[Streber12]

I don't know if this has anything to do with being INTP or personality types in general, but I feel a lot of empathy for most animals. I can really empathize when an animal is hurt and I will feel bad inside. On the opposite, I usually don't feel any empathy for humans in general unless it is a close friend to me, it's likely because I've been hurt a lot by humans so I closed off my emotions for them.

Do you INTPs prefer animals over humans?

 

[that]

I generally like animals more than humans, if that's what you mean. I find that my cat generally is glad I'm there, spending time with it, and is not judging me because I don't say enough, or because I can't relate to it's feelings.

Cat's aren't going to be offended if you don't do/say the right things, nor are they going to be upset with you if you don't perform(unless you don't feed them).

I'd honestly rather spend time with my cat than anybody else.

 

[kazerniel]

I don't know if this has anything to do with being INTP or personality types in general, but I feel a lot of empathy for most animals. I can really empathize when an animal is hurt and I will feel bad inside. On the opposite, I usually don't feel any empathy for humans in general unless it is a close friend to me, it's likely because I've been hurt a lot by humans so I closed off my emotions for them.

Do you INTPs prefer animals over humans?

I like to be around animals, because their vibe is usually less overwhelming than say, E people ^^; Animals are easy to be with and not feel awkward or have to talk about anything, we can just BE.

I think I feel the same amount of empathy towards animals and humans, but in a lot of cases animals are more vulnerable, because they have no understanding of things on a deeper level and they can't communicate with humans that well. My reaction kinda differs because if I see an animal in pain I can easily consider the best course of actions, while with humans I feel shy and held back by social convictions.

I'm also vegan (since 2012 and has been vegetarian since 2008), because one day I realised I want to face what my daily actions result towards animals, and after some reading and watching videos I couldn't turn away from the truth and the voice of my conscience anymore and keep pretending I was okay with what happens to animals in the animal industries. I think nowadays I feel a lot closer to animals emotionally than before because my guilt and shame doesn't stand between us. (If this makes sense )

 

[Orchidion]

I cannot generalize and state, that animals mean more to me than humans. (On an intellectual level: Humans are more complex and thus more interesting.)

Hurt and mistreated animals always touch me. They really get to me. Animals tend to be so pristine and without any ulterior motives, which makes their suffering, by the hands of human, seem so unfair. I despise people who torture animals for fun. I have deliberated the idea of becoming vegetarian before, but I never really got to it.

 

[Psithurism]

I am fascinated by animals often (like reading about them or observing them). But I have trouble having pets and would honestly not want one myself. The reason(s) for that I'm not sure.

 

[lunny]

I consider our pet animals the best friends I have.

 

[Nastorm]

Preferring animals over humans seems more like an INFP thing. I think I like both the same and can't really say that I empathize more with one of them. My empathy is crap in general.

 

[Fern]

I love animals, and they are drawn to me; but you can only have engaging conversations with humans (so I've been told).

 

[DemonD]

Some animals yes, bugs no.

 

[LadyO.W.BernieBro]

Preferring animals over humans seems more like an INFP thing. I think I like both the same and can't really say that I empathize more with one of them. My empathy is crap in general.

This. Not sure that l understand what happens when the preference for animals over humans is actually formed. l was chalking it up to unfortunate life experiences, but l don't expect that to be a universal introvert thing.

Also reminds me very much of my ISFJ aunt ''horse person''.

 

[Negativity Bias]

I hate taking care of my dog but I love her more than I love most people.

 

[William808]

Preferring animals over humans seems more like an INFP thing. I think I like both the same and can't really say that I empathize more with one of them. My empathy is crap in general.

Totally agree with you

 

[senlar]

I also sympathize with animals. I don't eat meat around 6 days a week (I take other sources of protein - don't take this as a medical instruction - danger!). I do think that INTPs have a tendency to relate to animals more than other types like SJs.

One of the things I learned about humans is that this is not a free world. Categorize people and choose the better ones, or test them first and see if they want you, or observe them for a while and then talk to them. Otherwise, my trust in humans in general has been broken. I think there is a certain cynicism and mistrust by INTPs in humanity if they have had negative experiences. Perhaps it's because INTPs expect humanity robotically to follow a list of do's and don'ts in some ethics book, religious text, red book of communism, or whatever it is they believe in; when others don't act rationally according to the INTP's ideology, the INTP then does one of the 3 following things: 1) become selective in who they are with and trust; 2) become a recluse; 3) **** the world and I'll be who I am and go with whoever likes me.

I think H.G. Wells (INTP writer - i.e. War of the Worlds) described INTP desires best. "We are a very imperfect species and I would not be sorry if we were replaced by a superior species" or something of this nature.

INTPs are the critics of every form of human culture - conservative or liberal, parenting styles: too strict or not enough support, capitalist or socialist or communist, etc.

INTPs from my experience do care for animals more than other types and are critical of all of humanity more than any other type. You're right.

 

[INTProud]

Whenever I see an injured animal / plant I feel the urge to protect and nurture it. People call me compassionate. Whereas, whenever I see an injured (or faking to get attention) human I'm think, "Shake it off!" or, "Stop being a sob story." I feel different about mortally injured people. Some days I spend more time with my pets than my family, and I don't eat fish because I love my fish.

 

[bored]

I thought about this not too long ago and I feel particularly empathetic toward animals that don't have a permanent home but I can empathize with people on a deep level also.

 

[Ista]

I have a good degree of empathy for both humans and animals. It is deep and sudden.

Though in the past I've found it difficult to empathize in some social circumstances expecting empathy. For example, when someone close to me was getting married, I felt more of a sense of grief than happiness for them. I felt contrived trying to pretend to be happy for them because at that time I couldn't imagine marriage being a good thing. This may have also been related to my not being able to observe the relationship, or analyze it, as I didn't know the groom-to-be.

In retrospect I look back and wonder what I was thinking. In this way, I'd say that my younger self had not really established a socially acceptable form of empathy yet. People were kind of annoying to me then as I found them intrusive and judgemental. Now, in many cases, I value them for that same annoyance, in measured amounts. My sense of empathy and tolerance has broadened over time.

I try to remember that most pets would eat me if they didn't have any other food, and that there is a food chain. In addition to empathy, nature deserves respect. Also, in this way, vegetarian pets are probably better. If an animal is suffering, I cannot stand to watch and would rather put it out of its misery.

I instinctively protect both people and animals. At times I have reactively shielded animals from being harmed, though I've also hunted them to eat.

 

[Snow]

I love my dog, but don't really compare humans to animals. I actually like cats too, but am allergic to them (and thus I pretend I dislike them).

 

[sandblaster]

I like to kill animals..that's about it.

I mean I love my dog, but that's because he's MY animal.

Actually I find most people's attitudes towards animals completely illogical and wrapped up in emotion. This really bothers me as an INTP.

 

[TheOwl]

I'm a vegetarian for ethical reasons, so it's not like I hate animals, but I definitely prefer the company of people. I'm not a pet person at all. Although, I enjoy learning about non-domestic animals, especially sea life and insects.

 

[sehvral]

I like animals, but I don't really have any desire for pets. Had a bunch growing up, and they just don't fit with my lifestyle. That said, I also have no problem eating them. They are (mostly) as tasty as they are likeable.

So yeah, I like them more than most people, less than a few people. Except for the feral cat that keeps leaving half-dead, half-eaten birds on my back porch that I have to dispose of. I want that little fucker dead.