Human Intelligence is an enigma – the more we study it the less we understand it.
It is commonly perceived that IQ tests provide the best measure of Intelligence. But these tests are skewed towards folks that are naturally good at math and logic. What about the brilliant musician who is not good with numbers?
Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner postulated that people are a lot more complex and in his iconic book, The Frames of Mind, he proposed that there are 8 different types of intelligences; each one of us has a combination of these 8 types creating a unique intelligence profile for every individual.
http://www.pz.harvard.edu/resources/frames-of-mind-the-theory-of-multiple-intelligences
Let’s dig in a bit deeper and look at these 8 types of intelligence.
Follow along for a bit of introspection. Which one fits you best?
Linguistic Intelligence
- Enjoys writing
- Avid reader
- Remembers quotes
- Uses fancy words
- Enjoys foreign languages
- Likes puns and rhymes
People with linguistic intelligence gravitate towards careers in journalism, copy writing, broadcasting, teaching (lectures), speech pathology.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
- Good at Math
- Appreciates Science
- Likes numbers
- Rational, Logical
- Good at strategy games
- Seeks precision
People blessed with logical-mathematical intelligence thrive as accountants, computer programmers, engineers, mathematicians, financial planners, lawyers.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
- Enjoys Geometry
- Loves to draw and paint
- Can visualize anything
- Good with directions
- Enjoys photography
- Notices colors and shapes
People with visual spatial sensibilities are drawn towards careers in architecture, computer animation, graphic designing, interior decoration, photography, art direction.
Musical Intelligence
- Gifted at composing
- Has good rhythm
- Can memorize songs
- Talented with instruments
- Loves to sing
Those who are blessed with musical intelligence gravitate towards careers in music composing, song writing, conducting, singing, record producing.
Kinesthetic Intelligence
- Learns by doing
- Well coordinated
- Enjoys sports
- Dance/ Creative movement
- Good with hands
If you have kinesthetic intelligence there’s a good chance you are one of the following -Athlete, Dancer, Surgeon, Physiotherapist, Carpenter, Fire fighter
Interpersonal Intelligence
- Enjoys social events
- Loves meeting new people
- Extraverted
- Empathetic
- Enjoy team sports
- Sensitive to others
People with interpersonal intelligence are usually extroverted and naturally drawn to one of the following careers: Public Relations, Clergy, Counselor, Social worker, Sales, Politicians.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
- Intuitive
- Philosophical
- Introverted
- Spend time reflecting
- Works well alone
- Likes to learn about self
In keeping with their relatively intraverted temparament , intrapersonal intelligent type people prefer to be a Psychologist, Inventor, Philosopher, Counselor, Librarian, Historian
Naturalistic Intelligence
- Inspired by nature
- Good with gardening
- Comfortable with animals
- Appreciates scenic views
- Notices natural patterns
- Upset by pollution
Folks with an aptitude towards nature are drawn towards becoming any of the following – Horticulturist, Farmer, Marine Biologist, Veterinarian, Animal Trainer or Geologist.
Finally – while you may be a natural at one or more of these types of intelligence, the human brain is adept at learning new skills, so that if one is committed enough to train in any area – be it sports, music or dance, one can master a desirable intelligence even if you are not born with it.
