Introverted Feeling and Feeling Perceiving

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📝 The structure of this reference article resembles a pyramid, beginning with concise and straightforward information and progressively delving into more intricate and detailed content to accommodate various levels of depth required by different readers.

Introverted Feeling—The Myers & Briggs Foundation

Introverted Feeling:
(Fi) ISFP/INFP: Seeks harmony of action and thoughts with personal values. May not always articulate those values. Empathetic, sensitive, and idealistic. Keyword: Valuing.

The Myers & Briggs Foundation

Psychological Types BY CARL JUNG: Adapted Simplified Translation

It is now clear that the bulk of Carl Jung’s work was not about type but one-sidedness. Carl Jung simply saw the type as a lens, a language and a liver to help free man from excessive one-sidedness.

His main purpose and the bulk of his work in typology was to help free man from excessive one-sidedness. One-sidedness is a form of aberration.

“People grow like plants, some in light, others in shades. There are many who need shades and not light.” — Carl Jung

Other translation: Like plants, so men also grow, some in the light, others in the shadows. There are many who need the shadows and not the light.

Introverted Feeling—IF(S) and IF(N)

IFP – FP and IF one-sidedness
(MBTI nomenclature)
  • The aim of the Introverted Feeling [the IF and FP one-sidedness] is not to accommodate the objective fact since its whole unconscious effort is to give reality to the underlying ideals. It is continually seeking an ideal that has no existence in reality.
  • It strives after an inner intensity. This type is usually silent and difficult to access. With sensitivity, it shrinks from the brutality of the object, in order to expand into the depths of the subject.
  • Everything [prominently] stated of the Introverted Thinking [IF and FP one-sidedness] refers equally to the Introverted Feeling [IF and FP one-sidedness], except only here everything is concerned with values while there it was logic.

    ‐ [What is of paramount importance to Fi is the development and presentation of the inner intensity.]
  • The fact that logic can generally be expressed more intelligibly than Feeling, makes Feeling demand a more artistic capacity so that the real wealth of this feeling can be even approximately presented or communicated to the outer world.
  • It inevitably creates the impression of sentimental self-love. The proverb ‘Still waters run deep’ is very true of such a type. They are mostly silent, inaccessible, and hard to understand, and their temperament is drawn toward melancholy.
  • Their outward demeanour is harmonious and inconspicuous; the Introverted Feeling [IF and FP one-sidedness] reveals a delightful repose, a sympathetic parallelism, which has no desire to affect others, either to impress, influence, or change them in any way.
  • A superficial judgment might well be shown, by a rather cold and reserved demeanour, into denying all Feeling to this type.

    ‐ Such a view, however, would be quite false; the truth is, their feelings are intensive rather than extensive. They develop into the depth.
  • Whereas an extensive feeling of sympathy (Fe) [EF and FJ one-sidedness] can express itself in both word and deed at the right place, an intensive sympathy (Fi) [IF and FP one-sidedness] gains a passionate depth that embraces the misery of a world.
  • The Introverted Feeling [IF and FP one-sidedness] may possibly express its aim in intimate poetic forms. Inferior Te displays a trace of domineering; a tendency to overpower or coerce the object once openly and visibly with the thing secretly felt.
  • Wherever unconscious Extraverted Thinking (Te) [ET and TJ one-sidedness] is under the influence of the ego, the power of the Fi type [IF and FP one-sidedness] is transformed into arrogant ambition, vanity, and a desire to dominate.
  • The power of the object is felt, and consciousness begins to feel ‘what others think’.

    ‐ In such cases, others are thinking all sorts of immorality, scheming evil, and contriving all sorts of plots, secret intrigues, etc.
    – Elaborate counterplots are consequently produced by the Fi type [IF and FP one-sidedness].

“The least of things with a meaning is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it.” — Carl Jung

Unveiling Introverted Feeling (IF and FP one-sidedness) with Unparalleled Depth and Precision

Let me offer a cautionary note about the following, Carl Jung’s work primarily addresses one-sidedness rather than specific functions or personality types.

Alexis Kingsley – Ti vs. Fi | Introverted Thinking vs. Introverted Feeling

Short summary of Introverted Feeling as described by J.H. van der Hoop

The introverted feeling-type individual follows an inner ideal, seeking harmonious relationships and a beautiful life. Yet, this ideal often clashes with reality, exposing a vulnerability comparable to the sensitive plant’s sensitivity. They balance a secure inner world with an uncertain outer demeanor, marked by deep feelings and passionate convictions.

