Fe strives to intensify emotions, and Fi, on the contrary, strives to reduce the intensity of pathos and passion. Even when it comes to extroverted white ethicists, they - through humor or even verbal mockery - tend to downplay the significance of people or events. They diminish the weight of tragedy, soothe pain, but also temper joyous excitement and belittle others' virtues. They turn the bright into the dull, the extraordinary into the ordinary, the general into the particular, and the important into something not so significant at all. And almost always, they focus on the local rather than the global - on the emotions of an individual or a small group rather than on the feelings of an entire nation or humanity as a whole. And if they pay attention to something as unusual, it will invariably be something soothing rather than stirring - birds in the forest, peaceful conversations, quiet singing by the fire, cicadas chirping in the grass on a summer night.

In our view, this is the main, usually striking, difference between Fe and Fi - both in the behavior and speech of specific individuals and in literature.

A white ethical writer would never write a story like that of Danko, who tore out his heart to light the way for his tribe. They wouldn't create a legend of Icarus, who soared above humanity, or the tale of Till Eulenspiegel, whose father’s ashes knocked against his heart from inside a pouch. Because such themes simply don’t interest them. But they might well write something as renowned as The Man in a Case. And if they are a composer, their music is unlikely to have the rising intensity of Appassionata, The Sacred War, or Ravel’s Bolero.
Anna Karenina – predominantly Fe.
Eugene Onegin – predominantly Fi.
Balmont – Fe.
Fet – Fi.
Mikhail Weller – Fe.
Sergei Dovlatov – Fi.

For those who need a more detailed analysis, we offer a small essay borrowed from a socioforum post by Danidin, whose reasoning we quite agree with:

«Overall, Fe differs from Fi not in extroversion (unless we are specifically considering the program versions of these functions) but in 'cheerfulness' and dynamics. Namely:
Fe evaluates from its subjective point of view (like/dislike, good/bad) the changes taking place around them, Fi - the stable properties of individual, private objects and subjects;
Fe feels its empathic unity with the people around, Fi forms its attitude toward them as separate from itself;
Fe is inclined to push its position and change others to fit itself, Fi adapts and adjusts to others, changing itself to best fit others;
Fe expressively influences the moods of others - uplifting some and worsening others - , Fi manipulates communication distances: staying close to some, distancing itself from others, and approaching yet others;
Fe does not think about relationships; it naturally forms them through self-expression, drawing attention to itself, Fi places the subject within an already established local system of relationships and then either keeps them there or transitions to another system;
Fe is excessive, broadcasting itself in all directions (which makes it more irrational), Fi is economical and selective, tuned to one-on-one communication, influencing a specific interlocutor;
Fe is global, characterized by an inspiring grandiosity of ideas and fantasies, Fi focuses on the private and small, on the fate of a specific person;
Fe finds it easier to identify with another person (including the protagonist of its own book, often narrating in the first person), Fi finds it easier to understand how someone differs, modeling their character and behavior taking into account their specific features (while observing them “from the outside”).
Extroverted (base) Fe is sincere, straightforward, and in fact, completely serious (!) in its expressive self-expression. In contrast, extroverted (creative) Fi plays around, teases, and jokes, often appearing more cheerful (!).
Introverted (creative) Fe outwardly appears soft and pliable, adjusting to partners, but in reality it always stubbornly chooses the environment and partners that make life easier and more enjoyable for it, never doing anything it dislikes. On the other hand, introverted (base) Fi appears principled and rigid on the outside, but in reality, it is highly suggestible, willing to yield to public opinion, carry out unpleasant tasks, and interact with people it dislikes simply because it made a promise to someone earlier.»

«Black Ethics cannot be "the emotions and relationships of other people", if only because all socionic functions are YOUR functions, not someone else's.

