QuazBlog

Nine Types of Intelligence

I have recently read an article on nine different types of intelligence we, as humans, have.  Sure these intelligence types are opinion of the writer of the article, but for the most part I agree with these types of intelligence due to their covering the wide span of human intelligence.  I feel like stating what each of these are and try to analyze which of these I have for my own personal reference.  I will stop rambling and get straight to the point, here are the nine types of intelligence.

1. Naturalist Intelligence (“Nature Smart”)

This type of intelligence refers to the ability to discern between different plants, animals, minerals, and things that normally exist in nature.  Over time, this ability transferred to being able to discern what are surroundings are.  In modern times, this intelligence has adapted to the ability of discerning between certain items such as cars, technology, and other modern surroundings.

Personal Analysis:  I can honestly say that I have not developed upon this particular type of intelligence.  I can say for certain that I have not developed upon this type of intelligence too much in my life.  My specific interests and experiences in life have not required me to know my specific surroundings other than “That is a car” or “This is a cell phone.”  I will certainly have to develop this intelligence in the technology aspect considering my future career my depend on it, but for now it is unnecessary.

2. Musical Intelligence (“Musical Smart”)

Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone.  This intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners.  Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions; and mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes.  Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves.  They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.

Personal Analysis:  No, I do not remotely have much musical intelligence.  Yes, I like music, and I have always wanted to understand the finer parts of music, but I just won’t be able to accomplish this without much practice, and I don’t have the time for that at this point in my life.  I plan to make a goal to understand some of the finer concepts or music during this coming summer, but for now I am content with my lack of this intelligence.  I will accept my blissful ignorance of this for now.

3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (“Number/Reasoning Smart”)

Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations.  It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic thought; sequential reasoning skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns.  Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives.  Young adults with lots of logical intelligence are interested in patterns, categories, and relationships.  They are drawn to arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments.

Personal Analysis:  This is the mother-load of my intelligence.  Math, puzzles, and strategy games have always come easy to me and I seem to always search things like this out.  I can definitely agree with the part where is says young adults with this type of intelligence are interested in patters, categories, and relationships.  I myself find a special interest in relationships.  I am fascinated by determining why certain things may be related to each other and what-not.  I certainly have this intelligence locked down for the most part, which sadly leaves me lacking in other types of intelligence.

4. Existential Intelligence

Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.

Personal Analysis:  This applies to be greatly.  I sit up at night thinking of such questions.  I believe one question encompasses this all:  Why do we exist?  I can’t even begin writing my thoughts on this question, so I will leave it at that.

5. Interpersonal Intelligence (“People Smart”)

Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others.  It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives.  Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians all exhibit interpersonal intelligence.  Young adults with this kind of intelligence are leaders among their peers, are good at communicating, and seem to understand others’ feelings and motives.

Personal Analysis: OK, this is the type of intelligence I truly lack in.  My problem is that I try to keep everybody happy all of the time, and that is just physically impossible, so I just break at some moments.  I like to believe I can read people well and I know for a fact that I can become a friend with someone after speaking with them for a few minutes because I can gauge boundaries and other aspects of the person.  The problem is that because of that it is hard to develop extremely strong relationships this way just by trying to be everybody’s friend.  For this reason, I lack in the “significant other” aspect of life.  I will admit at times I can still be quite naive about people, and this irritates me when I realize it, but for now I must deal with it and just work on it.

6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”)

Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is 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.  Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence.

Personal Analysis:  This isn’t as fun to talk about.  All I can say is that I used to have this until I became out of shape…’nuff said.

7. Linguistic Intelligence (“Word Smart”)

Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate complex meanings.  Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand the order and meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on our use of language.  Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers.  Young adults with this kind of intelligence enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles.

Personal Analysis:  I love putting this intelligence to use, though I rarely use it for some reason.  I keep telling myself I am to busy to write, but I need to stop that.  At this moment I am happy because I am expressing myself through words.  I also appreciate a good book, but the way my life is I don’t get much reading in.  Right now I am going to go off on a tangent because it is somewhat related.  The reason I don’t do either of these much anymore is because I am addicted to social contact due to my over-active mind.  When I am around people, it prevents me from thinking too much because I am focusing on the people around me.  When I read or write, I have time to think, and a lot of those thoughts get me in a down mood.  Right now, I am zooming and my mind is focusing on what to write next, but if I hit a wall on what to write, I start thinking of other things and start analyzing my life, and I don’t like what I see.  I can analyze and point out my problems, but I lack in actually taking time to better myself.  The way my life turned out is due to me and the decisions I have made and will make.  I think I might start making a list of goals to accomplish and times to complete them by.  Anyway, that is enough of that for now…

8. Intra-personal Intelligence (“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 directing one’s life.  Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition.  It is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers.  These young adults may be shy.  They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated.

Personal Analysis:  I have one half of this intelligence mastered.  I know how to discern what I am thinking and feeling and relate it to situations I am in.  I know myself and am conscious of myself at all times, but where I lack is the planning and directing my life, my personal life that is.  My “public life” is perfectly on track.  I go to a great school, have a decent social life, and have a plan for later in life.  It is the deeper parts of my social life and my own personal needs to better myself that I lack in planning and direction.  I really need to work on this, and this is a type of intelligence that I truly believe everybody should practice upon this intelligence.

9. Spatial Intelligence (“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.  Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence.  Young adults with this kind of intelligence may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing or daydreaming.

Personal Analysis:  I wish I had this intelligence so bad!  I have always envied creative and imaginative people.  I seemed to be drawn to them because I am fascinated by their skills and I am jealous that they have that which I do not.  Having creative friends help be fulfill this need for creativity in my life.  I think I am so boring sometimes it is sad at certain points.  Over the years I have developed a way to fake this by taking creative ideas that I have been exposed to in the past and applying them to future situations.

 

All in all, I am OK with the types of intelligences I have now, because I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.  I know this is long, but if you made it this far, if you haven’t already, analyze yourself and determine your strongest intelligences!