Are you book smart, good at math, or a logic problem pro? If so, you are likely labeled as intelligent. We see people with a command of language, numbers, or puzzles as highly valued in society.
But is this definition of intelligence too limiting? Could there be different ways to measure the capacity of a brain?
Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University, argues in his theory of multiple intelligences that there are eight different intelligences. They are:
- Linguistic intelligence (“word smart”)
- Logical-mathematical intelligence (“number/reasoning smart”)
- Spatial intelligence (“picture smart”)
- Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence (“body smart”)
- Musical intelligence (“music smart”)
- Interpersonal intelligence (“people smart”)
- Intrapersonal intelligence (“self smart”)
- Naturalist intelligence (“nature smart”)
What is intelligence? How could society benefit from a broader view of what it means to be smart? How would we be different? On a personal level, how are you smart? (Traditional intelligences are okay too.)
Related questions: How Do You Learn? How Are You Special? When Is It Useful To Fail?