10 Famous INFPs Who Changed the World

Have you ever felt like, as an INFP, people underestimated you or tried to change you? Many INFPs feel like they are unseen the world; they are regarded as “too quiet” or “too imaginative”; urged to come down to earth by people who don’t understand their gifts. Yet in today’s article I want to show you just how world-changing and instrumental INFPs can be when it comes to improving the lives of people around the world. Whether they’re revolutionizing the world of art or paving the way for human freedoms, INFPs can use their gifts of empathy, creativity, and imagination to make drastic improvements in people’s lives.

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10 Famous INFPs Who Changed the World

Aldous Huxley: A Visionary of Dystopia and Allegory

Aldous Huxley, renowned for his piercing insight into society’s potential failings, gifted the world with his magnum opus “Brave New World.” This novel remains a quintessential critique of a future where humanity is destabilized by technology and government control. Born in 1894 into a family that was no stranger to intellectual achievement, Huxley’s life was as complex as his fiction. Facing the loss of his mother to cancer when he was just 14, and dealing with near-blindness from an eye illness at 16, he overcame personal adversity through his voracious appetite for reading, which laid the groundwork for his prowess as a writer. Despite the challenges of frail health and impaired vision, he carved his own path, one that led to a distinctive voice in literature that combined a curiosity about science and philosophy with a deep understanding of human nature.

Huxley’s work was revolutionary, not only in its content but also in its influence on society. “Brave New World,” written in 1932, predated many technological advancements and presciently explored themes of reproductive technology, sleep-learning, and psychological manipulation—topics that have grown increasingly relevant in modern discourse around technology ethics and the future of society. His impact extended into the realms of psychedelics and consciousness, particularly through his later works such as “The Doors of Perception,” which detailed his experiences with mescaline and influenced the burgeoning 1960s counterculture. Huxley’s legacy as an INFP is marked by his ability to foresee profound societal shifts and articulate them through a narrative and character that continues to challenge and inspire readers today.

Edgar Allan Poe: The Dark Romantic

Edgar Allan Poe captivated the world with his macabre and gothic storytelling. Born in 1809 in Boston, Poe’s life was marred by tragedy from an early age—both his parents passed away when he was only two years old. Adopted by the Allan family, he showed early promise in the arts but grappled with personal demons and financial insecurity throughout his life. Poe’s bouts with depression and alcoholism, and his relentless pursuit of a career in the unstable world of writing resonate with many INFPs who often find their artistic endeavors thwarted by a world that underestimates their value.

Poe’s accomplishments, however, are remarkable given the adversities he faced. He is credited with inventing the detective fiction genre and is further known for his contributions to the emerging genre of science fiction. Works like “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher” illustrate his unparalleled ability to explore themes of death, decay, and the human condition. His writing style, characterized by a rich use of language and complex emotional depth showcases the insight and emotional bravery of the INFP. INFPs love diving into the nuances of emotions, exploring existential themes, falling deeper into both the dark and light sides of human nature and discovering truth there. Moreover, Poe’s pervasive themes of existential angst and the search for meaning align with the INFP’s lifelong quest to align their outer reality with their rich inner world.

Harriet Tubman: The Freedom Fighter

Harriet Tubman, born into slavery as Araminta Ross in the early 1820s in Maryland, became a monumental figure in the fight for freedom and equal rights. Enduring a grim childhood sprinkled with the hardships of slavery, she eventually escaped to the North in 1849, an act of self-emancipation that ignited her lifelong crusade against slavery. Tubman was not content with mere personal freedom; her moral compass and unyielding bravery led her back into the South time and again. She became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a vast network of secret routes and safe houses, guiding over 70 enslaved individuals to liberation. Her uncanny navigational skills and resourcefulness earned her the nickname “Moses,” and not once did she lose a “passenger.” Tubman’s profound impact went beyond her personal heroics—she served as an inspiration and a symbol of undaunted courage in the face of systemic oppression.

In Harriet Tubman’s later years, her commitment to justice never wavered. During the Civil War, she played multiple roles, including a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army, using her expert knowledge of the land and knack for strategy to impact the outcome of the war. In her later years, Tubman continued to advocate for women’s suffrage, thereby intertwining her legacy with two of the most significant social justice movements of the era. Following her passing in 1913, Tubman’s life has become legendary, emblematic of the fight for civil rights and human dignity. Her life is an enduring testament to the power of resistance and resilience, and despite the passage of time, her story continues to inspire countless individuals fighting for social justice. The values she symbolized are perpetually relevant, reminding us that a single individual’s tenacity can pave the way for monumental change, drawing a map of the future with the footsteps of the past.

Albert Camus: The Philosopher of The Absurd

Albert Camus, a preeminent figure in existential philosophy, epitomized the INFP’s ethical and existential musings through his grappling with the inherent meaninglessness of life. Born in 1913, in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of Algiers, Camus was raised in a world far removed from the intellectual salons of Europe; his father died in World War I and he was raised by a hearing-impaired mother. He contracted tuberculosis at a young age, a condition that repeatedly altered the course of his educational and professional life. Yet, he triumphed over these adversities, pursuing a degree in philosophy and emerging as a formidable voice in French literature and thought.