Despite a belief in their ideals, they feel helpless in achieving them in the real world. Their feelings are deeply concealed behind a mask, creating an aura of longing for understanding and a community that embodies their ideals.

They often display a sudden depth of mutual understanding in rare moments or stand passionately for threatened ideals. Their resistance to anything contradicting their sentiments is fervent, though their modes of expression may create misunderstandings. These individuals seem reserved and dreamy yet exhibit outbursts of emotion. Feelings of disappointment and distrust often emerge early, leading to a sense of impotence and inferiority.

Their happiness often relies on emotional connections, although they need less immediate contact with others than extroverted feeling types. The depths of their spiritual experiences are reflected in religious and artistic expressions, carefully concealed from strangers. Feeling-introverts have a strong sense of duty, though they’re vulnerable to periods of discouragement and pessimism.

They possess an inner moral law guiding their judgments, valuing harmony yet remaining critical and subjective, undermining their self-confidence. Their instinctual life is often subordinated to feeling, leading to a struggle in appreciating life’s pleasures without associating them with a moral value.

Intuition aids in finding expression for their feelings in practical life and art, connecting them deeply to religious life. Feeling dominates their constant quest for harmonious relations and moral views. Thought isn’t central to their lives; they use thought-forms conscientiously but argue based on their preconceived feelings, often leaving logical thinking to others.

Introverted Feeling – from Carl Jung’s Psychological Types

“We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.” — Carl Jung

Introverted feeling, one of the fundamental cognitive functions in Jungian psychology, plays a central role in shaping the personalities and behaviors of individuals who possess it as their dominant or secondary function.

In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the intricacies of introverted feeling (Fi) and its impact on people’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. Introverted feeling is characterized by its orientation toward the subject’s internal and personal values, emotions, and ethical standards.

It differs significantly from extraverted feeling (Fe), which emphasizes interpersonal harmony and adapts to the values and emotions of the external world. Introverted feeling serves as an internal compass that guides individuals based on their deeply-held beliefs, morals, and sentiments.

The Essence of Introverted Feeling:

Introverted feeling, as a cognitive function, prioritizes the inner world of personal values and subjective emotions. It is less visible and easily misunderstood compared to its extraverted counterpart, which tends to emphasize external and societal values. Fi users engage with the external world through the lens of their internal value system, leading to certain distinctive characteristics:

1. Subjective Orientation: Introverted feeling is guided by internal, subjective factors. The individual’s personal emotions and values hold a central role in decision-making and judgment. This subjective standpoint often leads to judgments that differ significantly from societal or objective standards.

2. Depth of Feeling: Introverted feeling is characterized by the depth and intensity of emotions. It delves into the profound and passionate aspects of one’s emotions and values, which can make these feelings difficult to express or understand for others.

3. Inward Focus: Introverted feeling aims to transcend external influences and to create a value system that is authentic to the individual. This inner focus, however, may lead to a tendency to undervalue the external world, resulting in moments of indifference or coldness when engaging with others’ values or emotions.

4. Intuitive Morality: Fi users often possess a deeply intuitive sense of morality and ethics. They may follow their moral compass even when it appears contrary to societal norms. This can manifest as a strong sense of justice and a commitment to personal principles.

5. Subtle Expression: Expressing introverted feeling can be challenging, as it involves sharing deeply personal emotions and values. Fi users may appear reserved or selective in their emotional expressions, especially when it comes to strong, intimate feelings.

6. Potential for Misunderstanding: Introverted feeling is susceptible to misunderstanding by those who value external, objective measures of emotional expression. Its nuances may not always be apparent, which can lead to conflicts or misinterpretations.

The Introverted Feeling Process:

Understanding how introverted feeling operates is essential to grasp its impact on an individual’s life. The Fi process typically follows these steps:

1. Identification of Values: Fi users identify and establish their core values and beliefs. These values are deeply personal and often rooted in early experiences, cultural backgrounds, or personal philosophies.

2. Emotional Engagement: Once the values are identified, Fi individuals engage emotionally with them. They internalize these values, forming strong emotional connections that guide their actions and decisions.

