Origins & Early Life

Isabel Briggs Myers (born Isabel Briggs; October 18, 1897 – May 5, 1980) was an American writer who co-created the personality test known as the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) with her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs. The MBTI is one of the most-often used personality tests worldwide; over two million people complete the questionnaire each year. Isabel Briggs Myers typed herself as an INFP (Mediator). Isabel Briggs Myers grew up in Washington, D.C.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

where she was home-schooled by her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs. Her father, Lyman James Briggs, worked as a research physicist. Briggs had little formal schooling up until she attended Swarthmore College, where she studied political science. During her time at the college she met Clarence "Chief" Gates Myers who was studying law. The two married in 1918 and were together until his death in 1980.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

When Briggs Myers died in 1980 she left the copyright to the MBTI (which was little known at the time) to her son Peter. In August 1928, she participated in a mystery novel writing contest jointly offered by McClure's magazine and Frederick A. Stokes Company. Her novel Murder Yet to Come won the contest and was published...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Charles Babbage — Shared historical date (10-18 · Died) (1871): Pioneering polymath credited with originating the concept of the digital programmable computer.
• Adele — Shared historical date (05-05 · Born) (1988): Iconic English singer-songwriter celebrated for powerful mezzo-soprano vocals.
• Arthur Leonard Schawlow — Shared historical date (05-05 · Born) (1921): Pioneering physicist who developed the theoretical basis for laser science.
• 1897 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1897
• October 18 (10-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 18
• 1980 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1980
• May 5 (05-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 5