Isabel Briggs Myers was born on October 18, 1897, in Washington, D.C. She was the daughter of Katharine Cook Briggs and Lyman Briggs, who was an engineer and director of the National Bureau of Standards. Growing up in a well-educated and intellectually stimulating environment, Briggs Myers developed an early interest in human behavior and psychology.
After graduating from high school, Isabel Briggs Myers went on to study political science at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. It was during her time at college that she began to explore her passion for writing, and she eventually published her first and only novel, an award-winning mystery titled Murder Yet to Come.
Isabel Briggs Myers is best remembered for co-creating the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) with her mother, Katharine Cook Briggs. The idea for the personality testing tool came about as a way to make sense of the character differences between Briggs Myers and her husband. Little did they know that the MBTI would go on to become an essential tool for educators and employers around the world.
Over the years, Isabel Briggs Myers worked tirelessly to develop and refine the MBTI, drawing inspiration from the theories of renowned Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. By the first decade of the 21st century, more than two million people were taking the MBTI annually, a testament to the impact and influence of Briggs Myers' work.
Isabel Briggs Myers was married to Clarence Myers, with whom she had two children: Peter and Ann. Despite her busy professional life, Briggs Myers always made time for her family, instilling in her children a love of learning and a strong work ethic.
Isabel Briggs Myers' contributions to the field of psychology and personality testing continue to be felt today. Her work with the MBTI has helped countless people better understand themselves and others, leading to improved communication, teamwork, and personal development.
Throughout her life, Isabel Briggs Myers remained dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Her legacy lives on in the millions of individuals who have benefited from the insights provided by the MBTI, a testament to her enduring impact on the world of psychology.