The Wisdom of the Sixth Function

By Dario Nardi
Reprinted from APTi Bulletin, Summer 2005

In stories like Star Wars, the hero or heroine often encounters a dark parent figure called a senex
(male) or witch (female). In the first Star Wars, Luke Skywalker loses a kindly father figure (Obiwan Kenobi)
and must face a dangerous father figure (Darth Vader.) Usually, the dark figure is unmasked through a
redemptive process where both parties learn a deep lesson and gain wisdom. Similarly, John Beebe proposes
that among Jungs eight functions, a persons sixth function is carried by the senex/witch archetype. In
youth we often experience this function as a dark and stern obstacle to our dominant function. But with
maturity we may embrace it to greatly enrich our lives.
My type is INTJ and during my college years I really disliked use of my sixth function, introverted
Thinking. I recall a physics professor, likely an INTP, who would present a smattering of core principles and
then expect me to somehow come up with any and all solutions to novel problems on exams. I cursed him
for the lack of examples or step-by-step methods. Later during graduate school I worked under an older
INTJ and also an INTP, and I learned the advantage of clear coherent principles. My INTJ advisor was a role
model for how to express this function, and the INTP was someone to practice with. Type knowledge was
also useful! Sometimes I meet INTJs who reject introverted Thinking. Their ideas tend to be incoherent,
such as using ten different models, none of which fit together.
Type research suggests that many people use their sixth function. Steve Myers observed this when
developing the MTR-i. I have observed the same pattern while creating the InterStrength Cognitive
Assessment. Along with ones dominant and auxiliary, people often report using their sixth function as much
as their tertiary and more than the remaining ones.
What does all this mean? Here are 6 examples that demonstrate how accepting the sixth function
can make a difference in a persons life. (You can read about all 16 types at www.cognitiveprocesses.com.)

Extraverted Thinking for ESTP and ENTP

When ESTPs and ENTPs are uncomfortable with this process, they may rebel against structure and
time-constraints, or validation of ideas using logical reasoning based on measurable evidence. An ENTP
researcher might reject an empirical study because results might limit the numerous hypotheses and ideas
suggested by his imagination (dominant extraverted Intuiting.) Or an ESTP might try to throw off her
companys decision-making hierarchy because it slows down the pursuit of options in the moment
(dominant extraverted Sensing.)
In contrast, when ESTPs and ENTPs embrace this process, they often utilize to-do lists and other
life-structuring devices to effectively engage more interests and activities. An ESTP might juggle work, a
side career, book projects, travel, and staying in touch with friends and family by embracing a daily
scheduler. Or an ENTP might find that mobilizing the structure of a company allows him to better engage a
dream such as launching a new product into the marketplace.

Extraverted Sensing for ESTJ and ESFJ

When ESFJs and ESTJs are uncomfortable with this process, they often discourage expression of
impulses or indulging the senses, and may use facts to block actions proposed by others. An ESTJ teacher
might insist her kids sit still and will discount their inclination to be physically active. She might draw upon
her dominant function extraverted Thinking to argue that kids should learn to focus and restrain
themselves in order to achieve class goals. Or an ESFJ might decide that any physical intimacy before an
impending marriage would be wrong because it would hinder the genuine emotional intimacy he so values
(dominant extraverted Feeling.)
In contrast, when ESTJs and ESFJs embrace this process, they are freer with physical expression
and gut reactions. An ESTJ athlete might learn to let go and trust his instincts when playing a competitive
sport, enhancing performance and achievement. Or an ESFJ might embrace a health regime to experience
more energy with the freedom to engage activities with friends and kids, thus enriching her relationships.
Introverted Intuiting for INTP and INFP
When INTP and INFP are uncomfortable with this process, they may wander between interests and
put off plans because they lack a positive vision of the future, or they may be distressed by a focus on the
supernatural. An INFP might put off a career change because she keeps envisioning how one aspect of her
future work might create a moral conflict (dominant introverted Feeling.) Or an INTP scientist might
categorize inquiry into ESP as little more than a humorous diversion that distracts from rigorous
investigation of scientific principles (dominant introverted Thinking.)
In contrast, when INTPs and INFPs embrace this process, they often discover energy and purpose
around a vision of change. An INFP psychologist might foresee how a particular model could help millions of
people if he published a book about it. He radiates an excitement in workshops and conferences that gets
others interested in that vision. Or an INTP might have a mystical experience with an animal totem, which
allows her to focus her thoughts and refine her work to a new level of understanding.

Jungs Sixth Function

An long-standing question is Carl Jungs 4-letter type code. Jung stated he was an introvert who
preferred Thinking, but after his break with his senex-like figure Freud, he came to engage more in
Intuiting. Was this introverted or extraverted Intuiting? Jung said that a persons auxiliary function would
not compete with his or her dominant function and would be different in every way. (Psychological Types
paragraph 669). This matches Isabel Myers presentation that leads to 16 types and suggests Jung was an
INTP. However, as Jungian Lenore Thompson described to me, those who knew Jung say differently. His
break with Freud helped him discover his true self, an introverted Intuitive. In either case, Jung used both
introverted Intuiting and introverted Thinking. His lifelong work focused on symbols and archetypes as part
of a grand theoretical framework of the psyche. Maybe it was the synergy between these two functions that
produced a body of wisdom to inspire and light a path for so many.
The role of the sixth functions is yet another area begging for more research, even though this is a
long, challenging process. It is like the student who goes to a martial arts master excited to be taught The
Way. However, the new master is harsh and the student is quickly angry and discouraged. Yet over time,
the student learns to understand the master, and discovers wisdom.

References:
Beebe, John. "Understanding Consciousness through the Theory of Psychological Types," in Joseph
Cambray and Linda Carter, Analytical Psychology: Contemporary Perspectives in Jungian Analysis, pp. 83-
115. Brunner-Routledge, 2004
Steve Myers and the MTR-i. http://www.teamtechnology.co.uk/
Berens, Linda and Dario Nardi. Understanding Yourself and Others: An Introduction to the Personality
Type Code. Telos Publications, 2004.
Jung, Carl. Psychological Types. Princeton University Press, Reprint 1960.
Thompson, Lenore. Personality Type: An Owners Manual. Shambhala Publications, 1998.
A Quick Reference to Jungs 8 Psychological Functions
Se: Respond naturally to everything tangible you detect through your senses. Check what your gut instincts
tell you. Test limits and take risks for big rewards.

Si: Carefully compare a situation to the customary ways youve come to rely on. Check with past
experiences. Stabilize the situation and invest for future security.

Ne: Wonder about patterns of interaction across various situations. Check what hypotheses fit best. Shift the
dynamics of a situation and trust what emerges.

Ni: Withdraw from the world and focus your mind to receive an insight or realization. Check whether
synergy results. Try out a realization to transform yourself.

Te: Make decisions objectively based on evidence and measures. Check whether things function properly.
Apply procedures to control events and achieve goals.

Ti: Detach yourself from a situation to study it from different angles and fit it to a theory, framework, or
principle. Check this fit for accuracy. Use the leverage you gain to solve the problem.

Fe: Empathically respond to others needs and take on their needs and values as your own. Check for respect
and trust. Give and receive support to grow closer to people.

Fi: Pay close attention to your personal identity, values, and beliefs. Check with your conscience before you
act. Choose behavior congruent with what is important to you.