When it comes to intelligence, there is no right or wrong way to be. Although the word intelligence is associated with maths, science, IQ tests and complicated algorithms, that doesn’t mean to say that if maths and science aren’t your vocation that you aren’t intelligent. There are 9 known types of intelligence, and here you can find out which category you belong in or identify yourself with.
1. Naturalistic Intelligence
Some people can connect easily with animals or feel at home in nature. Naturalistic intelligence applies to people who are sensible in the natural world and enjoy being outdoors, exploring and caring for the environment.
2. Musical Intelligence
Often from a young age, some people are naturally drawn to music. Musically intelligent people are able to decipher any type of sound, pitch, tone, rhythm and noise that others would not usually be aware of.
3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Out of all the other types of intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence is the one that we most associate with general intelligence. People with this type of intelligence are able to easily recognise patterns and work through anything in a logical manner. They usually enjoy working their minds with games that involve strategy or solving puzzles, for example.
4. Existential Intelligence
While most of us go about our day to day as it comes, people with existential intelligence will often question their occurrences more deeply. They often ask questions such as ‘Why are we here?’ or ‘What is the point to our existence?’. Those with this type of intelligence are highly philosophical thinkers and will use their capacity searching for answers to deeply thought out questions. Existential intelligence can also be known as moral or spiritual intelligence.
5. Interpersonal Intelligence
Interpersonal intelligence can be found most commonly in leaders, social workers, politicians or psychologists. People with this type of intelligence can easily read verbal and non-verbal cues and can determine the temperament and mood of those around them.
6. Linguistic Intelligence
Linguistic intelligence is the one that is most commonly used and shared between humans. It entails our ability to think in words and translate that into speech in order to be understood. People with this type of intelligence can easily express their feelings and thoughts into words so that others can understand them, they are usually drawn to reading or writing as activities or vocations.
7. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Those with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence possess an excellent sense of timing as well as mind-body coordination. This makes it easy for them to convey feelings and ideas using their bodies, and as a result, they often end up in roles such as dance, sports or medicine.
8. Intra-personal Intelligence
Understanding your thoughts, feelings and emotions and using these understandings in everyday life is what defines intra-personal intelligence. This refers to the understanding of oneself and the human condition as a whole, they can also be known as ‘self-smart’ individuals, however, despite having this deep understanding of their own emotions, they are usually quite shy. Spiritual leaders, philosophers, writers and psychologists are usually highly intra-personal intelligence.
9. Spatial Intelligence
Spatial intelligence is defined by the ability to visualise the world in 3D. People with a high level of this intelligence are often creative and have a vivid imagination, artistic ability and excellent spatial reasoning. Usually referred to as ‘picture smart’ and found in professions such as design, map reading and architecture.
While some of these can seem like a representation of certain skills and talents and not intelligence per se, this knowledge is still highly useful to teachers and caretakers who value a more integrated outlook on child development. Understanding the different types of intelligence provides you with numerous ways in which you can use your potential and capacity for personal growth.