (Ti)
  • Extroverted Sensing (Se)
  • Introverted Intuition (Ni)
  • Extroverted Feeling (Fe)

Let’s see what each of them means in the context of The Tinkerer:

  • Dominant Function: Introverted Thinking

The Introverted Thinking function enables ISTPs to categorize and analyze the information they receive. Due to that function, ISTPs also feel confident in working with their hands or being physically involved. They love figuring out how things work and that’s a primary motivation for development in their life.

  • Auxiliary Function: Extroverted Sensing

The Extroverted Sensing function opens up optimistic, fun-loving tendencies. It’s the ability to experience life through the five senses and to trust things that can be seen, smelled, touched, heard, and tasted. It is energized by the experience and it is able to live “in the moment.” Being able to process information that way, coupled with their need for a physical challenge, is a driving force in the ISTP life.

  • Tertiary Function: Introverted Intuition

This function allows a person to have a sense of the future. Now, we’ve said that ISTPs aren’t the best at making plans, so this might seem paradoxical. However, ISTPs are also ambitious people and seek improvement and development. So, in order to reach their goals, they must be able to see the bigger picture and to entertain the thought of new possibilities.

  • Inferior Function: Extroverted Feeling

This function allows ISTPs to tune their behavior to the needs of others and essentially understand that people react differently in different situations. It also enables The Tinkerer’s ability to adapt to new situations and to be exceptionally flexible.

ISTP Traits and Characteristics

Now that we’ve examined the theoretical side of things, it’s time to list some of the characteristics that are related to the ISTP personality type. We’ll also take a closer look at some of their strengths and weaknesses in order to objectively look at the bigger picture (in a typical ISTP style). Still, if you want to read more about the ISTP personality traits, then you might want to read our article on the same, where we examine them in fine detail.

But before we dive into the characteristics of this pragmatic and mystical type, you might want to see how The Tinkerers compare to other personality types. You can check our article on ‘How to Spot an ISTP’, if you want to examine the differences and similarities between ISTPs and other personality types.

So without further ado, here are some facts about The Tinkerer personality type.

ISTP Characteristics

ISTPs are often described with the following words:

  • Critical
  • Detached
  • Guarded
  • Independent
  • Resourceful
  • Rational
  • Practical
  • Realistic
  • Curious
  • Adventurous
  • Laidback
  • Calm
  • Secretive
  • Rule-breaker
  • Athletic
  • Adaptable
  • Flexible
  • Spontaneous
  • Fair
  • Resilient
  • Sarcastic
  • Self-confident
  • Arrogant

Strengths and Weaknesses

Like every type, ISTPs have their strengths and weaknesses that shape their behavior. So let’s explore some of them and see why this type is so ‘hate them or love them.’

Strengths 

  • Good at listening
  • Self-reliant
  • Handles conflict well
  • Positive outlook on life
  • Excellent at problem-solving
  • Spontaneous and rational
  • Knows how to prioritize
  • Relaxed
  • Optimistic and energetic

Weaknesses

  • Long-term planning can be difficult
  • Stubborn and insensitive
  • Easily bored
  • Dislike commitment
  • Uncomfortable in emotional situations
  • Feels trapped easily, needs personal space
  • Engages in risky behavior

ISTP Percentage

As we already discussed, ISTPs belong to the SP temperament. Also known as the Originator temperament, these personalities make up about one-fourth of the general population (around 27%). Therefore, ISTPs are not a rare type, but there are some more interesting statistics that are worth looking into:

  • ISTPs make up 5.4 % of all 16 personality types
  • This type is male dominant – 77% of all ISTPs are male, while the females are only 23%
  • Female ISTPs are one of the rarest gender-type combinations – making up less than 2% of the population of the world

Other ISTP Names

Similar to other types, ISTPs have several descriptive names. Some of the names given by the most prominent writers who analyzed the subject of the 16 personalities include:

  • Crafter according to David Keirsey, an American psychologist and university professor
  • Analyzer Operator according to Linda Berens, a human and organizational development practitioner
  • Theory Testers according to Alan Brownsword, author of Psychological Type: An Introduction
  • Athletic Artist according to Jonathan P. Niednagel, developer of Brain Typing
  • Pragmatic Logical according to the official 16 personalities website

Famous ISTPs

The Tinkerers are determined and ambitious people and they occur frequently within several sections of society. Some of the most popular musicians, actors, and especially athletes are considered to be ISTPs. Although it might come as a surprise that they would want to be in the public eye, ISTPs are action-driven people. Their adventurous nature, coupled with their ability to adapt easily, guides them through being some of the most famous celebrities.

