J. Robert Oppenheimer MBTI Personality Type
Personality
What personality type is J. Robert Oppenheimer? J. Robert Oppenheimer is an INTJ personality type in MBTI, 5w4 - so/sp - 514 in Enneagram, RLOEI in Big 5, ILI in Socionics.
Spoiler: Nolan's and Murphy'y interpretation of oppenheimer is a very good example for a non stereotypical fictional INTJ character. Probably also because he is based on a real person we can actually see the execution of a dominant Ni with his neverending faith in his vision and only starting and proceeding the work on it because of the vision itself. There was no greed for money, popularity or being a hero as an inner motive. The Te becomes visible in the pragmatic decision-making. He only got his vision into a real-world project after scientific experimental proof from the outside, work with other scientists and the military was mainly the most realistic way to bring his vision to life + supporting values in defeating the Nazis. He trusts other experts in science ("your math is apparently better than mine") but is also a bit blind for manipulation from the political/military figures because he trusts their expertise (Pesh) and just tries to align his work and values. Most interesting to me was the Fi as tertiary function. You could see the constant Fi supporting the Ni-Te combo (in big picture, as I just mentioned) in social interactions with Jean ("I'll always answer") and also in his interactions with Kitty and even with other scientists. He got some self reflection, he knows who he is and what he can and can't do and works together with people supporting his vision which is his primary goal. He is not seeking for revenge (e.g. Teller) and can admit mistakes. Of course we see that the Fi (and Se!) is overruled by Ni-Te when working at los álamos. He is focused on realising his vision, ignoring the problem that the military and government is going to use this bomb no matter what, if it supports their political position. Also overruled for a while with the thought of: they need to see what they use before they understand, just to realize that they won't because they got other goals. That their motive was not just for a symbolic power statement but for actually using it. The Fi coming back when he realizes the consequences and that the government just used him and that they are ignoring their responsibilities brings the Fi in a very powerful state for a while that it feels like it numbs him. Him being defeated by his role in the violation of such a power he gave to them but also never losing the fascination with his original vision. Fi as a focus on staying true to your values and taking responsibility for your actions is very present here. Murphy's Oppenheimer is one of the most realistic, human and relatable (on an abstract level in execution of functions) INTJ's I have seen on screen. The INTJ is allowed to be complex in a humane way. Not a mysterious mastermind but a man with a vision and a strong sense of self.
Biography
A former director of the Manhattan Project under General Lestlie Groves, he is struggling to balance his reputation with the weight and destruction of his past actions.
Related Personalities
Katherine "Kitty" Oppenheimer
Lewis Strauss
Jean Tatlock
Leslie Groves Jr.
Albert Einstein
Edward Teller
Ernest Lawrence
David Hill
