When looking at the same situation, some people notice details first while others see possibilities. After watching a movie with a friend, one person talks about the acting and cinematography, while the other discusses the social message the film implies. This is exactly what the S (Sensing) and N (Intuition) difference in MBTI describes.

📌 What are S and N?

The second indicator in MBTI, S/N, represents how we perceive and take in information. This isn't about intelligence or ability—it's about different perspectives on viewing the world.

• S (Sensing): Perceives current reality through the five senses. Values what can be seen and touched.
• N (iNtuition): Explores possibilities and patterns through hunches and inspiration. Searches for hidden meanings beneath the surface.

An interesting fact: About 70-75% of the population are Sensing types, while 25-30% are Intuitive types. That means most of the world are S-types.

🌳 "Tree vs Forest" Analogy

The "tree and forest" analogy best explains the S vs N difference. Even when looking at the same forest, these two types perceive entirely different things.

S sees individual trees

• Focuses on concrete facts and details
• Accurately grasps what's directly in front of them
• Values what exists "here and now"
• Understands reality based on past experiences

N sees the entire forest

• Explores patterns and connections
• Imagines future possibilities and meanings
• Thinks about "where does this lead?"
• Envisions things that don't yet exist

Both are valuable perspectives that complement each other. After all, we need both the forest and the trees.

🏠 S vs N in Everyday Life

Planning a trip

• S: "Let's organize flight times, hotel reservations, itinerary, and budget first. I'll also save the restaurant list in advance."
• N: "Let's find neighborhoods with good vibes, hidden gems, and local secrets. It might be nice to just discover things while walking around."

Reading a book

• S: Accurately extracts and remembers facts and information. Focuses on "the concrete things I can learn from this book."
• N: Explores hidden meanings, author's intentions, and patterns. Wonders "what is the author really trying to say?"

Thinking about the kitchen cabinet

• S: Remembers exactly which plate is in which section—even how much is left.
• N: Has only a vague memory of the general arrangement. "It was somewhere up there, I think..."

🧠 What Brain Science Says About S and N

According to Dario Nardi's research, S and N types show different brain region activation patterns. Of course, this doesn't mean there are differences in brain structure.

Sensing (S) type activation areas

• Occipital lobe: Visual information processing
• Temporal lobe: Auditory, language processing
• Somatosensory cortex: Touch, temperature, pressure sensory information

Intuitive (N) type activation areas

• Prefrontal cortex: Abstract thinking, complex cognition
• Parietal lobe: Spatial perception, concept integration
• Limbic system: Emotion, intuitive judgment

The important point is that this is a difference in usage patterns, not brain structure. Everyone uses both S and N functions—it's just about preference and habit.

🤝 S and N: Complementary, Not Superior

S and N are not in competition. Neither is better than the other.

What S-types provide

• Realistic foundations and practical solutions
• Detail verification and accurate execution
• Plans that can be executed immediately

What N-types provide

• New possibilities and innovative ideas
• Big picture and long-term vision
• Discovery of opportunities not yet visible

True synergy happens when S and N work together in teams and organizations. N presents the vision, and S creates the execution plan.

💡 Conclusion

S and N are simply different ways of perceiving information—there's no hierarchy. Understand your own perception style and use it to communicate better with others. When we respect each other's perspectives, we gain a richer view of the world! If you're an S-type, be proud of your ability to accurately grasp reality. If you're an N-type, be confident in your ability to see possibilities.