His most acclaimed works, “The Stranger” and “The Myth of Sisyphus,” reflect an INFP’s existential contemplation and struggle with the discrepancies between personal values and societal expectations. “The Stranger” delves into the absurdity of human existence through the lens of an indifferent universe, while “The Myth of Sisyphus” explores the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world—central themes that resonate with the introspective and idealistic spirit of the INFP. Camus’s Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957 recognized not only his artistic brilliance but also his impassioned advocacy for human rights and individual freedom. For Camus, slipping into nihilism was never an option; instead, he urged embracing the absurd while continuing the search for personal integrity and peace—embodying the INFP’s perpetual quest to reconcile their inner world with external reality.

A.A. Milne: From Propaganda to Pooh

A.A. Milne’s journey through life encapsulates the quintessential INFP themes of transformation and authenticity. Born in London in 1882, Milne’s early career was marked by varied literary pursuits, including penning successful plays and editing at the satirical magazine Punch. However, the outbreak of World War I cast a shadow over his career, compelling him to serve as a soldier and later, he was pressured into a role as a military propagandist. The horrors and moral conflict of war left an indelible impact on him, fostering a profound sense of disillusionment. Post-war, Milne grappled with the public’s association of his name with war writings, an image that clashed with his own pacifist leanings and innate inclination towards more whimsical and innocent expressions of creativity.

It was in the tranquil setting of Ashdown Forest that Milne found his solace and, ultimately, his greatest success. Inspired by the lush woods and his son Christopher Robin’s stuffed toys, Milne created the enchanting world of Winnie-the-Pooh. This work, conjuring an idealistic and serene universe, allowed him to convey warmth, gentle humor, and an unembellished wisdom that resonated with both children and adults. The legacy of Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh” books is a testament to an INFP’s journey overcoming personal strife by channeling their imaginative and introspective nature into a creative endeavor that celebrates the joys of simplicity and the profundity found within the innocence and whimsy of childhood. His stories emerged not only as a balm to a post-war generation but also as enduring classics that continue to delight through their sincere exploration of friendship, kindness, and innocence.

Vincent Van Gogh: The Tortured Artist

Vincent Van Gogh’s life narrative is one of profound pathos and enduring legacy, painting a portrait of a man whose internal turmoil was as vivid and impactful as the masterpieces he created. Born in 1853 in the Netherlands, Van Gogh was a man tormented by mental anguish and unrequited passions, a quintessential tortured artist. His early adulthood was marked by failed endeavors in various vocations, including a brief stint as an art dealer and a preacher in a mining community, pursuits that failed to fulfill his deep yearning for a meaningful life. Despite his late entry into the world of art, Van Gogh’s prolific period demonstrated a fierce dedication to his craft, producing over 2,100 artworks, consisting of around 860 oil paintings and more than 1,300 watercolors, drawings, and sketches within a decade.

During his most turbulent times, Van Gogh sought solace in his art, translating his emotional highs and lows into strokes of color and texture that conveyed his psychological state. This raw, emotional intensity would see him hospitalized multiple times for mental illness, a struggle that culminated in the largely accepted narrative of his self-inflicted ear mutilation and, eventually, his tragic death at the age of 37. Yet, out of his suffering emerged a portfolio of works revolutionary in their emotional depth and brilliance in color theory, heralding the onset of modern Expressionism. Van Gogh’s desire to express the profound beauty he perceived in nature and everyday life imbued his paintings with a timeless quality, capturing the universal human emotions of despair, love, hope, and redemption.

William Shakespeare: The Bard of All Ages

William Shakespeare, often simply known as “The Bard,” embodies the quintessence of the INFP personality type in his profound exploration of human nature, his rich portrayal of emotion, and his ardor for authenticity. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, Shakespeare’s early life was bathed in modesty, with little indication of his future prominence. While historical records of his personal life are sparse, the struggles of the era were reflected in his work which often grappled with the human condition, societal norms, and the conflict between passion and reason. His singular ability to delve into the complexities of love, identity, and existential doubt resonates with an INFP’s innate big-picture perspective and interest in these same themes.

Shakespeare’s achievements are ineffably linked to his capacity to translate subtle emotional truths onto the stage, creating works that have withstood the test of time and remain paramount in both literary and common discourse. Overcoming the constraints of his era, Shakespeare cultivated a repertoire of plays and sonnets that delineate the human experience and made people question what life was really all about and what one would be willing to do in the name of love. Not only did he form the cornerstone for modern English literature, but he also left an indelible legacy that champions the depth of introspection and the valor of expressing one’s authentic self, hallmarks of the INFP’s quest for meaning and self-actualization.

Josephine Butler: Compassion Into Action

Josephine Butler’s journey reflects the power of a life dedicated to championing social justice and advocating for the marginalized. She campaigned for women’s suffrage, the right of women to better education, the end of coverture in British law, the abolition of child prostitution, and an end to human trafficking of young women and children into prostitution. Her impassioned campaigns against the injustices faced by women and children in the Victorian era were fueled by a deep conviction in the dignity and rights of those oppressed by the skewed moralities of the time. Butler’s activism ranged from advocating for education reforms to vehemently opposing the Contagious Diseases Acts, which discriminated against women under the guise of preventing venereal diseases.