BLACK ETHICS is the desire to convey one's current internal emotional state to others. A person with strong Fe speaks to the crowd, "ignites" others, calls them to action, excessively demonstrating their own emotions (so that even the most distant and indifferent will understand). A person with weak Fe is secretive and quiet, experiences everything internally, privately, and shares nothing of their emotions with others. The life strategy of strong Fe is pack-mindedness (being a trendsetter in the human pack and its herald), while weak Fe prefers staying in their own hut, minding their own business.

WHITE ETHICS is the desire to adapt to the stable personal qualities of other people. A person with strong Fi easily reads other people's personalities through the nuances of their behavior and speech (intonation, facial expressions, gestures, characteristic words, details of clothing and interior, etc.) and uses this knowledge to adapt to the right people, gain trust, and maintain desired informal relationships. For someone with weak Fi, the inner world of others is uninteresting and inaccessible; they behave the same with everyone (ILE – with everyone, and SLE – with everyone of the same formal rank), is often too straightforward, tactless, and rude, doesn’t get attached to anyone, and easily breaks off relationships. The life strategy of strong Fi is manipulation of others through assigning moral and ethical labels (follow etiquette = good, break it = bad). People with weak Fi make good crisis-time leaders – when it is necessary not to build relationships, but to cut them to pieces in order to solve objective problems. The rest of the time, society stigmatizes weak Fi as antisocial.

Emotions belong only to Fe; Fi has nothing to do with emotions at all, it, like Ti, is an analytical function. But while Ti sees the general in the particular, then Fi, on the contrary, is interested in the general only in order to draw conclusions about the particular. For example, when listening to someone's speech, a person with strong Ti first notes WHAT is being said (i.e., the part of the speech not related to the speaker’s personality, but reflecting some objective information they wish to convey), while a person with strong Fi first hears HOW it's said (i.e., the part of the speech that characterizes the speaker's personality).

The average ILI has very weak, repressed Fe, while Fi, though also weak, is an activation function. That is, they want to be "called good", so they’re sometimes not opposed to learning good manners (that’s all Fi), but their true emotions are hidden from others, and sometimes even from themselves (Fe, being the vulnerable function, is forbidden).»

Questionnaire items differentiating Fi and Fe

The lists are compiled according to the following principle:
Fe = extraversion + cheerfulness + dynamics
Fi = introversion + seriousness + statics

“Verticity” (extraversion/introversion) makes the greatest contribution, for this reason functions align with their base versions.
If we want to avoid this, then we must either reduce the contribution or remove it from the addition altogether. Then you will get descriptions that are closer to the creative positions of the corresponding functions.

However, if we are interested in the magnitude of a function in a person as such, we should not manipulate the verticity to reduce its contribution. Ultimately, even though IEI is formally a black ethicist, about half of its representatives have Fi as strong as Fe (or even stronger). It is thanks to this that the IEI adapts well to its dual, and not only. Similarly, SEE and IEE often have well-developed Fe, no worse than their Fi (hence the typically noisy and lively impression they leave).

Questionnaire items that are exclusively indicative of high Fi (and not Fe, which in this case remains at an average level):