In the case of art imitating life, many fictional characters are ISTPs. From books and movies to comics and animation, ISTPs are some of the most popular fictional characters. Frequently, they’re portrayed as the mystical introvert who defeats all odds regardless of the obstacles. Sometimes they’re even described as the villain due to their dark and sarcastic sense of humor.

In the following paragraphs, we’ll describe some of the most famous ISTP people as well as quite a few ISTP fictional characters. But in case you want to know more about the most popular ISTPs, we have a whole other article on ISTP famous people.

ISTP Actors

ISTPs make brilliant actors. Although they don’t necessarily aim for being the center of attention, they usually don’t mind it as long as they’re the ones who lead the parade. They like to do things their way and according to their own schedule. Therefore, if they’re given the creative freedom to manage things, they can be wonderful at it. Also, ISTPs hate monotony and prefer jobs that can provide them with enough diversity to keep them interested. They love new challenges (in this case new roles) and they’re extremely adaptable. They can get into character in a matter of days and enjoy doing (or being) something different every day. This type of dynamic environment motivates them to perform and makes them great at acting. Some of the most famous ISTP actors are:

  • Tom Cruise, American actor (Mission Impossible; The Last Samurai; A Few Good Men)
  • Clint Eastwood, American actor (The Good; The Bad and the Ugly; Million Dollar Baby)
  • Christian Bale, Welsh actor (American Psycho; The Dark Knight Trilogy)
  • Scarlett Johansson, American actress (Lucy; Ghost in the Shell; The Avengers)
  • Bruce Lee, Hong Kong-American actor (Way of the Dragon; Enter the Dragon; The Big Boss)
  • Demi Moore, American actress (Ghost; G.I Jane; Striptease; Indecent Proposal)
  • Kristen Stewart, American actress (The Twilight Saga; Snow White and the Huntsman)

ISTP Writers

As a personality type, ISTPs are impatient and like to move a lot. Also, looking at their potential career paths, ISTPs prefer jobs that are more physically challenging or that involve the use of gadgets and tools. Having all that in mind, being a writer doesn’t seem like the best thing an ISTP can do. However, that’s not necessarily true. ISTPs get their energy from their inner world, thoughts, and ideas. They have excellent communication skills, however, their style is direct and straightforward. Sometimes they have been described as robotic in their way of talking. That’s why writing can work out for them – it’s a great way to communicate their thoughts and ideas to a world that might not understand them verbally. And that’s not just a theory. Here are some famous writers that are identified to be ISTPs.

  • Ernest Hemingway, American author (The Old Man and the Sea; The Sun Also Rises; For Whom the Bell Tolls)
  • Miyamoto Musashi, Japanese samurai and author (The Book of Five Rings)
  • Diogenes the Dog, Greek philosopher and author (Antisthenes and Crates of Thebes)

ISTP Musicians

Figuring out how things work is a leading power in an ISTP’s life. They like to tackle complex problems and sometimes they like to assemble something just so they can then reassemble it. Playing a musical instrument is exactly the challenge that ISTPs feel like they need to pick up. Even though they’re not known as the most creative type, music requires technical proficiency. And that’s something that comes naturally to them. Their inclinations for hands-on activities get them excited when their work consists of gadgets and tools (hence the instruments).

Many rappers are known to be ISTPs. Rap and hip-hop music is a straightforward way to communicate with an audience. The lyrics are written in a direct manner and they’re mostly uncensored and raw. It disregards any kind of abstract interaction with the audience and it has a distinct beat that the song revolves around. Sometimes, ISTPs appreciate the sound and rhythm of the music more than the meaning behind the lyrics. That’s why they feel drawn to beat-making and fast-paced styles like rap, ISTPs’ Ti, and Se contribute to their affinity to master sound. Additionally, their tertiary Ni comes into play in giving them new ideas that just come to them. ISTPs might seem insensitive but the truth is they just don’t know how to express their emotions. And what better way to indirectly communicate your feelings than through sound? For this reason, many ingenious musicians are likely to be ISTPs. It’s the most comfortable way they can show emotion. In a typical ISTP fashion, they usually do so in a playful and fun way. And you can’t deny their ability to entertain.

Let’s take a look at some of the best musicians that are identified to be ISTPs.

