First of all I don't like to argue because I see no point in arguing. I have noticed that me saying my opinion does not change anything and thus is pointless. People aren't usually willing to change their opinions or even to agree with anything and I want to agree on something. If me saying my opion doesn't lead to anywhere I wont say it. I just can't unless it's something extremely important and involves one of the most important values to me. And there is only few such values that I fight for.
Sounds good, the balancing thing.
I think every personality type needs balancing, not just ISTP's.
I think the need for agreeing is in me, that is why I see ISTP's as swimming the other way than the rest of the people. I'm definitely the one who swims with the others even if I don't totally agree.
I don't care to argue with anyone. I will present my opinion if requested, and respectfully listen and attempt to perceive and understand theirs. I like looking at an idea from as many points of view as possible. Opinions are difficult to change, especially when they concern very subjective things like spiritual beliefs. So I enjoy the sharing of opinions and views, but arguing, as in defending your opinion, or trying to change another's opinion, is pointless.
However, I don't cherish my opinions and create separation between myself and others, because at the core my opinions don't mean a lot to me. If someone has a different opinion, I don't attach that opinion, that
thing, to the essence of who they are, which is exactly the same as me.
Thus, I will swim with all the other fish and play happily acknowledging and appreciating that we are all slightly different while still mostly the same. Unless, of course, I have something better to do and no practical reason obligating me to be part of that group
What I thought you meant was being part of the group for the sake of being part of a group, even if the group's shared value firmly conflicted with one of your core values.
An example would be if I were in Nazi Germany and required to war against another group of people for a belief that I could not objectively reason into myself. I would have to find a way out of that situation.
One of the only things I truly value is life and liberty, freedom and independence, for myself and all others. I think this is the same as the "Don't tread on me" quote Steph posted above.