What are the major differences between people with Se and people with Ni as their dominant function?
The answer to this question actually lies in the story of a recent trip I took to South Beach with Matt, an ESTP friend. I love Miami and have been there many times. He, on the other hand, had never been there. In hindsight, going during Covid-19 may not have been the best idea for a getaway, since most things were not fully open yet but nonetheless no sooner had we arrived when he announced, “I just want to see where everyone goes and what everyone does so that I know what I want to do next time. I only need to see a place once and then I have it down.”
So, how’s that relate to this question? Not only are Se and Ni both perceiving functions, they are on an axis with each other. When either one is in the dominant or optimistic ‘Hero’ position within the Ego, the other is in the pessimistic ‘Inferior/Aspirational’ position. This axis manifests exactly as demonstrated by Matt: I need to see what others are doing so that I know what I want to do in the future (Se Hero perspective). Or: In order to know what I want to do, I need to see what others are doing (Ni Hero perspective). Though they have this relationship, these functions are very different in nature.
Individuals with Se Hero, ESTPs and ESFPs, live in the now, the present moment. They interpret the world through a physical and sensory lens rather than a conceptual one. They are aware of the immediate environment and the activities of everyone around. They are the first to notice someone new enter a room and to initiate interaction with that person. They are masters of their craft, be it mechanics, home remodeling, or performance. Ultimately, they strive to give those around them quality experiences appealing to the physical senses in order to gain loyalty.
Individuals with Ni Hero, INTJs and INFJs, are future-focused. They interpret the world through a conceptual and abstract lens rather than that of hard, physical reality. They seek meaning and purpose for their lives and search for the optimum path forward to achieve their goals. They make their way based on a conceptual framework of ideas, pattern recognition, and sheer force of will. They are less likely to be concerned with the physical world around them preferring instead to explore possibilities for their lives. They are masters of their own fate.
Jay Ackley, Writer for www.CSJoseph.life
So the Ni dominant would be less likely to notice a new person enter there room as they are focused on their own future desires?
Does this mean INTJ’s & INFJ’s have bad memory due to their lack of focus on the physical world?
“I need to see what others are doing so that I know what I want to do in the future (Se Hero perspective). Or: In order to know what I want to do, I need to see what others are doing (Ni Hero perspective). Though they have this relationship, these functions are very different in nature.”
Ni hero looks at what others are doing when they need to know *how* to do what they want, not to figure out what they want… They always know what they want 😉
Interesting!
@Light
From my experience INTJs can notice very few things around them, they are not good observers at all.
As an ESTP/INFJ, I really like the comment Phoenix made. Clarifying that the Ni hero needs to be shown HOW to do something makes a world of sense to me.
I might also add that I want to be good at it. And if I won’t be good at it, then that would likely influence if I want to do it or not. My ESTP ego is good as many things mechanically, and so when I’m not confident in the “person, place or thing” then Ni inferior gets nervous and will either silently scan others or go completely checked out.
Watching your ‘Musings’ on YouTube. Always thorough, thoughtful, informative. Love the noise, great job with atmosphere and settings!!! BIG heart, thank you!