Typing Maynard....

[melancholeric]

... Maynard. Maynard. Maynard. Easy isn't? :blush:


What do you think his MBTI type is? Has this been discussed before? I didn't find anything with search.
I am absolutely 100% certain that there is a possibility that he might be an INTx, not sure on the P/J though. :huh:
To clarify the obvious, I mean Maynard James Keenan.
Discuss.

[Edmond Zedo]

I'm picking up an SP vibe... Honestly though, I don't know the guy very well, or his music.

[Serotonin]

I doubt very much Maynard is an S. His lyrics are very abstract. Even talks about "withering my intuition...". I'm very inclined to think INTP actually, but more angry and jaded than most INTPs since he was abused as a kid...
Either way, he's a great example of how INTPs can be truly great artists.
I also think Thom Yorke is an INTP.

[Edmond Zedo]

I've always thought of Thom as NF.

[melancholeric]

As below, so above and beyond, I imagine
drawn beyond the lines of reason.
Push the envelope. Watch it bend.

Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind
Withering my intuition, missing opportunities and I must
Feed my will to feel my moment drawing way outside the lines.

That sounds like an INTP to me. Actually I think I'll put that to my signature.

I think he's NT, but he might be J considering his intelligence and knowledge is clearly visible (seems more Te that Ti to me).


Thom Yorke seems NF to me. Could be S too.

[YourLocalCynic]

Sometimes I think it's blatantly obvious he's a P, and then othertimes I get a J vibe from him. *shrug* Maybe he's borderline.

[melancholeric]

On a second thought, he's into martial arts, think it was Taek Won Do, and i've heard he's quite advanced in that. That sounds rather J.

On the other hand, it's not like a P couldnät pick up a sport and develop a workout routine and stick to it. Or an INTP would keep dominant Ti hidden in creative process.

The way he has "planned" his life forward ever since high school definitely seems quite P:ish. First he did what he thought to be the most illogical thin he could do - and joined the military.

During the 80s, Keenan even ventured into comedy, performing in after-hours bars – a far cry from his now cagey public persona. However, he has learned, he says, that bizarre behaviour can have its down side too. When he joined the army in ’82 it was “the most illogical thing I could possibly do….so I did it.”
As a member of the US Military Academy West Point (prep school class of 1984), Keenan was a member of
the varsity wrestling team and a cross-country athlete. “It was a learning experience,” he recalls pensively. “You
can really learn a lot about human nature, because for the best part you’re dealing with the worst parts of every
walk of life – predominantly fucking ignorant people and followers. You can learn a lot about others, and in particular about yourself.”
A closet Joni Mitchell fan, Keenan soon realized that he hadn’t found his niche, and quit the army to study
art at the Kendall College of Art & Design. In stark contrast to his military lifestyle, he found himself a job
applying spatial design concepts like Feng Shui, and even entered the pet industry. Music, however, remained
his prime interest, and during the mid-80s he formed enigmatically named bands like Children of Anachronistic
Dynasty, and TexAns.

An article (http://toolshed.down.net/articles/index.php?action=view-article&id=August_2001--Classic_Rock.html)

In coclusion he's probably an INTP.

Thom Yorke is difficult. Could be an INFP.

I also think John Lennon was INFP. I'm almost positive. Maybe.

[Seraph]

Definitely INTP or INFP. His lyrics are far too poetic for him to be an S. The reason I'm considering "F" for him is he has an entire CD dedicated to songs about peace and love, which I imagine most T's probably wouldn't do.

[melancholeric]

But would an F start talking about quantum mechanics during an interview? He seems too much of a geek (lack of better word) to be an F. Then again, many of his lyrics are fairly emotional. And spiritual. But also intellectual. This is difficult.

[Seraph]

Well, a lot of us INTP's question our "T"...I know sometimes I feel like I'm really an INFP. Let's just call him an INP and leave it at that. :)

[booyalab]

He seems like a very intelligent artisan to me.

[Seraph]

^ Paradox. ;)

[MasterMerk]

But would an F start talking about quantum mechanics during an interview? He seems too much of a geek (lack of better word) to be an F. Then again, many of his lyrics are fairly emotional. And spiritual. But also intellectual. This is difficult.

An F preference doesn't mean you're devoid of geekiness. An NF just uses more discretion in what information it chooses to keep. INFJs for example have an intellectual bent and usually love scientific knowledge. Having said that, I doubt Maynard is an NT. Even in that interview:

"You can really learn a lot about human nature, because for the best part you’re dealing with the worst parts of every walk of life – predominantly fucking ignorant people and followers. You can learn a lot about others, and in particular about yourself."

I have seen nothing that convinces me that he prefers T over F, quite the opposite really. Human nature is a staple interest of NFs. So I believe INFX, so far.

Based on his communication style, he kinda kills the conversation during the interview...

"When asked why he often stands with
his back to the crowd, even though his usual stage attire includes such exotic items as bustiers, Speedos,
wheelchairs, body paints, TV evangelist suits and leather jump suits, he merely shrugs. 'Well, it's mostly
because of the new stage set-up,' he says, apparently with little interest."

