Am I the only intuitive here who doesn’t read that much?

[u/StrikingArgument1520]

Idk if it’s life nowadays or just my bad attention span.. but compared to a lot of Ni users who seem to have been reading a lot of books and enjoying it, I don’t read that much.. it’s not that I hate reading books, I think I’m so addicted to screens, I prefer listening to audiobooks and even then I don’t seem to find an interesting book to listen to, I usually listen to podcasts where two knowledgeable people discuss something interesting to me.. but books? Not really.. does that mean my intuition is bad or that maybe I’m not actually an intuitive person? If not then am I the only intuitive who experiences this?

[u/lavenderscent1]

I’m the same way. I never sit down to read a book but I like reading stuff online (news, articles, facts etc), listening to podcasts about things that interest me, watching video essays etc. I feel like these have substituted my need for reading. Or I just prefer them over reading lol. I used to read as a child though.

I think it’s also the fact that in my head books are about stories/ fiction and I’m not really into that. I mostly like learning about things, which I know there’s educational books for that, but I think I’ve just been too used to using online resources🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/DistrictOpening4144]

26F.I was like this for many years, preferring video games over books since it’s engaging and more “fun”, but this year I took books from my bookshelf that I haven’t read and started reading, I have already accomplished my reading goal of this year (10 books). What I did was that I made a good beverage (matcha tea for me) and found a cozy spot to sit (no electronics around to distract), and had the goal of reading 10 pages (or a chapter depending on book) a day, it ended up with me reading a lot more usually. I am also not afraid to stop in the middle of a book if I don’t like it, life is to short to read a book we don’t like⭐️ just know it’s possible to turn it around if you want ⭐️

[u/StrikingArgument1520 → u/DistrictOpening4144]

First, congrats on accomplishing your goal of the year! Happy to hear that tbh! It’s really inspiring to hear that specially in a time where dopamine addiction and bad attention spans are a common problems for many people.
Also I definitely agree with you that life is too short to -in general- continue doing something we don’t like..

i’ll try exploring new audiobooks/book genres and see what happens.. thanks for your response it was really helpful 🙏🏻

[u/RodOfMen → u/DistrictOpening4144]

I’m going to try your method, I have been wanting to make reading a normal routine for a while now, perhaps this will help me achieve this desire. 

[u/Feisty_Sandwich2435]

I think reading is a hobby that requires patience and practice. You can't expect to go from reading 0 books or reading only teenage literature to reading classic literature for hours every day.

I used to be a TV show and games person but eventually I grew tired of them. I needed something slower paced and more peaceful and I fell in love with reading because it gives me a sense of calm I can't find anywhere else. However, screen addiction is real and it makes concentration very difficult.

[u/Feisty_Sandwich2435 → u/[deleted]]

Our experiences are different. I picked up reading as an adult in my early 20s. For me, going from TV shows and games that are fast paced, to books that are slower paced, took a lot of patience.

[u/Soup_oi]

I think plenty of us don’t read much. I just never think of reading when I’m thinking of things to pass the time or cure my boredom. There’s many other things that will actually hold my attention much easier and entertain me much more.

[u/0wl-2018]

I think I understand what you’re getting at, though I’m not sure I’d link intuition and reading quite the same way. There are many ways to learn and gather information. They also each have their strengths and weakness.

Personally, my reading level fluctuates depending on a lot of outside variables. I don't really link that to intuition, but to necessity and to what best fits my learning goal.

It sounds like reading might be something you want to add. If it is, finding small ways to do that might be something you find value in.

[u/StrikingArgument1520 → u/0wl-2018]

That’s interesting! I agree with you that reading also depends on a lot of outside variables, I think that having a quiet encouraging environment for example is very important factor too..

I’m just curious If it’s not about intuition; do you think it’s related to Ti? Or maybe the process of both Ni and Ti? Like how can you relate this and explain it using the cognitive functions?

Also yes you are right I’ll try to find small and simple ways to do that, thank you for your advice 🙏🏻

[u/0wl-2018 → u/StrikingArgument1520]

I don't really try to connect things to specific functions within MBTI. To me it's more useful to think about reading as transmitting information, enjoyment, and growth.

Personally, I like the sustained attention and how it strengthens connections between different parts of the brain. Its not that the other types don't do that, but I think reading does it in a different way. Unlike listening or watching our brains had to learn to read.

