4 Anime Recommendations for Philosophers

Recently, I have found myself fascinated by the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). I have been reading up on the different types a little at a time. Nothing heavy, or necessarily scholarly (I discover most of my reading through Pinterest), but a lot of varied, interesting, and sometimes first-person accounts of what it's like to be one type or the other.

Related: Type Talk

It's been especially interesting reading about my type, and types like mine, So I thought it might be fun to combine this newfound knowledge with one of my favourite hobbies (Watching Anime), by making Anime recommendations based on personality type.

Related: Anime for Beginners

Of the many ways that exist of grouping MBTI types, one in particular covers the folks I've been most interested in - and that is the Philosophers.

Also known as Intuitive Introverts (IN), they include the INTJ, INTP, INFJ, and INFP. Thus for this exercise, these are the 4 types I will be making anime recommendations to.

The INTJ aka The Mastermind, is often described as a natural strategic genius. Highly Intellectual, Rational, and Objective, your preference for logic over emotion often leads to you being portrayed as cold, or evil geniuses in pop culture.

This, despite the fact that you do feel deeply, and just happen to be as willing to disregard your own emotional leanings as well as those of others, in favour of whatever you consider to be the objectively best decision.

For the INTJ, I recommend Code Geass - Hangyaku no Lelouch

Code Geass - Hangyaku no Lelouch

(Code Geass - The Rebellion of Lelouch)

Code Geass follows the story of an exiled Prince (Lelouch) who fortuitously gains the power of absolute obedience, thanks to an encounter with a mysterious girl. With his new power, Lelouch decides to embark on a merciless quest for revenge and freedom, from the country that assassinated his parents, paralysed his younger sister, cruelly exiled them, and is now oppressing their new home.

Why You Should Watch It

1. Because we all know, that absolute obedience is your dream come true. I mean if everybody just listened to you, and did exactly as you say, things would work out like a dream - and you wouldn't be stuck thinking/saying "I told you so" as often.
2. Because we also know that people are complex, circumstances are ever-changing, and things hardly ever go according to plan A. Which is why your best laid plans keep having to be refined and adjusted on the go. But "Oh my gosh!" you do that so well!
3. Because despite what those feeling types may think, you're not a cruel monster. Every tough decision you make, is hard on you - and yet you must make it out of love. It's just unfortunate that sometimes the objectively best decision (in your world, the most loving), may not make anybody happy until way down the line (even yourself).

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The INTP aka The Logician, is often described as an absent-minded professor. Highly Intellectual, Imaginative, and Open-Minded, your love of intellectual pursuits is seconded only by your seeming disregard for social graces. This, despite the fact that you tend to attract social curiousity, with your unconventional insights.

For the INTP, I recommend Stein's;Gate

Stein's;Gate

Stein's;Gate

Stein's Gate follows the story of self-proclaimed mad scientist Rintarou Okabe, who with the help of his motley crew of friends/lab members, accidentally invents time-travel and discovers an unbearable future.

In a series of life-changing events stemming from this monumental discovery and his attempts to fix the future, this anime explores the complex themes of time-travel, multiverses, quantum communication, dystopias and causality - all brilliantly woven together in a compelling tale fundamentally about saving the life of his best friend.

Why You Should Watch It

1. Because Sci-Fi is one of your favourite genres. Did you hear me say, (1) Time Travel, (2) Quantum Communication, and (3) Parallel Worlds, and (4) Dystopia, or not?
2. Because not only are the themes complex, the characters are too. The plot thickens in literally every way as it develops, creating an intellectually engaging and morally challenging puzzle as the story progresses.
3. Because even with all the intellectual conundrums it deals with, Stein's gate sustains a generous level of witty banter. The kind that appeals to your sense of humour.

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The INFJ aka The Advocate, is often described as the quintessential philanthropist. Highly Empathetic, Altruistic, and Passionate, your warmth and supportive disposition often leads to you being portrayed as gentle bottomless bastions of support in pop culture. This, despite the fact that you can be one of the most stubborn and determined types, when fighting for a cause or a person you believe in.

For the INFJ, I recommend Re: Zero kara Hajimeru Sekai

Re: Zero kara Hajimeru Sekai

Re: Starting Life in Another World From Zero

Re: Zero follows the story of Subaru Natsuki, who finds himself suddenly transported to a new world where he meets a mysterious beauty named Satella, offers to help find her stolen insignia, and gets brutally murdered in the process. Only to come back to life again at a point moments before they meet, with the opportunity to make different decisions.

But for the INFJ, the real story, is in the supporting characters called Rem and Ram. Twin sisters, who work as maids in the home where Satella is staying. The powers they wield, backstory they have, and the journey they embark on in this anime all speak of the INFJ personality.

Why You Should Watch It

1. Because Ram: Ram's superpower is a form of clairvoyance that allows her to synchronize with the vision of others of the same wavelength, and see far off into the distance. But leaves her drained & defenseless. If this superpower isn't reminiscent of the INFJs uncanny ability to deeply empathize with others, and intuitively yet accurately forecast the future, I don't know what is. Ram is also kind of outgoing, at least relative to her twin sister.
2. Because Rem: Rem's superpower is a kind of Water magic that can be used to attack, as well as heal. I might be stretching things here, but this reminds me of the INFJ's adeptness at soft skills, and how they can and sometimes do use them in both good and bad ways. Rem is quite taciturn, and is riddled with guilt and admiration for her sister, over an event that happened in the past.
3. Because Twins: Of all the types I read about, INFJs were the most diametric. They could be friendly and outgoing one minute, and withdrawn and recluse the next. A temperament that sometimes leaves them feeling guilty for withdrawing from those they love. Both sisters in the anime are extremely guarded, and it takes quite awhile for Subaru to earn their trust. But once he does, they become devoted and loyal friends, who go on to fight for and support him in incredible ways.

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The INFP aka The Mediator, is often described as a romantic idealist. Highly Sympathetic, Idealistic, and Passionate, your virtue and compassion, often leads to you being portrayed as damsels in distress in pop culture. This, despite the fact that you are usually the ones busy saving others' lives, with your kindness and compassion.

For the INFP, I recommend Kimi Ni Todoke

Kimi Ni Todoke

From Me to You

Kimi Ni Todoke follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a timid, sweet, and sensitive teenage girl whose strong preference for harmony, avoidance of conflict, and unfortunate resemblance to "Sadako" - from horror film "The Ring", often leads to her actions being misinterpreted for the worse.

That is, until her "Prince charming", the most popular guy in her class, Shouta, Kazehaya takes an interest in her. As their love blossoms, she is steadily drawn out of her shell, to become the most beautiful version of herself.

Related: Kimi Ni Todoke

Why You Should Watch It

1. You love the emotional rollercoasters of romantic stories. This story will make you cry, it will make you laugh, and it will make you smile. With every stirring of Sawako's emotions, yours will be stirred too. I was more than moved when I watched it, and I'm sure you will be too.
2. You know that guy you've always dreamed of? The one that everybody likes, but he only has eyes for you? The one that can tell when you're feeling low even if you hide it? The one whose mere presence can cheer you up? Yes, I'm sure you do. Well, if you haven't found him yet in real life, you will find him in Shouta.
3. I'm not sure if you've ever been told this, but sometimes you're just too good for your own good. Your overriding desire for peace and harmony gets you to a place of self-neglect and emotional starvation. So while this story does cater to the romantic ideals of the INFP, it is also (to my mind) the story of the rehabilitation of an INFP. Because when you can truly be yourself, you are one of the most caring and loving types in the world.

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