INFJs can be too blunt and direct, INFPs can babble on without really answering the question (those are the two extremes). 1 point for INFJ here.

He seems pretty sure of his opinions, evident by the blunt way he expresses them - that's an NJ communication trait there.

With the philisophical nature of his lyrics, we know he is an N. Since his lyrics are largely metaphorical, I think it's safe to assume he is an NF here. He also focuses a little too much on the spiritual, emotional or interpersonal aspects in his lyrics to be NT. Even the lateralus lyrics emphasize NOT over-analysing and over-thinking, and that is not exactly a common NT viewpoint:

"We'll ride the spiral to the end
We may just go where noone's been"

Human development and potentials = NF.

"Acutely cautious of the media, he and his band are complete control freaks who direct their own videos,
design their own album artwork, and seldom choose to be interviewed."

INFPs generally accept and flow with the world, INFJs attempt to organise it and go against the flow. 'Nuff said.

I know that all sounds a bit dumb since I'm basically saying his the same type as me, but I'm really trying to be objective here. After writing this post I'm almost positive he is an INFJ.

[Arcael]

I'm an avid tool and a perfect cirlce fan, and I believe that he could be INTP or INTJ. He probably has F tendencies though. Definitely I :) he does some crazy shit to the groupies

[melancholeric]

What crazy shit? just curious...

[Arcael]

trying to find you a decent review that contains the info, but basically he took all the women groupies, had them sit down, and watch the informational film that they show young girls in sixth grade. While all the guys sat around a table and drank beer.

[melancholeric]

Great, now everyone at my workplace thinks I am crazy for bursting out incontrollable laughter in front of my computer with no apparent reason whatsoever. If I lose my job for this, it's YOUR fault.

[songbird36]

An F preference doesn't mean you're devoid of geekiness. An NF just uses more discretion in what information it chooses to keep. INFJs for example have an intellectual bent and usually love scientific knowledge. Having said that, I doubt Maynard is an NT. Even in that interview:

"You can really learn a lot about human nature, because for the best part you’re dealing with the worst parts of every walk of life – predominantly fucking ignorant people and followers. You can learn a lot about others, and in particular about yourself."

I have seen nothing that convinces me that he prefers T over F, quite the opposite really. Human nature is a staple interest of NFs. So I believe INFX, so far.

Based on his communication style, he kinda kills the conversation during the interview...

"When asked why he often stands with
his back to the crowd, even though his usual stage attire includes such exotic items as bustiers, Speedos,
wheelchairs, body paints, TV evangelist suits and leather jump suits, he merely shrugs. 'Well, it's mostly
because of the new stage set-up,' he says, apparently with little interest."

INFJs can be too blunt and direct, INFPs can babble on without really answering the question (those are the two extremes). 1 point for INFJ here.

He seems pretty sure of his opinions, evident by the blunt way he expresses them - that's an NJ communication trait there.

With the philisophical nature of his lyrics, we know he is an N. Since his lyrics are largely metaphorical, I think it's safe to assume he is an NF here. He also focuses a little too much on the spiritual, emotional or interpersonal aspects in his lyrics to be NT. Even the lateralus lyrics emphasize NOT over-analysing and over-thinking, and that is not exactly a common NT viewpoint:

"We'll ride the spiral to the end
We may just go where noone's been"

Human development and potentials = NF.

"Acutely cautious of the media, he and his band are complete control freaks who direct their own videos,
design their own album artwork, and seldom choose to be interviewed."

INFPs generally accept and flow with the world, INFJs attempt to organise it and go against the flow. 'Nuff said.

I know that all sounds a bit dumb since I'm basically saying his the same type as me, but I'm really trying to be objective here. After writing this post I'm almost positive he is an INFJ.

You seem to have thought a lot about what you're not. More in fact than is suggested by your type..

[melancholeric]

An F preference doesn't mean you're devoid of geekiness. An NF just uses more discretion in what information it chooses to keep. INFJs for example have an intellectual bent and usually love scientific knowledge. Having said that, I doubt Maynard is an NT. Even in that interview:

"You can really learn a lot about human nature, because for the best part you’re dealing with the worst parts of every walk of life – predominantly fucking ignorant people and followers. You can learn a lot about others, and in particular about yourself."

I have seen nothing that convinces me that he prefers T over F, quite the opposite really. Human nature is a staple interest of NFs. So I believe INFX, so far.
Human nature is staple interest for me aswell. And I suppose for everyone on this forum. Wasn't Jung an INTP? Hippocrates came up with 4 temperaments, and I'd think he was NT.


Based on his communication style, he kinda kills the conversation during the interview...

"When asked why he often stands with
his back to the crowd, even though his usual stage attire includes such exotic items as bustiers, Speedos,
wheelchairs, body paints, TV evangelist suits and leather jump suits, he merely shrugs. 'Well, it's mostly
because of the new stage set-up,' he says, apparently with little interest."

