Are you curious to know what kind of intelligence do you have? With technological advancement, we seem to talk more about artificial intelligence to the extent that it causes more fear in people than faith.
I think we have more to explore about human intelligence before we individually surrender to the artificial intelligence that humans have collectively created. Children these days are aware that when they are ready for the workforce, they would be competing with robots.
Robots are quicker, smarter and cheaper than them. And guess what, they just get upgraded now and then with whatever programs are needed. I feel it is an unfair game to compete with them!
Computers, a friend or enemy:
As a result, I see many children are stressed, anxious and demotivated. Especially when they have had access to technology that seems to help them learn, relax, enjoy, and indulge.
With all its glorious benefits, the rapid evolution of technology is also stressing the system we have built over centuries. There are many ways of analysing this challenge and finding the best option that work for us collectively.
In this article, I would like to talk about just creating awareness of human intelligence. I see it as a low hanging fruit that we could enjoy if only we see it. When we nurture the different kinds of human intelligence, I believe, we might find multiple possibilities of expanding our human potential along with the technological potential.
IQ measure intelligence or intellect?
We use the word intelligence synonymously to mean intellectual ability. IQ tests were initially designed to test people’s intellectual capacity to see who would face most difficulty in school. We now know schools were created to impart academic intelligence.
The idea that intellect alone contributes to intelligence has been rivetted in people’s minds whether or not they studied in schools and colleges. I do agree intellect is one of the intelligence; it need not be the only one.
The focus in the mainstream is slowly turning to a much larger picture of intelligence. . Let’s explore the nine basic kinds of intelligence. I consider emotional, social and spiritual intelligence as grouping of the kinds of basic intelligence.
Psychologists are still exploring and researching the nature, influence and effects of intelligence, so there multiple ways to look at it. When I researched, I found the work of Howard Gardner to be very interesting. Based on his work, here are 9 types of intelligence I think are worth exploring.
1. Linguistic Intelligence:
Anyone who has higher linguistic intelligence can use language appropriately in both verbal and written communication. They have good memory retention and can write a narrative, give speeches, participate in debates effectively and put forth their views and opinions to others.
2. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
People who have a gift of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence use their body to the fullest to express their abilities. These are the people who excel in sports, dance, acting, hand-made crafts etc. They have rich physical memory and excellent coordination of mind and body. They seem to know how to remain in harmony with their bodies.
3. Spatial intelligence:
Someone who has strong spatial intelligence has good physical orientation and visual memory. They are good at representing ideas and concepts visually. They can draw maps, charts, picture to explain things easily to others. For example, they are naturally good at parking their cars and can assess distances and spaces intuitively.
4. Logical-mathematical intelligence:
As the name suggests, a person with this kind of intelligence can analyse situations or problems logically and identify an effective solution. They think systematically and linearly to solve mathematical problems. They can see relationships between things such as shapes and symbols and identify a pattern.
5. Musical intelligence:
A person who has vital musical intelligence can naturally recognise rhythm. They have a strong melodic sense and an ability to synthesise musical pattern. For example, they can produce music from ordinary things or sing pitch-perfect or easily play musical instruments.
6. Naturalist intelligence:
Someone gifted in naturalist intelligence has a deeper connection to nature. They seem to care a lot more about their natural environment and have a vested interest in protecting it. They seem to have an insatiable curiosity to learn about diverse forms of lives on the planet and gain an intense level of awareness of their environment. They live to explore the earth more.
7. Interpersonal Intelligence:
People who are strong in interpersonal intelligence are charismatic leaders. They can understand people’s desires and intention and respond to them effectively. They are good at collaborating and influencing people.
8. Intrapersonal Intelligence:
Someone strong in intrapersonal intelligence can understand himself/herself better. They can identify their strength and weaknesses and use this knowledge to make choices that work for them. They spend a lot of time reflecting and creating self-awareness at a deeper level.
9. Existential Intelligence:
This kind of intelligence empowers a person to be aware of a higher order of things that operate life as we know it. They are interested in learning about the purpose of life and death. They seek to see the bigger picture of life and a higher scheme of the cycle of birth and death.
Intelligence ecosystem:
Each one of us, I believe, is born with a combination of this intelligence in varying degrees. Currently, I see that logical-mathematical intelligence gets the highest prize. And because it is more recognised and rewarded, we tend to nurture that more in each individual, unfortunately at the cost of ignoring the other intelligence.
I think this preference or bias has led to an imbalance in the intelligence ecosystem. I see it similar to destroying forests to cultivate palm trees/cocoa trees to fetch more economic benefit. Even when in the short term, it makes commercial sense, I think the long-term effects are harmful.
Holding space to nurture intelligence:
When humans were living in caves, we treasured bodily-kinesthetic and naturalistic intelligence, just for the sake of our survival. At this point in evolution, we seem to cherish logical-mathematical intelligence that has brought scientific advancement along with severe environmental imabalances.
I believe each intelligence is equally crucial for humanity to grow and evolve into the next stage. It might be hight time we consider a more balanced approach of nurturing diversity in human intelligence.
It is essential as a community to nurture different intelligence in different people. Only when we become aware of our unique gifts of intelligence, we can recognise and grow them. When the gifts are expressed in various forms, the contributions, I believe, will be more meaningful to the collective.
Reflective questions:
- What kind of intelligence do you recognise you had naturally as a child?
- What kind of intelligence do you easily recognise in others? What makes it easier for you to identify that ability in others?
- What is the intelligence that you had to work most to master?
- In what way could you nurture other kinds of intelligence within you?
- In what way could you nurture other kinds of intelligence in others?
