The 7 Types of Intelligence That You Need To Know
Intelligence is one of the most fascinating human characteristics. For most people they are either good with numbers or good with words. These types of intelligence known as Logical-Mathematical Intelligence and Linguistic Intelligence are the most popularly known types of intelligence. However according to Howard Gardner. In his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, there are nine types of intelligence. You might have at least some of each type of intelligence, but probably excel in one or two of the specific types. What we often call ‘talents’ are actually types of intelligence. Below are the 7 types of intelligence that you need to know about apart from maths and language.
1. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
Known as being body smart, an individual with this type of intelligence has the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills through mind–body union. People with this type of intelligence are athletes, dancers, surgeons and crafts people.
2. Musical
What do composers, musicians, vocal coaches and even music critics have in common? They have an ‘ear’ for music. Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. This enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music. There is also a sensitivity that comes with this type of intelligence whereby individuals connect emotions with sound.
3. Naturalist
Naturalist intelligence designates the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals) as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations). This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as botanist or chef.
4. Interpersonal
Also known as being people smart, interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and non-verbal communication. This quality is common with Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians. Such people are sensitive to moods, temperament, are good orators and have leadership qualities.
5. Intra-personal
Known as being self smart, intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life. Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition. Often associated with shy yet very self aware and motivated individuals, this intelligence is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers.
6. Spacial
Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence. This type of intelligence is being picture smart. Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination.
7. Existential
Those with existeial intelligence are life smart. They have a sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why we die, and how did we get here.