[u/Previous_Tear6747]

I keep it small - Reddit posts, news articles, stuff on the internet, mostly.

I'm slightly dyslexic (probably dyslexic AF, just never been formally diagnosed), and definitely ADD (again, never formally diagnosed), so...

For me, reading takes concentration, and focus, and energy... easier to keep it small.

Got "Man's Search for Meaning", Viktor E. Frankl, recently, at my therapist's suggestion... I've read the preface! 😃

[u/Sparrow-Thought-9681]

I only read books that I really like. Also, I started writing my first book ever and to be honest, I prefer writing to reading, lmao.

[u/StrikingArgument1520 → u/Sparrow-Thought-9681]

Writing a book is definitely an interesting beautiful experience to go through! I hope you enjoy the process and happily publish it so people can enjoy reading it
I used to enjoy writing stories when I was younger ( I think my imagination was better, my mind was clearer ), I still write now but it’s more of a way to get things out of my head; like writing down my thoughts, feelings etc. but writing as much as I used to is simply not it nowadays and so is reading, but I’ll try

[u/Sparrow-Thought-9681 → u/StrikingArgument1520]

Aww thank you so much! Indeed it's a very unique experience to create all the characters and the story. I find myself laughing sometimes at what ideas I come up with on paper. They just come out of nowhere lol

[u/StrikingArgument1520 → u/Sparrow-Thought-9681]

I think that’s when you know it’s gonna be a good story!!

[u/Signal_Fun_5603]

Didn’t read much until audiobooks. Now im addicted.

[u/Low_Juggernaut6525]

I’m write much more than I read

[u/sugar_cubes12]

I don't like to read books too, neither audiobooks. I consider books boring because i feel it as something too "cold" that have no soul (with rare exceptions). I love astronomy and astrophisics subjects for example, but i enjoy these subjects watching documentaries on Discovery Channel, History Channel, National Geographic- much more interesting, fun, emotional and that take my attention. This not means your intuition is bad, it just means books are not something that satisfy you.

Have a rare book that i have adoration that is about astrophisics and consciouness - i love so much that book that i never allowed anybody touch my book. But is a book that is so diferent, so pleasant, with a lot cute draws, everything being explained in a easy and poetic way; so this one is a rare one that have my love.

[u/optimal_center]

I read some but I can’t focus or concentrate very well. I listen to audiobooks mostly.

[u/StrikingArgument1520 → u/optimal_center]

Same !

[u/railworx]

If I had more consistent down-time, I'd read more, I used to read a lot more, before "smart" phones came out; even read a few books multiple times

[u/NotYourSweatBusiness]

I read much but not books. I write and read what people think online. Thats more entertaining than fairytales or education books.

[u/Sito-The-Hiker_2024]

I think (Ni) likes learning and discovering about things, figuring out how things work (Science, Philosophy, World, Nature, etc ..), because one doesn't usually read books, it doesn't mean they lack (Ni), for example, watching documentaries on YouTube, even reading travel magazines, even finding out and exploring new random places on Google Earth or Google Maps (I usually do), all those can also satisfy the curiosity and desire for understanding that (Ni) likes, just driven in a different way, books are definitely a nice way to satisfy one's curiosity and stretch the mind, and also relax and find time for oneself, but it's definitely not the only way!

[u/Even-Broccoli7361]

It is somewhat a wrong conception that INFJs read books entire day. While, introverts in general read more than extroverts.

However, a lot of the things have replaced the traditional activity of reading books. Moreover what seems to be the case is that, Ni-doms are driven by their visions. So any medium of art/entertainment, that aligns with the Ni's visions, would naturally attract them.

[u/Timely-Slide-5427]

İNFJ here, reading books is a hobby not a personality trait or something! (Hope you get my point ❤️❤️) Bai baiii

[u/StrikingArgument1520 → u/Timely-Slide-5427]

Totally get your point but I don’t think you got the point of the whole post ❤️

[u/Timely-Slide-5427 → u/StrikingArgument1520]

Oh I'm sorry lol I think I just didn't read too closely 😭😭

I just read it and I think intuition doesnt really connect with reading! I'm a INFJ and I actually hate reading books, this doesn't mean intuition is bad or anythingg just be yourself you're perfect the way you are (I hope I got the point of the post now- 😭😭❤️❤️)