Butler’s investigation into the conditions under the Contagious Diseases Acts revealed a disturbing reality that motivated her to take decisive action. She discovered that young girls, some as young as twelve years old, were trapped in prostitution and even subjected to an international slave trade. Because of this, Butler embarked on a campaign to combat trafficking. This fight for justice gained momentum with the shocking exposure of an organized crime network, leading to the dismantlement of a significant part of the illegal trade in Belgium. Her collaborative efforts with William Thomas Stead, the editor of The Pall Mall Gazette, brought further attention to the exploitation of women and children. Stead, as an experiment, bought a young girl from her mother for 5 pounds. The ease with which he did this illuminated the dreary plight of many and caused public uproar. As they hoped, Stead and Butler’s actions were instrumental in passing the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885, which not only raised the age of consent from 13 to 16, but also enacted crucial protections to prevent child prostitution.

Mary Shelley: Creator of Modern Science Fiction

Mary Shelley, the literary pioneer who created the genesis of modern science fiction, led a life marked by both brilliant creativity and profound tragedy. Born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin in 1797 to two intellectual powerhouses, philosopher William Godwin and feminist advocate Mary Wollstonecraft, she inherited a lineage of thought and progressive ideals. However, her life was shadowed by her mother’s death shortly after childbirth, a loss that would resonate throughout her existence. Shelley eloped with Percy Bysshe Shelley at the age of sixteen, embracing a love that brought forth elation and travail in equal measure. Their life together was one of constant upheaval, adjoined to immense intellectual stimulation but also marred by the death of three of their four children, and Percy’s untimely passing. Each loss etched into her soul, stirring the depths of her creative wellspring.

Shelley’s introspective nature was a crucible of inventive narrative and deep empathy for the human condition. Her magnum opus, “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,” was conceived in the milieu of 1816’s “year without a summer,” wherein a challenge to craft a ghost story led to the birth of science fiction. The work is reflective of Shelley’s own existential musings and her grappling with themes of creation, responsibility, and social ostracism—themes that resonate with many INFPs. Shelley, driven by her yearning for a sympathetic world and her battle with the constraints placed on her gender, channeled her experiences into a literary form that resonated with the authenticity and moral idealism characteristic of her personality type. While personal struggle laid heavily upon her shoulders, her enduring works speak to a spirit unyielding, an imagination that wouldn’t stop, and a desire to create a kinder world.

Nellie Bly: Pioneer of Investigative Journalism

Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran Seaman, was a trailblazer in the world of investigative journalism, carving out a legacy that urged the media to look beneath the surface. Her audacity and determination set her apart in a male-dominated profession. One of her most groundbreaking exposés came from feigning insanity to infiltrate the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island. What she uncovered was a world of brutality and neglect, leading to her famous work “Ten Days in a Mad-House.” The piece not only catapulted her to fame but also instigated reform in the treatment of asylum inmates. Bly’s blend of empathy and keen observation made her stories a clarion call for societal change, embodying quintessential INFP values. She viewed journalism as a platform for advocacy and used her writing to give voice to the voiceless in an era when such actions were often dismissed or ignored.

Beyond her investigative triumphs, Nellie Bly’s zest for adventure and defying expectations was exemplified in her record-breaking trip around the world. Inspired by Jules Verne’s “Around the World in Eighty Days,” she completed her journey in just 72 days—a testament to her spirit and resolve. Her travelogue became a beacon of inspiration, especially for women, suggesting that they could be as intrepid and daring as any man. Bly’s life resonates with INFPs’ idealism and drive to make a meaningful impact, using her narratives to sway public opinion and foster progress. Today, Nellie Bly stands as an icon of journalism, not only for the enduring significance of her work but for her representation of a profound truth: that a single voice, fueled by courage and compassion, can indeed alter the fabric of society.

Becoming the Change

The lives of these ten INFPs illustrate the sheer power of introspection, intuition, and emotional depth when harnessed towards creativity and social transformation. They achieved momentous change, often in the face of incredible odds, reminding every INFP that their dreams, thoughts, and feelings have the potential to reshape the future.

As you walk through your own journey, you may find that your quiet contemplation and rich imagination are not just gifts but also tools with which to create a better world. Embrace your unique perspective and strengths, as these influential INFPs did before you. It’s not about the noise you make but the echoes you leave behind—echoes that can inspire generations to come.

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Sources:

Ten Days in a Madhouse by Nellie Bly

Josephine E. Butler: An Autobiographical Memoir by George William & Lucy A. Johnson, 1909

Albert Camus Biography – Brittanica

In Which Milne’s Life is Told: A Biography of the Winnie the Pooh Author by Paul Brody (Golgotha Press, 2016)

William Shakespeare Biography

Aldous Huxley Biography – Brittanica