Which Founding Father Shares Your Myers and Briggs Personality Type?
It’s Independence Day! While you’re breaking out the barbecue tools and catching up with family, spare a thought for the personalities behind the nation’s founding. These men had strong opinions, big ideas and very different ways of approaching problems. Their personalities shaped the choices they made—and the country that grew from them.
In the spirit of the holiday, we’re taking a look at the Myers and Briggs types of the Founding Fathers. You might be surprised to recognize a bit of yourself in the people who helped start it all.
Thomas Jefferson: INFJ
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”
The third president of the United States and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson had a future-focused perspective that fits the idealistic INFJ. Much of his writing explores the promise of humanity, the pursuit of a more just society, and the transformative power of education. Jefferson was also an inventor, linguist and architect—INFJs are known for their creativity.
Like many INFJs, Jefferson was a visionary and a reserved, value-driven thinker. He believed in adapting to the times (“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock”) and saw education as essential to freedom (“If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed”). It’s common for INFJs to feel drawn to humanitarian causes, which aligns with Jefferson’s approaches to human rights, politics and education.
Benjamin Franklin: ENTP
“A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”
Benjamin Franklin was an endlessly curious man of many hats — humorist (his Poor Richard’s Almanac mixed wit with practical advice), writer, businessman, inventor (bifocals were just one of his creations), statesman and diplomat. His love of debate, innovation and intellectual exploration is classic ENTP.
Franklin’s entrepreneurial spirit and restless mind made him a key architect of the American Revolution and one of its most influential Founding Fathers. He believed in the power of knowledge (“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest”) and cared deeply about justice (“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are”). His energetic approach to problem-solving, quick wit and drive to improve society all reflect the ENTP personality.
Alexander Hamilton: ENTJ
"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."
Alexander Hamilton was ambitious, strategic and relentlessly driven. As a writer, legal theorist and economist, he authored most of The Federalist Papers, established the U.S. financial system as the first Secretary of the Treasury, and helped found institutions like the U.S. Coast Guard and the Bank of the United States. A man of bold vision and analysis, it’s hard to see him as anything other than an ENTJ.
Though Hamilton didn’t draft the Declaration of Independence, he fully embraced its revolutionary principles and worked to translate those ideals into the framework of a functioning nation with razor-sharp precision. Hamilton’s willingness to learn from mistakes—“A well-adjusted person is one who makes the same mistake twice without getting nervous”—shows the resilience and adaptability that made him such a transformative leader.
George Washington: ISTJ
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one."
General George Washington led the American army to victory during the Revolutionary War and became the father of the nation. ISTJ may not be the flashiest type, or one we first think of when picturing a war general, but Washington’s legacy proves the power of steadfast principles and quiet determination. His calm authority and strong sense of duty played a crucial role in securing independence and shaping the nation’s early institutions.
Washington’s leadership was quiet and consistent. He exemplified prudence and industry—hallmark ISTJ traits—often putting the needs of the country above his own ambitions, as shown in his advice to “observe good faith and justice toward all nations” and his belief that “human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” His tireless work ethic and moral conviction earned him great respect. Like many ISTJs, Washington dedicated himself to principle over ego, valuing responsibility, tradition and the greater good above personal recognition.
James Madison: INTP
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary."
Reserved, quiet and deeply intellectual James Madison was central to the drafting of both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, but there was more to him than just policy and paperwork. As the fourth president, he guided the country through the War of 1812, supported the recharter of the Bank of the United States, and helped strengthen the legitimacy of the early American government.
Like most INTPs, Madison valued knowledge above all, famously stating, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” Despite the rigors of presidency, he preferred thoughtful conversation and long hours of study to the spotlight of grand speeches, often choosing to share his ideas through letters or in close discussion with friends. Those who knew him described a man who listened carefully, weighed every word and cared deeply about the people and ideas shaping the new nation. Madison’s quiet curiosity and thoughtful presence helped set the tone for a government built on reason and debate, not just power.
John Jay: INTJ
“Those who own the country ought to govern it.”
John Jay was a deeply principled and quietly determined figure, deeply committed to justice and the long-term good of the nation. As a key negotiator of peace with Britain, he played a vital role in the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. Jay also served as the first Chief Justice of the United States and co-authored The Federalist Papers, often working diplomatically behind the scenes to shape the country’s direction.
Jay’s approach to leadership closely matches the INTJ personality type. He was an independent thinker who preferred careful planning and rational analysis over public attention. His focus was always on results, not accolades, and he brought a clear vision and high standards to every challenge. Whether negotiating peace, building legal systems or advocating for justice—“To contend for our own liberty, and to deny that blessing to others, involves an inconsistency not to be excused”—Jay relied on logic, an independent, shrewd thinking. His reserved yet decisive style helped lay the groundwork for a nation built on principle and thoughtful reform.
John Adams: ISTJ
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
Unwavering in his dedication to justice, law and order, John Adams began his career as a lawyer, served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, and became a leading champion of American independence. His writings and speeches were persuasive, principled and grounded in reason rather than emotion. Adams’ commitment to justice was so strong that he even defended British soldiers accused of murder, insisting they deserved a fair trial.
Adams’ pragmatic, logic-based approach to law and government is a strong match for the ISTJ personality type. He valued careful planning, precedent and personal responsibility, famously stating, “I read my eyes out and can't read half enough...the more one reads the more one sees we have to read.” No matter his personal feelings, Adams relied on principle and fact, often going against popular opinion—such as when he resisted calls for war with France after the Quasi-War and XYZ Affair—to prioritize stability and the long-term national interest.
His steady, law-driven approach sometimes came at a personal cost, including his own re-election in 1800. But like many ISTJs, Adams was dedicated to duty, order and moral conviction above all else, always striving to do what he believed was right—even if it wasn’t easy or popular. In a country still shaped by debate and the clash of strong personalities, it’s a reminder that the character of our leaders mattered then, and continues to matter just as much today.
