The ability to learn, to apply knowledge, to adapt to new situations, to solve problems, and achieve goals – intelligence. Despite its complexities, intelligence remains a topic that leaves experts across various disciplines debating its true form.
Intelligence has always been and will always be a mission statement of our society. However, as its traditional view is mostly limited to cognitive abilities such as memory or problem-solving, the theme of intelligence leaves many people feeling insecure or worthless. In this post, we want to scratch the surface of the world of intelligence, the world of our mind and body. We want to show you that there is more to intelligence than being good at math. Contemporary understandings recognize that intelligence manifests in many different forms. Since these forms are all complex in their own right, we’ll only have a brief look at them for now. Over the next few weeks, we’ll upload more in-depth posts about how to embrace or incorporate your form of intelligence into your life. This post should give you a direction on what entry to wait for.
To start, let’s break down this limited concept of IQ and look at:
The Multiple Intelligences Theory.
Howard Gardner, a man who in 1983, just as we are right now, started being skeptical and thinking critically about this concept of intelligence. What he came up with is probably the most influential counterpart to the traditional view of intelligence — the Multiple Intelligences Theory.
Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist, suggested that intelligence refers to a collection of distinct abilities rather than a single construct. He initially came up with eight intelligences, which were then expanded over time. For now, let’s look at the types Howard Gardner identified to overcome this narrow-minded repertoire of valuable qualities:
1. Linguistic Intelligence:
Linguistic intelligence can show through writing, speaking, or even understanding, and broadly refers to the ability to use language or words effectively. This type of intelligence, as implied here, is extremely overlooked in traditional IQ tests, even though it is very powerful. Words can be as potent as well as an infinite resource, flexible in use for every person and situation. Most pathways on your way of life will start with words, as they hold the capability of directing you towards nearly every goal.
2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence:
When thinking of intelligence, this type is the one most people will think of. The type of big inventors or scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, the type that seems to be splitting society in two. Logical-mathematical intelligence describes the capacity for logical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical thinking. The reason for this type’s appearance as more difficult is probably the fact that its problems are often presented in an abstract way. If you’re blessed with this type of intelligence, consider yourself an abstract thinker, not restricted to what you can see, but to what you can envision.
3. Spatial Intelligence:
The mind-manipulators of shapes and objects, people with high scores in spatial intelligence, hold the ability to visualize and form objects and spaces in their mind. This form of intelligence allows individuals to freely envision what could be and is prominent in artistic or creative areas of life. If you find yourself identifying with spatial intelligence, you are probably someone who is easily capable of thinking of and considering multiple perspectives — an essential trait in every situation of life.
4. Musical Intelligence:
This type is probably a bit more popular than some of the others. As well, we all know its value. The skill in performing and composing music is a rare gift with the ability to heal and nurture. Music is a profound component in nearly everyone’s life, and its diversity is what makes it so powerful. If you are gifted with musical intelligence, whether in creating or in appreciating, know that you hold the power to heal and inspire.
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence:
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the talent for using one’s body to express oneself or to perform physical tasks. This does not only affect tasks that require extreme, but precise movements as well. If you’re blessed with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, know that you’re also blessed with strength and resilience, the capability to inspire and be an example, and that there is a high chance that you’re sharing your type of intelligence with a surgeon, if you aren’t one.
6. Interpersonal Intelligence:
We all know someone like this. This is the person who could talk you into buying one of their socks, or the person who was always a better teacher than the one speaking nonsense in front of the class, or the one you could always talk to when feeling down because you felt better afterward. Individuals excelling in interpersonal intelligence hold the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. If you recognize yourself in these examples, know that you have a substantial power that can guide you to personal and professional success when learning to use it the right way.
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence:
The capacity for self-awareness and self-regulation, that is the essence of intrapersonal intelligence. Intrapersonal intelligence is, in comparison to the others, mostly directed towards oneself. It’s about questions of individualism and behavior. But don’t mistake its self-directed nature for being useless in society. If you have high intrapersonal intelligence, you are someone who is aware of their strengths and weaknesses, someone who is aware of their situation, and someone who is capable of reacting to circumstances in a calculated and behaved manner. These are qualities that are crucial in personal, societal, and professional success.
8. Naturalistic Intelligence:
These are the individuals you’ll always find outside in nature, collecting and studying everything that crosses their path. If you are naturalistic intelligent, you have the ability to recognize, categorize, and draw upon certain features of the environment. People with this intelligence type are interested in the world around them. If you’re a part of these children of nature, know that you play an important role in understanding the world we are living in, as well as effectively using its resources.
9. Existential Intelligence (proposed later):
Big questions, discussed over centuries, are born in the minds of existentially intelligent people. The sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life and why we die, are what drive these individuals. If you identify with this type, know that with holding the power of existential intelligence, you are capable of not only inspiring others but transforming the way we perceive reality.
Gardner’s theory has profound implications for education and personal development, suggesting that traditional academic subjects should be complemented with opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate a broader range of intelligences. This would not only benefit the students’ quality of life but society overall, as there would be more individuals excelling in various areas of life. In the end, we need all of these types to form a functioning society.
That’s why we want to make something clear before ending this post: You can be good at one type of intelligence, at two, three, or more — it doesn’t matter how many, what matters is that you know your types. So, step one: identify what you’re good at. This way you can work on refining your abilities in your intelligence area and use them to your advantage!
Many critics of Gardner’s theory argue that his types only refer to personality traits, talents, or abilities. I agree, but I don’t see a difference of these descriptions to intelligence. If I’m intelligent, I’m good at something. What is the difference between being good at solving abstract mathematical problems, being good at using my body in a precise way, or being good at expressing emotions through drawings. If you ask me, intelligence describes ability, and all abilities can be equally valuable if used the right way!
Remember, there is no type that’s worth more. If you think you only excel in one type of intelligence and believe that won’t be helpful, that’s wrong. Refine that type to be your diamond quality, and it will lead you double as far as two half-polished intelligences will help someone else. Intelligence is a resource, valuable and capable of forming lives.