1. I know how to never quarrel with friends or with influential and necessary people.
2. As a child, I was polite and always said "please" and "thank you."
3. If a person says something correct, useful, and interesting in essence but does so without sufficient politeness, it irritates and alienates me.
4. I remember help and favors done for me for a long time - even after three years, I won’t forget.
5. I try to observe religious fasts.
6. Strict respect for the moral norms of honest and fair behavior is more valuable and necessary than even respect for state laws.
7. I like books that contain some moral lesson or the author’s evaluation of events.
8. In conversations, I almost always unconsciously adapt to my interlocutor - for instance, I’ll talk differently with a carpenter than with a plumber, or differently with a physicist than with a chemist.
9. Before saying something, I always consider whether it could lead to conflict or harm my relationship with the person.
10. When glancing briefly at a picture, it’s easier for me to describe the people and objects depicted than to explain what they are doing.
11. A large variety of "diverse" information that needs sorting quickly tires me.
12. I often show considerate care for others' comfort.
13. Rather than spending tens of millions of dollars on researching chimpanzee and mouse brain cells, it would be better for Europe and America to use that money to feed the hungry.
14. I am very sensitive to ethical remarks from acquaintances.
15. Key concepts for me: spirituality, guilt, vulnerability, compassion, attentiveness, decency, morality, reliability, modesty, responsibility, consistency.
16. Under tight deadlines, I quickly lose the ability to logically analyze the situation.
17. Compared to others, I have a unique talent for patience, empathy, nurturing, and selflessness.
18. I often feel a sense of guilt.
19. Very often, and not without pleasure, I spend time "finding common ground" with people.
20. I feel almost physical disgust when observing some repulsive actions by people.
21. Sometimes I experience prolonged feelings of guilt, self-reproach, and remorse.
22. I can deeply "sense" any person or phenomenon from within.
23. I am very observant of people’s ethical behavior and always notice improper actions among my friends and acquaintances.
24. The world continues to exist only because of ethical principles and moral norms.
25. I am deeply affected when I quarrel with loved ones or feel their neglect or bad attitude toward me.
26. I tend to recall past worries for a long time afterward.
27. Puzzles like "Peter is shorter than Vasya, and Peter is taller than Sergey" make me seriously think about who is taller in the group - it’s hard to figure out mentally.
28. I enjoy watching TV series about human relationships (e.g., My Fair Nanny).
29. I always feel a slight lack of clarity in understanding things.
30. I often think about spirituality and morality, God, and fate.
31. I am observant and have a good memory for others’ connections, relationships, and actions.
32. I often think about my loved ones.
33. I frequently recall and feel deep gratitude toward those who have supported me throughout my life.
34. I enjoy mediating conflicts among peers.
35. I begin to doubt my decisions if a friend thinks I’ve made a mistake in solving a problem.
36. After solving mathematical problems, I always doubted whether I solved them correctly.
37. I often worry about the immoral actions of my acquaintances.
38. I easily notice someone’s negative or self-serving attitude toward me, even if they try to hide it.
39. I can sense how people truly feel about me - it’s hard to deceive me in this regard.
40. I can compromise on logical issues and easily find common ground in matters, but it’s very hard for me to compromise on what is good or bad, moral or reprehensible.
41. I’m very good at reconciling disputing parties.