  • Snoop Dogg, American rapper and media personality (Doggystyle; Tha Blue Carpet Treatment; Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss)
  • Miles Davis, American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer (Kind of Blue; Tutu; Bitches Brew)
  • Angus Young, Australian singer, guitarist, songwriter (Back in Black; Highway to Hell; Rock or Bust)
  • Eminem, American rapper, songwriter, and record producer (Lose Yourself; Rap God; The Real Slim Shady)
  • Frank Sinatra, American singer, actor, and producer (My Way; Strangers In the Night; New York, New York)

ISTP Leaders

ISTPs have excellent leadership qualities – they’re flexible, good negotiators, and respond well in a crisis. As leaders, they’re quiet and observant and seek to get things done in the most effective way possible. They’re approachable and they’re open to new ideas and suggestions. Some of their weaknesses as leaders include lack of organization, and they could be perceived as arrogant. Nevertheless, some of the greatest world leaders are ISTPs. From presidents and generals to spiritual directors, ISTPs seem to get their way through regardless of their weaknesses.

  • Zachary Taylor, American President
  • The Dalai Lama, Spiritual leader
  • Vladimir Putin, Russian President
  • Erwin Rommel, German general
  • Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukranian Prime Minister

ISTP Fictional Characters

Intriguing and mysterious – that’s how ISTP characters in film and literature have been portrayed. If you have always felt drawn to dark and mystical types then you probably have a thing for ISTPs. As characters, ISTPs have an adventurous, independent, and fearless persona that helps them to thrive in challenging situations. Their eagerness to get their hands dirty sometimes projects into risky behavior. Often described as persistent and difficult, their impulsive nature relates to some of your favorite celebrities and fictional characters. Let’s take a look at some of them.

  • Arya Stark, Game of Thrones
  • Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones
  • James Bond, James Bond
  • Han Solo, Star Wars
  • Dean Winchester, Supernatural
  • Aragorn, Lord of the Rings
  • Jessica Jones, Marvel Universe
  • Mulan, Mulan
  • Kristoff, Frozen

ISTP Compatibility

As a self-confident, introverted, and sometimes even arrogant type, ISTPs aren’t compatible with all other types. Some of them just get on their nerves, while others simply don’t click with their energetic nature. Despite that, The Tinkerers are good listeners and, contrary to some expectations, they’re not as insensitive as they seem. They’re just direct in their communication. If you’re curious to know more about ISTP compatibility with other personality types, you might be interested in reading more about it in our article on ISTP relationships.

As part of the SP temperament (also called Originators), ISTPs are energetic and in their life are looking for somebody to share their love for adventure. That’s why they’re most likely to get along with types that are also part of the Sanguine temperament. Together, they’re the ultimate fun match and are an example of how two pluses may go well together.

Contrary to that, the SJ temperament is the least impressed with the free-spirited and energetic ISTP. Types that fall into that category are organized and they’re driven by ideology. They’re the polar opposite of the carefree ISTP and the SP temperament in general. It’s likely that they won’t find common ground and they’ll probably end up in confrontation.

But how does the ISTP act in their relationships and friendships? What are the best matches for this pragmatic persona? Let’s find out how these independent souls behave in these situations. Additionally, we’ll also explore their behavior in terms of parenthood.

Romance

ISTPs are independent. They don’t like to be ruled by anyone else’s beliefs and hate to be controlled. If you try to correct ISTPs for their behaviors or actions, you’ll probably receive an eye roll followed by a deep breath in a sign of annoyance. That’s why, when it comes to relationships, The Tinkerers will not allow their partner to be the one making all the decisions.

Another thing that’s typical of the ISTP type is that it’s extremely hard for them to be emotionally available. Early in dating, they can easily satisfy their partner’s physical needs, but if they have to express themselves emotionally or talk about their feelings, they usually freeze up. They feel uncomfortable when their partner needs their emotional support and they often don’t even know how to react.

On the other hand, if they’re in a committed relationship, ISTPs know how to make themselves useful to their partners. If they’re ever found in a confrontation they seek practical solutions to their problems. They express their love with actions rather than words, but that doesn’t mean they’re not genuine. In their way of communication, they might seem insensitive but they rarely are – they just talk in a more direct manner.

Keeping all of this in mind, let’s see what other types best match ISTPs in terms of relationships.

