In MBTI® trainings and conferences, there is a small game that people secretly enjoy more than they admit: trying to guess the MBTI® type of a famous person.
Careful, slippery ground ahead.
The MBTI® is based on an important ethical principle: only the person themselves can determine their type. And when it comes to a public figure, we only see an image, a few stories, and sometimes a legend that history has wrapped in very nice packaging.
So no, we are not going to summon Newton and ask him to take a questionnaire. First, because that would be complicated. Second, because he might answer us in Latin.
But as a training exercise, it can be quite interesting.
So, how might Newton have reacted to the falling pple?
I have often heard that Newton may have been an INTP. I tend to agree with that view.
Still, I wanted to imagine how he might have reacted to a falling apple if he had had a different MBTI® type.
Below, you’ll find possible reactions for each of the 16 MBTI® types.
Of course, the goal is not to put people in boxes. That would mean missing the whole point of C. G. Jung’s work. The idea is rather to understand how an inborn preference can influence our reactions to an event, even one as ordinary as an apple falling from a tree.
Enjoy… and maybe keep an eye on the apples.
Understanding the different possible reactions
Some of the possible reactions below will probably feel obvious. Others may surprise you a little more.
To create these portraits, I used:
- MBTI® preferences,
- David Keirsey’s temperaments,
- Linda Berens’ Interaction Styles®,
- and a few stress mechanisms.
If you really want to understand the differences between the types, I invite you to join my MBTI® training. At the end of the training, you’ll have the opportunity to analyze each of these drawings and reactions.
How might Newton have reacted if he had been ISTJ or ESTJ?
Knowing from experience when apples usually fall, an ISTJ would likely rely on what has already been observed. He would probably suggest setting clear rules, marking off the risky area, and making sure people avoid walking under the tree during that period.
Knowing from experience when apples usually fall, an ESTJ would likely want to organize things quickly. He would probably define a clear rule, assign someone to monitor the area, and make sure everyone follows the safety instructions.
How might Newton have reacted if he had been ISFJ or ESFJ?
Knowing from experience when apples usually fall, an ISFJ would likely stay close to people and help them avoid the risky area. He would probably guide them toward another path in a quiet, practical way, making sure no one gets hurt.
Knowing from experience when apples usually fall, an ESFJ would likely bring the group together to decide what should be done. He would probably encourage everyone to agree on simple safety measures so the group can move forward with a shared plan.
How might Newton have reacted if he had been ISTP or ESTP?
Seeing the apples fall, an ISTP would likely want to test the situation directly. He might catch an apple, observe how it falls, and start a contest to see who could throw it the farthest.
Seeing the apples fall, an ESTP would likely give people a clear order to move right away. He would probably tell everyone to step back, clear the area, and take practical action before another apple causes a problem.
How might Newton have reacted if he had been ISFP or ESFP?
Seeing the apples fall, an ISFP would likely respond in the moment. He might move closer, try to catch the apples, or do something simple and concrete to prevent someone from getting hurt.
Seeing the apples fall, an ESFP would likely help people move right away. He would probably get them to grab their things, step away from the tree, and move with them toward a safer place.
How might Newton have reacted if he had been INFJ or ENFJ?
Before even planting the apple tree, an INFJ would likely think about people’s safety and well-being. He would probably want to prevent future problems and make sure people could feel safe in that space.
Before even planting the apple tree, an ENFJ would likely organize a meeting with the group to talk about the prevention plan. He would probably want everyone to understand the safety measures and feel involved in what needs to be done.
How might Newton have reacted if he had been INFP or ENFP?
After being hit on the head by an apple, an INFP would likely look for meaning in what happened. He might wonder what this little accident says about life, purpose, or the way he wants to contribute to the world.
After being hit on the head by an apple, an ENFP would likely turn the situation into something creative. He might use the accident as a funny example to help people feel more involved in their own safety.
How might Newton have reacted if he had been INTJ or ENTJ?
Before even planting the apple tree, an INTJ would likely anticipate the risk and think several steps ahead. He would probably design a long-term system to collect the apples and reduce possible accidents.
Before even planting the apple tree, an ENTJ would likely create a clear prevention strategy. He would probably set goals, assign responsibilities, and make sure the plan is applied efficiently.
How might Newton have reacted if he had been INTP or ENTP?
After being hit on the head by an apple, an INTP would likely try to understand the logic behind what happened. He might analyze the movement, the force, and the physical principles involved.
After being hit on the head by an apple, an ENTP would likely see the situation as the starting point for a new idea. He might imagine a start-up that predicts the trajectory of falling apples and turn the accident into a concept worth testing.
