The Eight Forms of Intelligence

Of all the great mysteries of the world, perhaps the biggest is the ability to understand ourselves. The human brain is a fascinatingly complex organ and our understanding of it has been nebulous since the beginning of time.

Yet, the brain encompasses “thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger and every process that regulates our body.”

The path to understanding the brain is just beginning to become apparent as efforts in the field of neuroscience are expanding.

Inquiring, scientific, and brilliant minds have set forth on fascinating journeys to understand some of the remarkable mysteries of human consciousness.

In some cases, previous brilliant minds created a rough map from which others in the future can build upon.

Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor at Harvard University, came up with the concept of different forms of intelligence and introduced his theory to the world in his book release in 1983 called, “Frames of Mind”. He believes that humans process information differently and from those different processes, there are actually eight different types of intelligence.

This information comes in handy as we seek to understand ourselves: our strengths and weaknesses, our career paths, how we relate to others and to the world around us.

The same is true in raising our children. Their different forms of intelligence can help guide them to their correct career paths so that they can be in the minority of adults who actually, fully, enjoy their work.

Knowledge, particularly about ourselves and our unique intelligence, really is power.

The theory of multiple intelligences should be explored. Personally, I find it comforting that intelligence is no longer viewed as cookie cutter, but rather is now being embraced as something as unique as every individual on the planet.

As is explained in the CNBC article, how high you rate in one area of intelligence has no bearing on your other forms of intelligence.

Understanding your unique intelligence will give you an advantage to building upon your natural abilities and help you create an environment that will allow you to learn to be exceptional.

“For example, consider someone who struggled with writing until they attempted to create a graphic story, which turned into a compelling narrative. Or a student who couldn’t seem to grasp fractions until they visualized separating apples into slices,” according to the article.

The different forms of intelligence identified include: spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, linguistic, logical-mathematical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic.

There are tests you can take (and encourage your children to take) to help you identify core intelligences.

Be empowered with knowledge about yourself so that you can harness your natural talents for the benefit of your life and for the benefit of those around you.