THE 9 TYPES OF INTELLIGENCE
According to psychologist Howard Gardner, intelligence isn’t just one thing. It’s nine different things!
People aren’t just smart, average, or stupid. In fact, everyone has at least one of nine different types of intelligence, as outlined by psychologist Howard Gardner’s 1983 study. Find out which one you have!
Naturalist intelligence
(“nature smart”)
These people feel a close connection with nature. If you’re “nature smart,” you might become a farmer, a tree doctor, or a chef.
Example: Jane Goodall is a famous chimpanzee expert who has spent long periods of time living with chimps and studying their habits.
Musical intelligence
(“musical smart”)
People with musical intelligence can recognize musical patterns and tunes quite easily. They’re likely to become musicians, conductors, or music critics.
Example: Mozart learned to play his first instrument at the age of three and composed his first piece at six.
Logical-mathematical intelligence
(“number smart”)
Number smart people are analytical, think logically, and enjoy studying patterns. They make good mathematicians, scientists, or inventors.
Example: Physicist Stephen Hawking has done a lot of important work on the **Big Bang Theory** and wrote the best-selling non-fiction book *A Brief History of Time* (1988).
Existential intelligence
(“soul smart”)
These people try to answer philosophical questions such as, “What’s the meaning of life?” They often become **life coaches**, **theologians**, or philosophers.
Example: The work of ancient Greek philosopher Socrates remains influential in modern philosophy and in the study of ethics.
Interpersonal intelligence
(“people smart”)
Someone with this sort of intelligence is called a “people person.” They are skilled communicators and make great psychologists, politicians, and salespeople.
Example: Bill Clinton has a **knack for** making people like him – he even managed to remain popular after the **Monica Lewinsky** scandal!
Bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence
(“body smart”)
Sportspeople, dancers, and surgeons are “body smart.” They’ve got impressive hand-eye coordination and excellent **motor skills**.
Example: The late singer Michael Jackson was famous for his impressive dance routines.
Linguistic intelligence
(“word smart”)
These people love words, and they’re good at using them. If you’re “word smart,” you construct convincing arguments and might become a writer, politician, or lawyer.
Example: Barack Obama is renowned for his powerful speeches and has written two bestselling books.
Intra-Personal intelligence
(“self smart”)
“Self smart” people enjoy analyzing their thoughts and feelings. They might become psychologists, spiritual leaders, or philosophers.
Example: Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian neurologist who is known as the founding father of **psychoanalysis**.
Spatial intelligence
(“picture smart”)
People with spatial intelligence are good at interpreting shapes and sizes and the relationship between objects. They tend to work as artists, designers, and sculptors.
Example: Spanish painter Salvador Dali’s surrealist paintings are full of complex shapes and perspectives.
GLOSSARY
smart: Intelligent or clever.
The Big Bang Theory: A theory that the universe started with a violent explosion about 20 billion years ago.
A life coach: A person whose job is to offer advice on work, personal matters, or health.
A theologian: Someone who studies religion and religious beliefs.
A knack for: A natural skill or talent for doing something.
Monica Lewinsky: A White House intern with whom former US President Bill Clinton had an affair.
Motor skills: Abilities that are associated with the movement of the body, such as running, using hands, or dancing.
Psychoanalysis: A type of therapy for mental problems that involves a patient talking about their feelings and past to a therapist.
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