3. Decision-Making: Introverted feeling serves as a decision-making function. When faced with choices or ethical dilemmas, Fi users rely on their internal values and emotions to make decisions that align with their personal beliefs.

4. Authenticity: Authenticity is highly valued by Fi individuals. They strive to be true to themselves and their principles, even if it means going against societal expectations or norms. This emphasis on authenticity can lead to a strong sense of self and inner strength.

5. Empathy and Connection: While introverted feeling may prioritize personal values, Fi users can also be highly empathetic. They often connect with others on a deep emotional level and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual’s values and experiences.

6. Emotional Depth: Fi users experience emotions with intensity and depth. This emotional depth contributes to their authenticity and their ability to connect with others who value sincerity and emotional honesty.

Impact on Personal and Interpersonal Dynamics:

The influence of introverted feeling on individuals and their interactions with others is profound. Here are some key ways in which Fi impacts personal and interpersonal dynamics:

1. Strong Sense of Identity: Fi users often have a well-defined sense of self based on their internal values. This sense of identity provides them with clarity and direction in life, as they know what truly matters to them.

2. Conflict with External Values: Fi may lead to conflicts with societal or external values, especially if those values contradict the individual’s deeply held beliefs. Fi users may resist conforming to external expectations.

3. Empathetic and Understanding: Despite their strong inner values, Fi individuals are often empathetic and open to understanding the values of others. They appreciate the diversity of perspectives and are willing to engage in deep, meaningful conversations.

4. Emotional Depth and Authenticity: Fi users tend to value deep, authentic connections with others. They prioritize relationships that allow for emotional honesty and a shared understanding of values.

5. Struggles with Misunderstanding: The nuanced nature of introverted feeling can lead to misunderstandings, particularly with those who prioritize external expressions of emotion or adherence to societal norms. Fi users may feel unappreciated or misjudged.

6. Pursuit of Personal Growth: Fi users often focus on personal growth and the alignment of their actions with their values. They seek to live authentically and continuously evolve in line with their deeply held beliefs.

7. Conflict Resolution: In interpersonal conflicts, Fi users may be motivated by their strong sense of values to seek resolution that aligns with their principles. They may find it challenging to compromise when their core values are at stake.

Examples of Introverted Feeling Types:

Introverted feeling can manifest in various ways, with each individual expressing it uniquely. Here are some fictional and real-life examples of introverted feeling types:

1. Atticus Finch (Fictional): The character Atticus Finch from Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” exemplifies introverted feeling. He unwaveringly upholds his values of justice and integrity, even when it places him at odds with the prevailing racial prejudices of his community.

2. Mahatma Gandhi (Real-life): Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolent resistance and social justice was rooted in his deeply held values of peace and equality. His actions were in harmony with his internal sense of morality.

3. Jane Goodall (Real-life): Primatologist Jane Goodall’s dedication to the study and conservation of chimpanzees is a reflection of her profound empathy for these animals and her commitment to preserving their habitats. Her work is driven by her internal values.

4. Anne Frank (Historical): Anne Frank’s diary is a poignant example of introverted feeling. Through her writing, she expressed her thoughts, emotions, and a strong sense of hope and belief in the goodness of people, despite the difficult circumstances she faced.

5. Emily Dickinson (Poet): Emily Dickinson’s poetry delves into the depths of her emotions and reflects her internal world. Her introspective and emotionally rich poems are an embodiment of introverted feeling.

Conclusion:

Introverted feeling is a cognitive function that prioritizes personal values, deep emotions, and authenticity. It has a profound influence on individuals’ sense of self, decision-making, and interactions with others. Understanding introverted feeling provides insight into the complex and rich inner worlds of those who possess it as a dominant or secondary function. It sheds light on their commitment to authenticity, personal growth, and their unique approach to navigating the external world while remaining true to their deeply held values and principles.

Alexis Kingsley – What is Introverted Feeling in Myers-Briggs? INFP ISFP ENFP ESFP

Carl Jung’s Description of the Introverted Feeling Type summarised in 1200 words

Here is an AI summary of a verbatim excerpt taken from Chapter 10 of Carl Gustav Jung’s work “Psychological Types” (1921):

Feeling

Introverted feeling is determined principally by the subjective factor. It is described as a deeply subjective process that focuses less on the external object and more on underlying subjective preconditions. This feeling often appears negatively, depreciating the object, leading to misunderstood or misinterpreted expressions. The primary aim is not to align with objective reality but to bring reality to the underlying subjective images. It operates quietly, seeking intense inner experiences while often appearing indifferent or inaccessible to external observers.

