Celebrity Myers-Briggs TypesThe Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test is designed to indicate psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions.
Introverted or extroverted, sensitive or intuitive. Thinking or feeling, judging or perceiving. Everyone falls somewhere on the Myers-Briggs personality spectrum, and the same is true for historical personalities.
Just as the zodiac signs of historical figures gives a glimpse into their lives, understanding the Myers-Briggs personalities of famous people from the past puts them into a new context. What do Rosa Parks and Robert E. Lee have in common? How about Marie Antoinette and Picasso or Dr. Seuss and Fidel Castro?
The famous Myers-Briggs types can tell you whether you're more likely to get along with Edgar Allan Poe or Queen Elizabeth. And if you don't know your Myers-Briggs type, make sure to take a free test so you can compare yourself to these historical figures.
There aren't many people more commanding than Queen Elizabeth I, who reigned over England during an era where most men feared a woman in power. Elizabeth was an ENTJ - known for producing leaders and strategists. Combining charisma and confidence, it isn't hard for an ENTJ to convince others to follow. But the efficient, energetic side of ENTJs is balanced by a tendency to be stubborn and impatient.
INFPs are defined by their idealism. They are also extremely creative, so it's no surprise that many famous writers fall into the INFP category, including Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe. INFPs have strong principles but they can be wary of direct confrontation, so they express themselves through writing and art. As writers, they can be amazing communicators.
ESTPs love being the center of attention. And that desire for the spotlight can make them restless, always driven to pursue action. Al Capone is a great example: his criminal empire fit with his natural need for action and excitement. ESTPs love drama, and they dive into the action in every situation. Combining boldness with a practical side, ESTPs have to battle their instincts toward impatience and risk.
Historical ESTPs:
Malcolm X, civil rights activist and Black nationalist leader
INTJs are known for being extremely strategic - earning them the nickname "the mastermind." So it's not surprising that a number of influential historical figures count themselves among the ranks of INTJs, even though they make up only 2% of the population. INTJs are confident, intelligent, and decisive, but they can also tend to be arrogant and judgmental. INTJs can change the world, but they often piss off a lot of people while doing it.
Historical INTJs:
Augustus Caesar, Roman emperor and nephew of Julius Caesar
ISFPs are creative and imaginative, and they love being spontaneous. It's no surprise that artists like Picasso come from this personality type, since ISFPs love to push the limits of aesthetics and design, experimenting with their art. In addition to their artistic side, ISFPs are charming and passionate, but their unpredictability can cause problems. ISFPs also tend to be competitive and they don't handle criticism well.
What do Rosa Park and Robert E. Lee have in common? While the two were on opposite sides of the civil rights debate - Rosa Parks famously refused to move to the back of the bus, while Robert E. Lee led an army to keep Black Americans enslaved - the two were both ISFJs. They tend to be analytical and yet they have excellent people skills, building connections more than typical introverts. They are caring and helpful, and often devote their lives to helping people in need. Family is important for ISFJs, and they make excellent friends.
Historical ISFJs:
William H. Taft, only US President to also be a Supreme Court Justice
Rosa Parks, civil rights activist and launcher of Montgomery Bus Boycott
Robert E. Lee, Confederate general who surrendered to General Grant