Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
The quote above is one that has become quite popular in society, particularly in the education system. I think for many individuals it’s one that they connect with on quite a personal level. What is the message that resonates with so many?
Hearing the phrase “everyone is a genius” doesn’t make much sense on its own. In society we generally use the term “genius” to describe individuals like Albert Einstein and I think we all can agree that the average person can’t measure up to the guy who invented e=mc2.
Then what is it really trying to say? In simple words, it’s saying we are all unique with different strengths and weaknesses. If we grew up constantly being judged for our weaknesses, it definitely would have a profound effect on our self-image and the way we pursued our goals in the future.
If you are not willing to be a fool, you can’t become a master.”
Jordan B. Peterson
Failure is inevitable at some point in our lives. We have to be willing to be a fool if we want to be a master at something but there is a harsh reality that makes us question our capabilities. That is the reality of seeing others around us succeed with less effort and in a much shorter time frame while we’re left struggling.
This is what I think makes this quote resonate with so many. People constantly measure and compare their abilities to others at the expense of never really knowing what their true strengths are.
10 Types of Intelligence
The developmental psychologist, Howard Gardner developed what he called his Theory of Multiple Intelligences in which he defined 8 different types of intelligence. In addition to these 8, there are 2 other intelligences Gardner became interested in.
These 10 types of intelligence are:
1. Linguistic Intelligence
Gardner explains that this has to do with a person’s ability to use language well. Persons strongest in this intelligence become poets, journalists and writers.
2. Logical Intelligence
Garner defines this intelligence as the ability to reason logically and scientifically. Persons strongest in this intelligence work in jobs such as mathematicians and scientists.
3. Spatial Intelligence
Gardner explains that this type of intelligence can be used to navigate spaces that are close. For example a surgeon operating on a patient has to be precise in the small area they are working with. At other times he explains, it can be used for navigating a large territory such as a pilot.
4. Kinesthetic Intelligence
The word kinesthetic has to do with physical movement or sensation. Gardner describes a person having this intelligence as someone such as an athlete or someone who is able to solve problems with their hands such as a crafts person.
5. Musical Intelligence
Gardner describes this Intelligence as the ability to produce music by voice or instrument as well as the ability to conduct music. Persons strongest in this intelligence work in music professions such as musicians, singers and producers.
6. Interpersonal Intelligence
Gardner explains that this intelligence affects how a person understands, motivates and leads others.
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence
Gardner explains that this intelligence refers to the understanding of oneself.
8. Naturalist Intelligence
Gardner defines this intelligence as being able to make relevant distinctions between both plants and animals in nature. He explains that even if we don’t walk out into the woods, we still used this for example to choose the right sweater.
9. Teaching or Pedagogical Intelligence
Gardner describes a person with this intelligence as having the ability to teach successfully to others.
10. Existential Intelligence
Gardner states that this refers to the intelligence of big questions such as philosophical questions. I agree with his statement that part of the human condition is to think about existence.
Which Intelligence am I ?
All persons possess multiple intelligences at varying degrees and not just one. Multiple Intelligences are therefore interconnected and support each other whenever a task is performed.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine which of the 10 types of intelligence you are strongest in:
1. Linguistic Intelligence
- Are you someone who is good at writing or giving speeches?
- Are you able to articulate exactly what is in your mind using words with precision and ease?
- Do words flow naturally without much difficulty or conscious thought process taking place as you speak?
2. Logical Intelligence
- Are you able to mentally solve problems quickly and with more ease than the average person?
- Do you enjoy solving equations or doing puzzles ?
- Do you see the world through a lens of patterns and numbers?
3. Spatial Intelligence
- Are you someone who’s good at a game of chess ?
- Are you good at drawing or painting?
- Are you good at remembering directions? ( I know I’m not).
4. Kinesthetic Intelligence
- Are you someone who has been naturally good at sports since you were a kid?
- Do you find you are able to learn a dance routine faster than your friends?.
5. Musical Intelligence
- Are you a person who is able to recognize when someone is singing off key?
- Are you able to easily keep the rhythm to a song?
6. Interpersonal Intelligence
- Are you someone who has significant influence in a group whether or not you are the leader?
- Do you work well with others on a team?
- Are you good at mediating conflict?
- Do you enjoy meeting new people?.
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence
It’s important to have an idea of who we are if we are to chart our own path.
- Are you someone who is in tune with your inner thought life, your motivations behind your actions or the reason for your emotions?
- Are you aware of your strengths as well as weaknesses?
8. Naturalist Intelligence
- Are you able to differentiate between different types of plants and species of animals easily?
- Are you able to classify the elements in your natural environment?
- Do you like outdoor activities such as hiking or camping?
9. Teaching or Pedagogical Intelligence
- Are you someone able to break down complex subjects into simple terms?
- Are you able to take a complicated process and explain step by step to be easily understood by others?
10. Existential Intelligence:
Do you find yourself often pondering philosophical and existential questions? These questions can include:
- Do we really have free will?
- What happens to us after death?
- Who are we? and Where did we come from?
Intelligence Quiz
Here’s a link to an intelligence Quiz to see your varying strengths of the 8 types of intelligence , you can give it a try, Click Here.
You can also take a look at Howard Gardner’s discussion on the 10 types of intelligence below:
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