INFJs can be too blunt and direct, INFPs can babble on without really answering the question (those are the two extremes). 1 point for INFJ here.

He seems pretty sure of his opinions, evident by the blunt way he expresses them - that's an NJ communication trait there.
Good point. Then again, I (a major P) can be quite blunt if I am confident with my knowledge of the issue. And I sure can kill conversation easily. These traits are mentioned in some INTP profiles too. Still, that sounds J:ish.


With the philisophical nature of his lyrics, we know he is an N. Since his lyrics are largely metaphorical, I think it's safe to assume he is an NF here. He also focuses a little too much on the spiritual, emotional or interpersonal aspects in his lyrics to be NT. Even the lateralus lyrics emphasize NOT over-analysing and over-thinking, and that is not exactly a common NT viewpoint:

"We'll ride the spiral to the end
We may just go where noone's been"

Human development and potentials = NF.

I'd think over-analyzing thingie refers to having taken the analyzing process too far. The rare moments I have been able to not separate myself from myself and not analyze everything have been incredibly rewarding, bordering spiritual. The spirituality is another issue. This has been said to be a Ni trait, so that's a point for NJ. Then again, I have certain fascination for some "spiritual" things aswell. (Might be a reason why I like Tool.)


"Acutely cautious of the media, he and his band are complete control freaks who direct their own videos,
design their own album artwork, and seldom choose to be interviewed."

INFPs generally accept and flow with the world, INFJs attempt to organise it and go against the flow. 'Nuff said.

If I were releasing any of my creative products, I'd be quite a "control freak".
Who of us wouldn't?

I know that all sounds a bit dumb since I'm basically saying his the same type as me, but I'm really trying to be objective here. After writing this post I'm almost positive he is an INFJ.

You almost convinced me. I'll vote "undecided".
Edited to add an illusion of an attempt to objectivity.

[Seraph]

Great, now everyone at my workplace thinks I am crazy for bursting out incontrollable laughter in front of my computer with no apparent reason whatsoever. If I lose my job for this, it's YOUR fault.

I did the same thing, because I can just *picture* that scenario. XD

[jyakulis]

I've read about him theorizing about evolution and future steps. So I dunno. I would say he's definitely an N at least.

[melancholeric]

Upon reflection, MasterMerk might be right on J. But I don't know about T/F.
I can see where the artisan vibe comes from, his perfomance abilities (and apparent drug addiction) could hint to that. However his lyrics and communication seem heavily N. Maybe he is an INXJ with a well-developed (inferior) Se.

[lexiphanic]

I can communicate in any number kind of styles. Yet, where it matters, I seem to be INTP. I vote INTP.

[booyalab]

I'm right about SP with high IQ, you all might as well just concede defeat.

Though, of course you won't, because NTs don't like believing that someone from another temperament could be brilliant.

[Edmond Zedo]

I said it first! Give it up.

[booyalab]

I said it first! Give it up.
hmm, so you did. Well you didn't indicate his intelligence level, so ;P

[Edmond Zedo]

Chewie, take the professor in back and plug [her] into the hyperdrive.

[booyalab]

Chewie, take the professor in back and plug [her] into the hyperdrive.

"you're weird" -John Cleese the centurion

[Edmond Zedo]

"you're weird" -John Cleese the centurion
No YOU AHHHH --Jimmy Fallon the Bostonian

[noigmn]

On John Lennon. Classic ENFP. ENFP have quite an unusual introverted streak that most extroverts don't have (he was too good at social maneuvering for INFP I think, he started the Beatles). They also have the ability to get bored of anything if they have to do it too long. Getting over the Beatles and thinking of leaving by 1966 is a good example. Also lines like "all we are saying is give peace a chance" are classic NFP. They love to stand up for things and protest, but dislike the rigidness in the views of a lot of protesters.

Thom Yorke might be an INFP. I'd say definitely NF. His style is too far off the norm for a sensing. He's got an interestingly good finishing ability though, which might mean an S or J in there.

On what someone was saying earlier about quantum physics, ENFP have some really unusual traits that liken them to thinkers. You are more likely to find an ENFP talking science and quantum physics than other NFs. They are actually one of the types that is more likely to talk about complex science issues. Their primary is extroverted intuition, tertiary is extroverted thinking. They have introverted feeling, which is where the idealism seems to be, as secondary. But they are as much if not more about the quest for understanding the world and people, than the quest for perfection. Lennon is a classic example. The idealist who denounces religion because of its impact. They have a very strong grip on reality, because of the primary and tertiary function, and they are the sort that can throw you the answer to a technical question, before anyone has a clue where to start. Which I have a feeling NTPs do too. I'm ENFP and have Electrical Engineering and Physics Honours, and have almost completed a masters in physics. I love the conceptual. I go nuts when I have to confront the mundane parts, but we are essentially systems thinkers, with a little ADD, and strange delusions of saving the world.