Introverted feeling is associated with the concept of primordial images, wherein fundamental ideas like God, freedom, or immortality are felt intensely rather than just considered as thoughts. Expressing these feelings can be challenging due to their internal nature, requiring exceptional descriptive or artistic skills to convey them effectively to others. When this feeling becomes egocentric, it might seem sentimental or self-centered, focusing on self-love rather than genuine connection.

The Introverted Feeling Type (IF and FP one-sidedness)

The text further delves into the specific characteristics of the introverted feeling type, often observed more prominently in women. These individuals tend to keep their true motives concealed, presenting a harmonious and unobtrusive exterior. They can appear cold or indifferent to the needs and emotions of others, showing a sense of superiority and criticism towards intense emotional displays. They maintain a sense of neutrality and distance, which can lead to misunderstandings, especially since their intense feelings may not be expressed visibly.

The intensity of their feelings remains hidden and might manifest in profound ways that appear cold or uncaring to external observers. This can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, with others perceiving their depth of feeling as a lack of emotion or interest. Their feelings might be subtly expressed through private religiosity or poetic forms, sometimes finding an outlet in their children.

If the unconscious subject is identified with the ego, intense feelings might transform into an egocentric and domineering influence. This might lead to an oppressive and stifling atmosphere within their immediate circles. Additionally, when the ego becomes excessively identified with the subject, it could lead to ambitions and cruelties, potentially resulting in neurotic tendencies.

The text also explores how an imbalance in the relationship between the ego and the unconscious subject can lead to neurotic tendencies, expressing itself in neurosis, especially in women. An unbalanced focus on the ego leads to suspicion, secret intrigues, and convulsive efforts to maintain superiority, eventually resulting in exhaustion and neurotic conditions.

Overall, the intricate nature of introverted feeling, its hidden intensity, and the potential for imbalance between the ego and the unconscious subject are the key focal points of the text. It emphasizes the challenges in understanding and expressing these deep, subjective feelings, especially when they become too centered on the ego, leading to potential neurotic states.

CARL JUNG’S ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION OF THE Extraverted Thinking TYPE

Here is the original, verbatim excerpt taken from Chapter 10 of Carl Gustav Jung’s work “Psychological Types” (1921). This text can be used for direct, unaltered quotation of Carl Gustav Jung’s work:

Feeling

Introverted feeling is determined principally by the subjective factor. This means that the feeling-judgment differs quite as essentially from extraverted feeling as does the introversion of thinking from extraversion. It is unquestionably difficult to give an intellectual presentation of the introverted feeling process, or even an approximate description of it, although the peculiar character of this kind of feeling simply stands out as soon as one becomes aware of it at all.

Since it is primarily controlled by subjective preconditions, and is only secondarily concerned with the object, this feeling appears much less upon the surface and is, as a rule, misunderstood. It is a feeling which apparently depreciates the object; hence it usually becomes noticeable in its negative manifestations.

The existence of a positive feeling can be inferred only indirectly, as it were. Its aim is not so much to accommodate to the objective fact as to stand above it, since its whole unconscious effort is to give reality to the underlying images. It is, as it were, continually seeking an image which has no existence in reality, but of which it has had a sort of previous vision. From objects that can never fit in with its aim it seems to glide unheedingly away.

It strives after an inner intensity, to which at the most, objects contribute only an accessory stimulus. The depths of this feeling can only be divined — they can never be clearly comprehended. It makes men silent and difficult of access; with the sensitiveness of the mimosa, it shrinks from the brutality of the object, in order to expand into the depths of the subject. It puts forward negative feeling-judgments or assumes an air of profound indifference, as a measure of self-defence.

Primordial images are, of course, just as much idea as feeling. Thus, basic ideas such as God, freedom, immortality are just as much feeling-values as they are significant as ideas. Everything, therefore, that has been said of the introverted thinking refers equally to introverted feeling, only here everything is felt while there it was thought. But the fact that thoughts can generally be expressed more intelligibly than feelings demands a more than ordinary descriptive or artistic capacity before the real wealth of this feeling can be even approximately presented or communicated to the outer world.

