On the Manifestations of Qi and Di

Word to Ivan Romanov:
«Questims are deviant types, while declatims are normative. It's always easier for a questim to understand their unusualness, their difference from others. This awareness doesn’t bother them in the slightest. A declatim, on the other hand, is convinced that what they do is normal. This is very evident, for example, when comparing EIE and IEE. Every EIE strives to impress others in their own way, to stand out somehow, sometimes deliberately exaggerating their differences, hypertrophying them to the level of pathology. Whereas IEE shows nothing of the sort. IEEs often scheme and get creative, but they are “just playing”, and deep down they consider themselves perfectly normal, even inclined to passionately defend the idea of their inherent "normality". An IEE has no challenge or "dark depth", no buildup of madness, destructive or self-destructive passions. The same applies when comparing IEI and EII. Unfortunately, I don’t remember who said this and where, but the gist was that an IEI admitted that there’s significantly more inner evil in their type than in the EII. And this is precisely the questim nature fused with decisiveness (awareness of one’s deviance combined with the worldview of a decisive quadra).

When combined with statics and democratism (LII, ILE, ESI, SEE), questimity gives a sense of oneself as a separate, unique individual. It provides internal self-criticism, in terms of seeing oneself as they truly are, with all flaws, rather than through the lens of social desirability. It gives a drive for personal freedom, a defense of individual rights and liberties (the latter also influenced by strong Ne, making this trait more pronounced in Alpha intuitives than Gamma sensors). This is white questimity, Qi.

When combined with statics and aristocratism (LSI, SLE, EII, IEE), declatimity provides an understanding of oneself as part of society, playing by common rules. This is white declatimity, Di. If Di is inert and balanced-stable (as in LSI and EII), it breeds conformity, law-abiding behavior, fatalism, and unquestioning obedience to everything handed down from above (like orders from superiors or religious dogmas). But if Di is contact, flexible (as in SLE and IEE), then the person themselves becomes the one who creates the rules of the game, thereby building their own social network. They create all this through flexible manipulation of other people, through ethical games, outright lies, omissions, suggestion, intimidation (varies depending on the type). In their social network, they dictate the rules, determine what’s good or bad, and ultimately merge with their public image, potentially losing self-criticism.

Meanwhile, contact, flexible Qi (in ILE and SEE) doesn’t lead to social manipulation but rather to individual creativity, cunning, and cleverness. Such a person can also lie (especially the white ethical SEE), but they lie like a democrat—not for others, but for themselves. They don’t build their own social network, but rather infiltrate others’, looking for individual “master keys” to various life situations. At the same time, they’re always aware of the difference between their actions and the motives behind them. This is easier for them both as questims (who better see distinctions) and as democratic statics (who see society as composed of many separate individual interests).

Thus, self-criticism in a democrat with valued Qi, even if manipulative, will, as a significant trend, be higher than in an aristocrat with manipulative Di. Yes, both (being extraverted irrationals) lie more often than average. However, if manipulative Qi is self-aware about it, manipulative Di will consider their lies the norm, and as such, won’t even feel any moral pangs because of it.»

V.L. Talanov's Perspective:

Markers of High Qi and Low Di:

1. I generally don’t tolerate societal, collective, or "public" pressure on me.
2. Any attempts to restrict freedom of information annoy me.
3. I usually act independently and originally—against common opinion and the crowd.
4. I am more liberal than conservative in my views.
5. I judge people solely by their abilities; diplomas and titles mean nothing to me.
6. I don’t need leaders or authorities—I’m self-reliant.
7. My interests span many unrelated fields of knowledge.
8. It’s extremely unpleasant for me to be "structured" according to some rules.
9. I despise the "herd mentality" in people.
10. My attention constantly drifts, so during tasks, I often get distracted by "side" ideas that suddenly come to mind.
11. I respect individuality in others more than their ability to integrate into a collective.
12. I’m an individualist, focused on personal qualities rather than group affiliations.
13. I pay less attention to restrictions—they seem irrelevant to me.
14. I often go "against the flow" in my words and actions—I even enjoy it.
15. I value my independence above all else.
16. I believe that collective opinion is rarely, if ever, correct.
17. Maintaining a sense of independence is critical in everything I do.
18. I’m more likely to distrust the majority than trust it.
19. Exploring something—even something familiar—always brings me joy and excitement.
20. People’s rights to life and freedom are more important than any national or state interests.
21. Dreamers, innovators, and visionaries intrigue and earn my respect.
22. Being free and independent is a hundred times more important than holding a high position.
23. Despite good thinking skills, I lack the desire to plan my work.
24. I prefer independent activities involving free intellectual exploration and avoid authority and formal positions.
25. My initial reaction to new ideas is always positive and curious.
26. I’ve always defended freedom of speech—the fuller, the better.
27. I struggle to perform tasks simply by order, as I always contemplate the ultimate goal.
28. Individuality comes first; hierarchy, cliques, and group mentality are foreign to me.
29. If someone rarely doubts, they can’t truly think.
30. Freedom and spontaneity are more important for effective decision-making than planning and organization.

Markers of High Di and Low Qi:

1. Public peace is more important than the truth.
2. A person without a tribe, who doesn’t consider their nationality, is always dangerous.
3. I would like it if bank and postal employees wore uniforms.
4. I value works of art that have stood the test of time.
5. Families have the right to restrict the rights of any member.
6. I enjoy working and caring for others—family, friends, colleagues—not myself.
7. I can accept existing rules even if I consider them flawed.
8. When mushroom picking, I spot caps under distant leaves faster than others.
9. A citizen should belong to the state, just as a child belongs to a family.
10. I support a strong-handed government.
11. People must follow the majority opinion.
12. Which is more valuable? – 1) Freedom of choice 5) Lack of doubt.
13. All television channels should belong to or be tightly controlled by the state.
14. As a subordinate, I don’t ask unnecessary questions or doubt the process.
15. Cosmopolitanism is the greatest threat to national stability.
16. Patriotism means defending your country from any accusations.
17. If society imposed a complete ban on discussing certain topics, I would adapt easily.
18. Monarchy is often better than a republic.
19. I always see myself as part of a larger whole—a people, a state, or a collective.
20. Russian serfdom had many positive aspects lost after its abolition.
21. I consider it normal and correct to send undergraduates on agricultural work for a week in September.
22. There is no such thing as an independent sovereign individual—only the state is sovereign.
23. I always feel part of a larger human collective—nation, state, or team.
24. My desires are stronger and more consistent than most people’s, helping me achieve my goals.
25. People should strictly follow religious rules and traditions.
26. Loyalty is more important than beliefs, talents, or abilities.
27. I would never go against my team—for myself or others.
28. My strength lies in my systematic, consistent, and regular actions.
29. Among nations, I respect those who act as a unified whole.
30. I’m a team player—I always distinguish between "us" and "them."