42. I avoid troubles by perceptively seeing through people.
43. I always know who in a group is my friend and who isn’t.
44. In books, I am more interested in the relationships between people than the plot.
45. I can be flexible in relationships - playing along when necessary and staying silent when appropriate.
46. I always intuitively sense what to expect from a person at any given time.
47. I am skilled at calming and harmonizing relationships in a team.
48. I always notice and remember who knows whom and the basis of their relationships.
49. I am very tolerant, even toward "difficult people," as I can feel their motives and adapt to their weaknesses.
50. I can easily sense people’s relationships with each other and quickly distinguish genuine feelings from pretended ones.
51. I enjoy discussing relationships within a team.
52. I know how to choose the right moment to approach someone with a request.
53. I can instantly tell by someone’s face when they feel disgusted or uncomfortable.
54. I always pay attention to who knows whom and what their closeness is based on.
55. I often notice changes in the relationships of my acquaintances.
56. I can always sense when someone stops being my enemy.
57. I quickly notice signs of dissatisfaction in a person’s behavior.
58. I enjoy participating in conversations about who loves whom, how they love, and why.
59. I am very empathetic and kind-hearted, with a keen sense for nuances in relationships.
60. I read people like an open book.
61. I am sensitive to others’ feelings and can smooth over rough edges in communication.
62. I am polite, attentive, and considerate with everyone, easily attuning to the emotional state of others.
63. It’s true that I never miss a single change in the relationships of my acquaintances.
64. I easily develop compassion for others; I often take on the problems of even strangers as if they were my own.
65. I usually notice before others when someone is tired or feeling unwell, and I’m always ready to help subtly.
66. I have a strong sense for interpersonal relationships and can discern intrigues and schemes from adversaries.
67. I always know who in a group likes me and who doesn’t.
68. I usually immediately sense when my friend starts to get angry.
69. I am gently emotional and very skilled at understanding people, which I know how to use effectively.
70. I automatically notice any changes in the relationships of my acquaintances.
71. My personality makes me well-suited to professions like social worker, psychologist, educator, or veterinarian.
72. I understand people so well that I sometimes feel like I can read their thoughts.
73. When I sense the pain or fear of someone nearby, all logical reasoning immediately becomes unimportant.
74. I can easily and accurately see when my friend is happy.
75. I can read a person’s intentions easily by looking into their eyes and face.
76. Behind any episode or phrase spoken by someone, I immediately sense and understand all the emotions and intentions behind it.
77. I pay more attention to the tone and intonation of speech than to its content.
78. I always quickly sense changes in a conversation partner’s mood.
79. I immediately notice anxiety in someone’s voice.
80. By observing a person’s behavior, facial expressions, and voice, I can quickly determine their mood.
81. If I have to choose between a logical and an ethical motive for action, I will give preference to the ethical one first.
82. I always notice when someone’s mood "sinks," and I can usually tell the reasons for it and predict how it will develop.
83. I am sensitive and observant of sudden, small shifts toward a more positive and "warm" mood in my partner or conversation partner.
84. Even when I have my own opinion, I often yield to an opponent just to avoid upsetting them.
85. I find it hard to grasp the meaning of long and complex sentences, whether spoken or written.