Whereas subjective thinking, on account of its unrelatedness, finds great difficulty in arousing an adequate understanding, the same, though in perhaps even higher degree, holds good for subjective feeling. In order to communicate with others it has to find an external form which is not only fitted to absorb the subjective feeling in a satisfying expression, but which must also convey it to one’s fellowman in such a way that a parallel process takes place in him.

Thanks to the relatively great internal (as well as external) similarity of the human being, this effect can actually be achieved, although a form acceptable to feeling is extremely difficult to find, so long as it is still mainly orientated by the fathomless store of primordial images. But, when it becomes falsified by an egocentric attitude, it at once grows unsympathetic, since then its major concern is still with the ego.

Such a case never fails to create an impression of sentimental self-love, with its constant effort to arouse interest and even morbid self-admiration just as the subjectified consciousness of the introverted thinker, striving after an abstraction of abstractions, only attains a supreme intensity of a thought-process in itself quite empty, so the intensification of egocentric feeling only leads to a contentless passionateness, which merely feels itself.

This is the mystical, ecstatic stage, which prepares the way over into the extraverted functions repressed by feeling, just as introverted thinking is pitted against a primitive feeling, to which objects attach themselves with magical force, so introverted feeling is counterbalanced by a primitive thinking, whose concretism and slavery to facts passes all bounds.

Continually emancipating itself from the relation to the object, this feeling creates a freedom, both of action and of conscience, that is only answerable to the subject, and that may even renounce all traditional values. But so much the more does unconscious thinking fall a victim to the power of objective facts.

The Introverted Feeling Type

It is principally among women that I have found the priority of introverted feeling. The proverb ‘Still waters run deep’ is very true of such women. They are mostly silent, inaccessible, and hard to understand; often they hide behind a childish or banal mask, and not infrequently their temperament is melancholic.

They neither shine nor reveal themselves. Since they submit the control of their lives to their subjectively orientated feeling, their true motives generally remain concealed. Their outward demeanour is harmonious and inconspicuous; they reveal a delightful repose, a sympathetic parallelism, which has no desire to affect others, either to impress, influence, or change them in any way. Should this outer side be somewhat emphasized, a suspicion of neglectfulness and coldness may easily obtrude itself, which not seldom increases to a real indifference for the comfort and well-being of others.

One distinctly feels the movement of feeling away from the object. With the normal type, however, such an event only occurs when the object has in some way too strong an effect. The harmonious feeling atmosphere rules only so long as the object moves upon its own way with a moderate feeling intensity, and makes no attempt to cross the other’s path.

There is little effort to accompany the real emotions of the object, which tend to be damped and rebuffed, or to put it more aptly, are ‘cooled off’ by a negative feeling-judgment. Although one may find a constant readiness for a peaceful and harmonious companionship, the unfamiliar object is shown no touch of amiability, no gleam of responding warmth, but is met by a manner of apparent indifference or repelling coldness.

One may even be made to feel the superfluousness of one’s own existence. In the presence of something that might carry one away or arouse enthusiasm, this type observes a benevolent neutrality, tempered with an occasional trace of superiority and criticism that soon takes the wind out of the sails of a sensitive object. But a stormy emotion will be brusquely rejected with murderous coldness, unless it happens to catch the subject from the side of the unconscious, i.e. unless, through the animation of some primordial image, feeling is, as it were, taken captive.

In which event such a woman simply feels a momentary laming, invariably producing, in due course, a still more violent resistance, which reaches the object in his most vulnerable spot. The relation to the object is, as far as possible, kept in a secure and tranquil middle state of feeling, where passion and its intemperateness are resolutely proscribed.

Expression of feeling, therefore, remains niggardly and, when once aware of it at all, the object has a permanent sense of his undervaluation. Such, however, is not always the case, since very often the deficit remains unconscious; whereupon the unconscious feeling-claims gradually produce symptoms which compel a more serious attention.