  • ISTP and ISFP

Although they have some differences in terms of values, those two types are generally compatible. Both ISTPs and the ISFP (or The Adventurer) are primarily driven by fun and have a low tolerance for boredom. They’re both a part of the SP temperament and they share similar love for anything that involves creating and crafting. Since they’re both introverts, they have mutual respect for each other’s privacy. This is something that the independent ISTPs value deeply. However, they have one main difference that might cause some issues. ISTPs are Thinkers and ISFPs are Feelers. In this case, ISFPs will want their partner to be emotionally available, which is definitely a weak spot for the ISTP. The Tinkerers might appear as insensitive and they could hurt their partner’s feelings if they’re not careful in their communication. Overall, those two types are compatible, but they have to be able to be open about their needs in order for their relationship to be healthy.

  • ISTP and ESTP

ESTP (or The Daredevil) seems like the perfect match for the ISTP. ESTPs are incredibly bold, original, and direct. ISTPs feel naturally drawn to people who have the guts to follow them around on their adventures. ESTPs are impulsive and action-oriented people. When in a relationship both types seek dynamics and get easily bored if they’re not entertained by their partner’s way of life. There’s one difference though that might cause some confrontation between them – ESTPs are extremely extroverted. The Daredevil likes to be the center of attention and is a social butterfly. If they don’t communicate their way through this, ISTPs privacy could be threatened, along with the relationship.

Friendships

Although they’re introverted, ISTPs have no trouble making friends. Their genuine curiosity and well-rounded array of hobbies seem to attract people from all kinds of temperaments. The Tinkerers look for friendships that they can be themselves with, and essentially someone they can share their activities with. They’re easy-going and accept people without judgment, so it’s not hard to be around them. The difficult part is to get beneath the surface.

Similar to their romantic relationships, ISTPs find it hard to be bound to any particular person. They feel no obligation to shift their ways to fit others’ plans. They simply like to do their own thing and if you’re up for tagging along that’s great, but if not then too bad, they probably won’t really care. If you’ve ever tried to force an ISTP to commit to someone else’s plan then you know it’s much like nailing jello to a tree – borderline impossible.

So what types can make good friends with this independent and energetic type? Let’s find out.

  • ISTP and INTP

INTPs (also known as The Logician) are often described as quiet. At first glance, they have many similarities with the ISTPs – they both use Introverted Thinking and they’re both capable of building amazing things. They both like to think logically and they both prefer to manage their time independently. This means that when they’re in a friendship they will respect each other’s need to be alone and they won’t be too clingy. Their communication styles are similar so their conversations will have a nice flow, enjoyed by both sides. However, there are some differences between them. ISTPs have a fine taste in life and they know how to enjoy the moment, while INTPs are obsessed with work and responsibilities. In that matter, they could learn a thing or two from each other. Overall, they might be great friends if they realize and embrace their differences.

  • ISTP and INTJ

INTJs (also referred to as The Mastermind) and ISTPs are both Introverted Thinkers who prefer to spend time alone and base their decisions on logical thinking. Both the Tinkerer and the INTJ feel awkward when their friends require emotional expression. However, INTJs have a strong sense of intuition and are organized. So, INTJs should avoid putting too much pressure on the ISTPs and allow them the space to make their own decisions. If they’re aligned with each other’s perception of what they want their friendship to be, then they could be a power couple (of friends).

Parenthood

The routines of parenthood don’t come naturally to free-wheeling ISTPs. On top of that, they’re unemotional and value their independence – two things that don’t exactly jive with parenthood. However, ISTPs are adaptable enough to make parenting work. If they make the decision to have children, their traits can lead to a fantastic approach to parenthood. They have a laid-back attitude and are patient with their kids. They normally let their kids find their own way without any pressure and most of the time are accepting and open-minded towards them. The fact that ISTPs aren’t overprotective of their kids lets them explore and embrace their true nature without worrying if they’ll be accepted. Children of ISTPs love this type of attitude and often thrive under its influence.

The ISTP parenting style is unique and it very much fits the modern idea of a parent. They rarely set hard boundaries around their children and want them to make their own mistakes, believing it’s the best way to learn. They approach parenthood the same way they approach everything in life – in a practical, calm manner, while they embrace individuality and exploration. ISTPs give their kids more freedom than any other personality type.

The Tinkerer likes to follow their own schedule (if they even have one) and they don’t force their ways on their children. This might work in the beginning but, as the kids get older, the more challenging it will be for them to get along with household organization and discipline. That’s why most of the time ISTPs count on their partners to set the rules at home.

