Introduction

Type Tactic is an archetype’s decision-making process, or in other words, the steps they take to realize their aspirations. There are two ways to go about this. Some archetypes prefer to form decisions through logical reasons, while others through emotional justifications. The difference in preference gives rise to Thinkers and Feelers.

Thinker Types

Thinkers are those who approach life in a rational manner. They evaluate and decide by considering the appropriate logic in order to form reasons. Usually, when the word “thinking” is used, it is to describe the formation of thoughts and opinions. That, of course, is something that anyone can do. However, thinking within our framework is specifically tied to the formation of logical reasons to evaluate.

For nothing is more democratic than logic;
it is no respecter of persons and makes
no distinction between crooked
and straight noses.

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

It is worth mentioning how the word “logical” is usually associated with common sense. You’ve probably seen people throw this word around before, especially when they are trying to prove a point. For instance, someone might say, “It is obviously logical to drink 8 cups of water a day” without providing any reasons. Well, that isn’t exactly logical as logic must be grounded in sound reasons and valid arguments.

One way to practice logic is by reasoning things out through variables. Take for example the following statement: C is true only if A and B are both true. Based on logic, C would cease to be true if either A or B is false. To apply logic in real life, just substitute the variables with typical day-to-day issues. Of course, the thought process of a Thinker is much more complex than the example given. In most cases, they will take into consideration multiple variables before consolidating them into a coherent conclusion.

To Thinkers, it does not matter what they feel about the deduction they end up with. As long as it makes logical sense, they will include it as a part of their thought process. With that in mind, when we use the term “logical” in NXT, it is to describe reasonings that are conducted according to strict principles and criteria of validity.

So, what makes Thinkers, Thinkers? For starters, they are known to put a heavy emphasis on making things work. Hence, they are interested in developing logical explanations for everything they do or come across. This mainly consists of finding workable solutions to problems in life. This can be seen in their handling of issues. In most cases, Thinkers are constantly evaluating the utility of people and things so that they know what measures to take to maximize results.

It comes as no surprise then, that Thinkers are relatively better at figuring out what works and what does not. Their ability to do so is no doubt an advantage, but to Thinkers, it is simply a necessity in terms of making decisions and overcoming challenges.

Their approach however, comes with its drawbacks. Since Thinkers prioritize logic over emotion, they tend to downplay feelings when dealing with other people, coming off as insensitive at times. Some Thinkers may even disregard emotions completely, placing only the pursuit of what works at the forefront of their minds.

As such, Thinkers should keep in mind that humans are ultimately emotional creatures. No amount of logic can ever change that fact. If they want things to work, they must take feelings into account.

Brief technical description: Thinkers strive to figure out what works best by prioritizing logical reasons.

Feeler Types

Feelers are those who approach life with a tendency to prioritize emotions. They evaluate and decide by considering the values that are important to themselves or others in order to form justifications.

Feelings are not supposed to
be logical. Dangerous is the man
who has rationalized his emotions.

David Borenstein

Now, “feeling” is a pretty broad word that refers to an emotional state or an instinctive understanding. So, it is not unusual even for a highly logical person to say, “I have a feeling that the stock market will crash due to the pandemic.” It’s just the way language is used on a regular basis. However, when we use the word “feeling” we are specifically talking about the formation of emotional justifications to evaluate.

It is also worth noting how the word “emotional” is often associated with intense and unstable feelings. When someone is referred to as an emotional person, we immediately assume that they are irrational and easily affected. It’s hard to shake off this notion, as it is common to associate emotional people with those who are prone to breaking down. Because of that, many Feelers are often reluctant to be labeled as emotional for fear of judgment.

But the truth is, Thinkers are no less emotional than Feelers when they are having an outburst. On top of that, most Feelers in general are no more sensitive than Thinkers, despite having a strong connection to emotions. It is only a small percentage of Feelers who may be more volatile when it comes to their feelings. So, to keep things clear, the word “emotional” in NXT is used to describe justifications made based on the importance and nuances of feelings.

That said, how are Feelers different from Thinkers? Well, Feelers are known to put more weight on personal or social values. As such, they are interested in forming emotional justifications for everything they do or come across. This mainly consists of finding the desired approaches to hurdles in life. This can be seen in the way they handle issues. By and large, Feelers are constantly evaluating the worth of people and things in order to do what feels right.

Because of that, it is only expected for Feelers to easily identify what is truly valuable to themselves or others. Their ability to do so gives them the upper hand, but to Feelers, it is simply a necessity when it comes to making decisions and overcoming challenges.

Sadly, much like Thinkers, this ability is a double-edged sword. Giving more importance to emotion than logic, it is not uncommon for Feelers to dismiss what works in favor of what feels appropriate at the moment. Some Feelers might even end up doing things that might make little sense for the sake of flawed values and beliefs.

For example, a Feeler might say, “You think the dish is tasteless? How can you say that, Aunt Eiko cooked it with her heart, don’t you like it?” It might not be logical, but it feels like the right thing to say for some.

As such, Feelers should bear in mind that their values are only as strong as the logical reasons that support it. So if they truly want to do what’s right, they must deepen and strengthen their logic in order to develop airtight reasons for their values.

Brief technical description: Feelers strive to recognize what feels most right by prioritizing emotional justifications.

Conclusion

Of course, no one is entirely a Thinker or a Feeler, just as no one is entirely a Sensor or an Intuitive. We all exhibit characteristics from both sides of the dichotomies, but with one side as our innate preference. Moreover, our upbringing and social expectations can further complicate these traits.

Having said that, let us delve into how a person's Type Outlook and Type Tactic interact to create their Type Nature.

Read next part → Type Nature [Origin]