According to personality theorists, Martin Luther King posses one of the rarest kinds of personality type, the INFJ. This is based on the 16 Myers- Briggs personality type which is labelled as “The Advocate.” The personality type makes up less than one percent (1%) of the human population (16 Personalities, 2017). From the title of personality type itself, it is easy to understand why Martin Luther King falls under this type. But what are the most surprising components of INFJ?
First, one of the separating factors of the INFJ personality type is its level of being an introvert. This personality type is known for being good verbal communicators. This aspect is very evident with Martin Luther as his public speeches ignited many movements to fight for Black Rights. They are not extroverted by they carry with them a very pleasant aura. According to Holm (2009) the INFJ personality is often referred to as “The Mystic”, “The Counsellor” or “Empath.” These people are often described as gentle, highly intuitive and caring (Holm, 2009). These basic traits are found in King who served as figure of stability during times of oppression. People look up to King as a fatherly figure that added to his charisma on stage (Manheimer, 2004). However the personality type is also selective of the people they talk to. This is very common to all introvert people.
Another defining characteristic of an INFJ is their willingness to help others. They feel that it is their responsibility and duty to help people in need. Martin Luther King Jr. is dedicated in helping people (Manheimer, 2004). People under this personality type are often contributing to non-government organizations and charities and they genuine care about the welfare of others. King is observed to be a decisive idealist wherein his strong ideals are reflected by his actions. He wanted to make a difference in the world.
A person who falls under this category is known his/her sensitivity. They are referred to us the ‘sensitive amongst sensitives.’ They are highly sensitive towards the feelings of other people. They take extra effort to avoid any form of conflict or argument. But this does not mean that they are not brave, like King they are brave and willing to defend their stands despite the disagreement of other people or even the majority (De Leon, 1994). He is good in reading between the lines that allowed him to connect to his audience in a deeper sense.
What are the weaknesses of this personality type? They often struggle with external sensing perception. This suggests that INFJs are often pre-occupied by the inner world that they become naive to the physical world. They are often reminded to take care of themselves and not sacrifice too much for others. Since they are sensitive to arguments, they may try to avoid conflicts as much as possible instead of accepting that not everyone will agree with them.
As Martin Luther King Jr puts it, everyman decide whether he will walk in the light or creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness (King Jr). By this statement alone people can easily determine the kind of person Martin Luther King Jr. was in the past. He acted with great imagination, creativity and conviction (Manheimer, 2004). He lived for others. He knew that his purpose in life was to do something that will change the world. He has a strong opinion against discrimination and did everything to advocate for change (Lokos, 1968). He fought tirelessly for that belief. His charisma took him to great heights and history decided to lament his name as one of the greatest person who ever lived. He shares the same personality type as Mahatma Ghandi of India someone who lived a life similar to him. In summary, it is not surprise why this personality type is very rare because the combination is uncommon and difficult to find in one person.
References:
16 Personalities (2017). INFJ Personality (“The Advocate”). 16 Personalities.
De Leon, David (1994). Leaders from the 1960s: a biographical sourcebook of American activism. Greenwood Publishing.
Lokos, Lionel (1968). House Divided: The Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King. Arlington House. p. 48
Manheimer, Ann S. (2004). Martin Luther King Jr.: Dreaming of Equality. Twenty-First Century Books.