The Tinkerers often struggle with giving their children emotional support. Because of their Introverted Thinking preferences, they’re almost unable to be there for their children when they need emotional comfort. They do know how to practically solve their problems, but they’re not the best shoulder to cry on. This can translate to difficulty bonding with their children. That’s why ISTPs need an emotional partner to balance out their more logical approach.

ISTP at Work

So far, we have briefly touched on the topic of what type of work is suitable for the ISTP. But it’s also important to mention what jobs ISTPs aren’t so good at. They find it challenging to engage in professions that include extensive amounts of social interaction. ISTPs also prefer to work alone, counting on their own schedules and at their own pace. They easily get bored and they find it hard to stay focused if their work is not diverse. If an ISTP is dissatisfied with their job, they can engage in irrational behavior. It’s extremely important for them to like what they’re doing.

But what is that exactly? What type of jobs are best for this pragmatic and independent type? If you want to read more about what are the best career matches for this type and what kind of jobs they should avoid then you might be interested in our article on ISTP careers. For now, let’s quickly review what careers would best fit the ISTP type.

Career Paths

ISTPs are often referred to as The Tinkerer or The Craftsman which (you guessed it) means they prefer to work with their hands. They like their job to involve physical activity and they prefer to see the tangible results of their actions. We have listed some careers that ISTPs might want to consider (in case they haven’t already).

Engineering

ISTPs’ curiosity is directed toward figuring out how things work. As engineers, their jobs often require intricate thinking and problem-solving to find logical solutions – all key ISTP traits. Tech professionals get to build amazing new things every day. And that’s exactly what ISTPs seek in their career. Here are some engineering professions that The Tinkerers could be interested in:

  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Materials Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer

Law Enforcement 

The never-ending ISTP curiosity can only be satisfied when their job involves a dynamic work environment. That’s why they would be perfect for law enforcement jobs. The fast-paced tempo that these jobs usually require is great for the energetic ISTP. Also, their ability to stay objective allows them to have a unique view of things and it prevents them from being biased. Here’s a list of some jobs that ISTPs could enjoy:

  • Firefighter
  • Policeman
  • Detective
  • Evidence Technician
  • Crime Scene Analyst

ISTP Humor

At this point you should have a good idea of this pragmatic and introverted type. Well, their sense of humor often projects their behavior.

ISTPs have a specific taste when it comes to comedy. They’re incredibly ironic and use sarcasm that sometimes goes over people’s heads. That’s partially why people can’t seem to click with their jokes. ISTP humor is dry and sometimes arrogant. The Tinkerers like to laugh at other people’s failures and somehow that entertains them greatly. Overall, their sense of humor is kind of dark and although sometimes it’s funny mostly it’s just insensitive.

ISTP Jokes

Unlike some personality types, ISTPs don’t use humor to connect with other people. Usually, you find them rolling on the floor cracking up at their own jokes. Here are some examples of typical ISTP humor:

  • Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact? Breasts don’t have eyes.
  • What’s the difference between Disney and Jason Vorhees? One’s psychotic, territorial, and impossible to reason with, and the other one’s Jason.
  • What do you call a one-legged waitress? Eileen. Where does she work? IHOP

ISTP Quotes

ISTPs derive their energy from within, therefore they don’t need external motivation or inspiration to lead their lives with joy. If you want to read some quotes from famous ISTP people that resonate with The Tinkerer’s philosophy, you can do so in our article on ISTP memes. For now here are some citations that refer to everything that ISTPs stand for:

  • ‘I’ve always been a huge admirer of my own work.’ – Mel Brooks
  • ‘Madame, that is by far the ugliest nose I have ever seen and I compliment you on it it suits you!’- Peter Sellers, The Pink Panther
  • ‘Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.’Dale Carnegie

Conclusion

ISTPs are observant, practical, and logical individuals. They value authenticity and they can see right through fabricated behaviors. However, they don’t seem to be bothered with other people’s business – they’re too busy living their best life. One of the greatest ISTP strengths is their ability to stay positive no matter what. They handle crises well and they react calmly in stressful situations. This makes them valuable employees.

But this side of their character also reflects their thrill-seeking nature. They’re incredibly adventurous and they’re always on the go. In their relationships they seek the same qualities – ISTPs want their partner and friends to keep up with their energetic tendencies. Nevertheless, The Tinkerers are highly introverted which means that they value their privacy and they need a lot of time for themselves. That also affects their personal life as they’re also emotionally unavailable.

Nevertheless, ISTPs are easy-going, laid-back, and approachable people. They accept people for who they are and they rarely try to change them.