Questionnaire items that are exclusively indicative of high Fe (and not Fi, which in this case remains at an average level):

1. I prefer situations with rising emotional intensity over those where enthusiasm and passion are ridiculed or subdued.
2. I like people with strong emotions.
3. I am drawn to the intensity and passion of emotions.
4. I literally infect others with my powerful positive energy.
5. Sex without emotions, purely as a physiological act, is unimaginable to me.
6. I can be obsessive in my behavior or desires.
7. I deeply resonate with characters like Caligula, Nero, Zhirinovsky, Arkady Raikin, or Roman Viktyuk - people who brought emotional challenges and intense passions to politics or life.
8. My emotionality is bright and straightforward.
9. I love a life full of emotional intensity.
10. I enjoy creating “emotional whirlwinds” around me, becoming the focal point of human emotions and passions.
11. I don’t hide my feelings or emotions; I know how to express them and enjoy doing so.
12. Any passion completely absorbs me.
13. I am more sensitive, irritable, and quick-tempered than others.
14. I am a fiery person, easily creating my own mood and passing it on to others.
15. I have experienced strong love at first sight.
16. My feelings in love are often intense and unpredictable.
17. Sometimes my emotions spiral out of control.
18. I can express my feelings in an elevated way, inspiring and leading others.
19. Over the past month, I’ve often felt happiness, joy, satisfaction, elation, or even ecstasy.
20. I am always the life of the party and can control the mood of those around me.
21. All my desires are filled with strong and confident emotions.
22. My voice in conversations is usually highly modulated, and I’m particularly good at reciting poetry “with expression.”
23. My emotional expressions often have a theatrical, demonstrative quality.
24. During conversations, I often unintentionally "play" with my facial expressions - raising eyebrows, pouting lips, etc.
25. It’s difficult for me to control my internal intensity of feelings and passions.
26. I can mimic other people’s facial expressions and gestures.
27. My speech is very expressive in terms of intonation.
28. My facial expressions are lively and expressive.
29. I can emotionally entice people into the future, using feelings to “paint” tomorrow’s possibilities.
30. I am a person of strong and often changeable romantic passions.
31. I’m better than most at creating and maintaining high emotional energy in the group I’m part of.
32. I always want something, and I am constantly emotionally drawn to something.
33. My face always reflects my feelings.
34. I strongly “play” with intonations in my speech.
35. Compared to many, I know how to both love more intensely and selflessly and hate more fiercely.
36. In many situations, my emotions escalate to high intensity almost immediately.
37. I enjoy stirring people up and lifting their spirits.
38. I could make a good dancer or ballet performer.
39. I love to speak passionately and poetically about my feelings.
40. I never leave my guests to themselves or their emotions; if they visit me, I feel I must manage their feelings every moment.
41. I can “play” with my face, showing different emotions, and often take advantage of this skill.
42. I easily manage my emotional expressions, shifting from dramatic to uplifting.
43. I can exaggerate emotions, turning a molehill into a mountain.
44. I can closely mimic another person’s facial expressions.
45. I often intervene in others’ emotions and experiences with my own feelings.
46. I react strongly and immediately to surrounding impressions.
47. I am very familiar with feelings of shock, amazement, and wonder - I’ve experienced them several times this past month.
48. Instant emotions often drive me.
49. I have a gift for charming others and convincing them of truths with the sheer power of my charm and persuasion.
50. My speech contains many adjectives.
51. I can beautifully express my feelings, ranging from elevated intonations to subtle irony.
52. Sometimes I “play” with various emotions in my imagination.
53. My emotions are deep, dramatic, and persistent.
54. I am a romantic in my feelings - artistic and elevated.
55. Being a psychotherapist, actor, or music radio host would suit me well.
56. If I see something truly terrifying or horrifying, I won’t be able to contain my emotions - an outburst or even hysteria is likely.
57. I enjoy feeling united with others in shared emotions, outrage, or other vivid feelings - like sitting with like-minded people at a stadium.
58. Ignoring my emotional intensity, some of my actions might seem strange, illogical, or absurd.
59. Tears easily well up in my eyes.
60. I always make others open up emotionally.
61. I enjoy taking an active, leading role in emotions and feelings.
62. Unexpected situations always provoke an emotional reaction in me.
63. My enthusiasm often lacks cold analysis or calculation - it can be inefficient and haphazard.
64. I sometimes have emotional outbursts or something akin to hysteria, especially when I feel danger or instability.
65. I have many emotionally intense memories, even from childhood.
66. At any moment, I sense the emotional significance of what’s happening, the “taste of life” in every situation.
67. I can easily evoke vivid emotional memories.
68. I know how to “envelop with words” and reach into the very soul of those I need.
69. Resentment easily turns into quarrels for me.
70. I am a lyricist and romantic, characterized by sentimental sensitivity and vulnerability.
71. On holidays or joyous occasions, people have every right to express their emotions loudly, as long as they don’t break the law.
72. I love attracting attention, admiration, and amazement from others.
73. I enjoy situations with growing emotional tension.
74. In conversations, I often circle back to the same amusing episode, drawing my interlocutor’s attention to it again.
75. Sometimes losing at cards has driven me to emotional outbursts, even tears.
76. Over the past month, I’ve often experienced amazement, wonder, or even shock mixed with delight.
77. I react strongly and emotionally when the expected course of events is disrupted.
78. I enjoy operettas and musical comedies.
79. I sometimes publicly express my admiration for people I like.
80. I often complain to others about my poor health, their lack of care, or their indifference toward me.
81. I sometimes behave with an exaggerated, theatrical emphasis.
82. My laughter is contagious.
83. In conversations, I quickly become lively, restless, talkative, and playful.
84. I often spend long periods in front of the mirror.
85. When I’m anxious, anyone standing near me might unjustly bear the brunt of my feelings.
86. I’m not shy about telling friends about my romantic affairs or declarations of love.
87. I often quarrel and take offense.
88. When searching for an item in a room, I first focus on its color rather than its shape.
89. I frequently and strongly “pour out” my loud positive emotions compared to most of my acquaintances.
90. I have a natural inclination toward movements or mass gatherings inspired by “great ideas.”
91. I would enjoy working as an organizer of celebrations or corporate parties.
92. I like being in the spotlight.
93. I often feel the need to discuss my problems with friends