Sunday, April 6, 2014

How intelligent are you?

How smart are you? I bet you are smarter than you think.

Recently I mused with one of my patients that "I'm not as smart as the average man."  He said to me, "I bet you are."  He proceeded to introduce me to Dr. Howard Gardner and his "Nine Types of Intelligence."

You can read about the nine types of intelligence by clicking here.  I used Dr. Howard's types of intelligence to determine how smart I am.  I encourage you to do the same; it was quite fun, and self educational too.  The following is what I learned about myself.

1. Natural IntelligenceDesignates 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. It is also speculated that much of our consumer society exploits the naturalist intelligences, which can be mobilized in the discrimination among cars, sneakers, kinds of makeup, and the like. 

I don't have the ability to relate things to my natural surroundings, so this is not me.

2. Musical IntelligenceMusical 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.

I don't even need to go here. I have none of this.

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.

This includes scientists, mathematicians and detectives, of which I am not.

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.

I definitely have this, which is at the core of all my blogs.

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.

I'm not this in the slightest.

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.

I do not have the ability to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. No, I'm not athletic, although I might pretend to be.

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.

This is definitely me.
8. Intrapersonal 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 directioning 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.

Well, I consider myself a philosopher of sorts here in the blogosphere, and therefore I am definitely this.

9. Spatial Intelligence (Picture Smart): This 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. 

I think I am definitely this.  I'm a drawer, a writer, a blogger, and a daydreamer. I think all writers have to have this.  I have the ability to see outside my own mind. Once, a long time ago, I took an advertising class where we created ad campaigns. On the top of one of my papers was the following note from my teacher: "You have a visual head, Botthead."  I have the ability to see the big picture, as opposed to just seeing what's in front of me.  I think having empathy, the ability to feel what others around you are feeling, is part of seeing the big picture.  I definitely have the ability to see more than what is in front of me.

So, there you have it. You can head on over and check out where your intelligence lies.  Just don't blame me when you find our you are smarter than you originally suspected.  Click here.

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