Chuck Clayton

Your Multiple Intelligences



Posted: Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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We are each unique with strengths and weaknesses that are different than those of anyone else.

The primary question is: How can I apply my natural and developed talents to make the most productive, interesting and enjoyable life for myself?

Significant work has explained the various types of human intelligences. Research published argues that the usual view of human intelligence is far too narrow. Standard IQ testing only tests Logical-Mathematical Intelligence and Linguistic Intelligence. These tests don't help predict success or happiness in life. Nor do they test the other intelligences. Let's discuss these other intelligences in more detail.

Daniel Goleman teaches Emotional Intelligence in his book by that name. He argues convincingly that Emotional Intelligence is a essential factor in determining personal and professional success. Goleman explains that individuals who are able to tap into self-awareness, self-discipline and empathy are usually happier, healthier and more successful personally and professionally.1

Before Daniel Goleman's book, Howard Gardner did pioneering work on the theory of Multiple Intelligences in the early 1980's. Although the concept of Multiple Intelligences had existed for some time, Gardner brought fresh thoughts to the subject. His book "Frames of Mind" explains a non exhaustive list of human intelligences. Thomas Armstrong helped interpret these intelligences for the general population in his book: 7 Kinds of Smart. 2, 3

These 7 Intelligences are:

  1. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence - People who have this intelligence can apply it to do mathematical problems of varying complexity. It is also pattern recognition ability and applying a stream of logic to get answers to questions. It is a primary component of convergent thinking skills. It is first of the two intelligences that western academics evaluate using the usual IQ tests.
  2. Linguistic Intelligence This enables an individual to develop the ability to understand language, word speech, and the methods used for these. It is the second intelligence that western academics are evaluated with using the usual IQ tests.
  3. Music Intelligence This enables an individual to have an internal feel and sense for music. Ludwig van Beethoven's had this ability. He wrote beautiful music such as Ode to Joy, the 4th movement of his 9th symphony. Individuals who have music intelligence may or may not have a strong understanding of music theory.
  4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence - This enables an individual to excel as an athlete such as sports player, dancer or gymnast. Eye hand and body coordination are big factors in body kinesthetic intelligence.
  5. Spatial-Intelligence This intelligence provides the ability to see things spatially. It is an important aspect of an athlete to sense his environment during competition. A gymnast would not do well if he didn't know where the parallel bar was spatially during a flip. This is also a skill that good architects must have in order to see the spatial requirements of a structure that he is designing.
  6. Interpersonal Intelligence This enables an individual to interact and relate to others effectively. Daniel Goleman's work on Emotional Intelligence explains this intelligence in depth.
  7. Intrapersonal Intelligence This is the intelligence of the inner-self. A person who can easily access his or her own feelings and emotional states by being introspective has intrapersonal intelligence. Utilizing this intelligence allows an individual to have an enriched and purposeful life
"The message is clear: IQ tests have been measuring something that might be more properly called schoolhouse giftedness, while real intelligence takes a much broader range of skills."

Whether there are seven kinds of intelligences or more is not that crucial, nor is the possibility that there are subsets to any or all of these different types of intelligences.

What is important is that if there are multiple intelligences, (and I for one agree), then a whole new world of opportunities awaits those who are willing to learn their true strengths and passions in life.

Knowing that you possess other intelligences and the ability to pursue your natural gifts (full or part time) can be a liberating experience and a spiritual awakening!

1 Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence-Why it can matter more than IQ (Bantam Books, New York, NY, 1994).

2 Gardner, Howard. Frames of Mind-The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Basic Books New York, NY, 1993).

Chuck Clayton

Copyright 2009

All Rights Reserved

http://www.problem-solving-techniques.com

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