A superficial judgment might well be betrayed, by a rather cold and reserved demeanour, into denying all feeling to this type. Such a view, however, would be quite false; the truth is, her feelings are intensive rather than extensive. They develop into the depth. Whereas, for instance, an extensive feeling of sympathy can express itself in both word and deed at the right place, thus quickly ridding itself of its impression, an intensive sympathy, because shut off from every means of expression, gains a passionate depth that embraces the misery of a world and is simply benumbed.

It may possibly make an extravagant irruption, leading to some staggering act of an almost heroic character, to which, however, neither the object nor the subject can find a right relation. To the outer world, or to the blind eyes of the extravert, this sympathy looks like coldness, for it does nothing visibly, and an extraverted consciousness is unable to believe in invisible forces.

Such misunderstanding is a characteristic occurrence in the life of this type, and is commonly registered as a most weighty argument against any deeper feeling relation with the object. But the underlying, real object of this feeling is only dimly divined by the normal type.

It may possibly express its aim and content in a concealed religiosity anxiously shielded, from profane eyes, or in intimate poetic forms equally safeguarded from surprise; not without a secret ambition to bring about some superiority over the object by such means. Women often express much of it in their children, letting their passionateness flow secretly into them.

Although in the normal type, the tendency, above alluded to, to overpower or coerce the object once openly and visibly with the thing secretly felt, rarely plays a disturbing role, and never leads to a serious attempt in this direction, some trace of it, none the less, leaks through into the personal effect upon the object, in the form of a domineering influence often difficult to define.

It is sensed as a sort of stifling or oppressive feeling which holds the immediate circle under a spell. It gives a woman of this type a certain mysterious power that may prove terribly fascinating to the extraverted man, for it touches his unconscious.

This power is derived from the deeply felt, unconscious images; consciousness, however, readily refers it to the ego, whereupon the influence becomes debased into personal tyranny. But, wherever the unconscious subject is identified with the ego, the mysterious power of the intensive feeling is also transformed into banal and arrogant ambition, vanity, and petty tyranny. This produces a type of woman most regrettably distinguished by her unscrupulous ambition and mischievous cruelty. But this change in the picture leads also to neurosis.

So long as the ego feels itself housed, as it were, beneath the heights of the unconscious subject, and feeling reveals something higher and mightier than the ego, the type is normal. The unconscious thinking is certainly archaic, yet its reductions may prove extremely helpful in compensating the occasional inclinations to exalt the ego into the subject.

But, whenever this does take place by dint of complete suppression of the unconscious reductive thinking-products, the unconscious thinking goes over into opposition and becomes projected into objects. Whereupon the now egocentric subject comes to feel the power and importance of the depreciated object.

Consciousness begins to feel ‘what others think’. Naturally, others are thinking, all sorts of baseness, scheming evil, and contriving all sorts of plots, secret intrigues, etc. To prevent this, the subject must also begin to carry out preventive intrigues, to suspect and sound others, to make subtle combinations. Assailed by rumours, he must make convulsive efforts to convert, if possible, a threatened inferiority into a superiority.

Innumerable secret rivalries develop, and in these embittered struggles not only will no base or evil means be disdained, but even virtues will be misused and tampered with in order to play the trump card. Such a development must lead to exhaustion. The form of neurosis is neurasthenic rather than hysterical; in the case of women we often find severe collateral physical states, as for instance anæmia and its sequelæ.

Recapitulation of Introverted Rational Types:

Both the foregoing types are rational since they are founded upon reasoning, judging functions. Reasoning judgment is based not merely upon objective but also upon subjective data. But the predominance of one or other factor, conditioned by a psychic disposition often existing from early youth, deflects the reasoning function. For a judgment to be really reasonable it should have equal reference to both the objective and the subjective factors, and be able to do justice to both. This, however, would be an ideal case, and would presuppose a uniform development of both extraversion and introversion.

But either movement excludes the other, and, so long as this dilemma persists, they cannot possibly exist side by side, but at the most successively. Under ordinary circumstances, therefore, an ideal reason is impossible. A rational type has always a typical reasonal variation. Thus, the introverted rational types unquestionably have a reasoning judgment, only it is a judgment whose leading note is subjective.

The laws of logic are not necessarily deflected since its onesidedness lies in the premise. The premise is the predominance of the subjective factor existing beneath every conclusion and coloring every judgment. Its superior value as compared with the objective factor is self-evident from the beginning. As already stated, it is not just a question of value bestowed, but of a natural disposition existing before all rational valuation.

Hence, to the introvert, rational judgment necessarily appears to have many nuances that differentiate it from that of the extravert. This difference, which in the individual case is practically insignificant, indeed almost unnoticeable, effects unbridgeable oppositions in the gross; these are the more irritating, the less we are aware of the minimal standpoint displacement produced by the psychological premise in the individual case.

A capital error regularly creeps in here, for one labors to prove a fallacy in the conclusion, instead of realizing the difference of the psychological premise. Such a realization is a difficult matter for every rational type since it undermines the apparent, absolute validity of his own principle, and delivers him over to its antithesis, which certainly amounts to a catastrophe.

Almost more even than the extraverted is the introverted type subject to misunderstanding: not so much because the extravert is a more merciless or critical adversary, than he himself can easily be, but because the style of the epoch in which he himself participates is against him. Not in relation to the extraverted type, but as against our general accidental world-philosophy, he finds himself in the minority, not of course numerically, but from the evidence of his own feeling.

In so far as he is a convinced participator in the general style, he undermines his own foundations since the present style, with its almost exclusive acknowledgment of the visible and the tangible, is opposed to his principle. Because of its invisibility, he is obliged to depreciate the subjective factor and to force himself to join in the extraverted overvaluation of the object.

He himself sets the subjective factor at too low a value, and his feelings of inferiority are his chastisement for this sin. Little wonder, therefore, that it is precisely our epoch, and particularly those movements which are somewhat ahead of the time, that reveal the subjective factor in every kind of exaggerated, crude, and grotesque form of expression. I refer to the art of the present day.

The undervaluation of his own principle makes the introvert egotistical and forces upon him the psychology of the oppressed. The more egotistical he becomes, the stronger his impression grows that these others, who are apparently able, without qualms, to conform with the present style, are the oppressors against whom he must guard and protect himself. He does not usually perceive that he commits his capital mistake in not depending upon the subjective factor with that same loyalty and devotion with which the extravert follows the object.

By the undervaluation of his own principle, his penchant toward egoism becomes unavoidable, which, of course, richly deserves the prejudice of the extravert. Were he only to remain true to his own principle, the judgment of ‘egoist’ would be radically false; for the justification of his attitude would be established by its general efficacy, and all misunderstandings dissipated.”

In this passage, Carl Jung discusses the concept of introverted feeling and the characteristics associated with it. Introverted feeling is a psychological function that emphasizes the subjective factor, making it different from extraverted feeling. It is challenging to provide a clear intellectual presentation of introverted feeling due to its subjective nature.

Introverted feeling often appears to devalue the object, leading to misunderstandings and negative manifestations. It aims to stand above the objective reality and give reality to underlying images. The depths of introverted feeling are difficult to comprehend and often make individuals with this function silent and difficult to access. They may appear indifferent or display negative feeling judgments as a form of self-defense.

Jung also highlights the role of primordial images and how they are intertwined with feeling. Basic ideas such as God, freedom, and immortality are not just intellectual concepts but also carry significant feeling values. Introverted feeling is intensive, focusing on depth rather than breadth, and its expressions are often invisible to the external world.

The passage then delves into the introverted feeling type, which Jung notes is often found among women. These individuals tend to be silent, inaccessible, and hard to understand. They may appear cold, indifferent, and even egotistical. Their feelings are intensive, and they often keep their emotions hidden. While they may seem indifferent to external stimuli, their intense feelings are directed inwards and may occasionally manifest as extreme emotional reactions. The passage also discusses how this type can develop a domineering influence over others when their feelings are repressed, leading to an imbalance and potential neurosis.

Finally, Jung provides a recapitulation of the introverted rational types, emphasizing that ideal reasoning, which balances both the subjective and objective factors, is often unattainable. Introverted feeling tends to undervalue its own principle, leading to egotism and a sense of being oppressed by the prevailing extraverted world. This undervaluation can result in a misunderstanding of this type, especially in a society that emphasizes the visible and tangible. Jung suggests that recognizing the significance of the subjective factor and staying true to one’s principles can help overcome these challenges and misunderstandings.

Overall, Jung’s text explores the intricacies of introverted feeling, its manifestations, and the challenges faced by those who possess this psychological function. It also touches on the broader implications of introverted feeling in society and personal development.

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