Why You Are Smarter Than You Think

Intelligence has a way of being quantified along variables in this country, particularly numbers representing scores on tests. We measure intelligence based off the SAT's, or an IQ test, or whatever else. Initially, IQ tests were created simply to measure what level a child was in his schooling, in order to better educate children by placing them in correct levels. However, it didn't really intend to measure overall general intelligence, which is how many people view it today.

Instead of subscribing to this idea, I prefer to view intelligence as many psychologists view it, based on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. While SATs or IQ tests measure a person's ability on math or reading (not to mention a person's ability to take a test), Gardner proposed that intelligence isn't something that can necessarily be measured, that compromises more than just math or reading skills, and that encompasses 7 different categories. They are as follows:

1. Linguistic Intelligence - This indicates how good you are with language, words, and so on. This is one of two among the list that actually is measured by standard tests (though how well is beyond me.

2. Logical Mathematical Intelligence - Like the first one, this too is generally measured on standard tests. Might as well get these out of the way. This measures general math ability.

3. Musical Intelligence - Just because you're not good in math or reading, does not make you any less intelligent. This category is a perfect example. Musical intelligence means you have a heightened ability to understand music, whether you just play, compose, dance, or whatever. Who would ever claim that Bach or Mozart were stupid?

4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence - Are you good at sports? Can you dance? Can you do something crazy with your body? Are you athletic? Well, this is a form of intelligence as well. Not everyone can play tennis or do ballet, and it takes skill to do these things, as well as a good amount of knowledge about your own body.

5. Spatial-Intelligence - This is a visual type of intelligence. It means you can see images in your head, perhaps can build or draw something in your mind's eye. It is a unique intelligence found mainly in artists, architects, sculptors, planners, etc.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence - I like to refer to this one as social intelligence. It basically means you know how to talk to people, know their moods, thoughts, ideas, and so on. You know just what to say and how to say it. What's the point in having a great business idea if you don't know how to talk to clients and investors?

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence - This involves knowing yourself, your own emotions, how you feel and why, and so on. Writers and psychologists most likely have this type of intelligence.

*Some say there is an eighth intelligence, natural intelligence, or street smarts. What's the point of knowing a lot if you can't apply it to your everyday world? Well, those with natural intelligence can. The only reason this isn't included in the list is because I'm not sure if Howard Gardner mentioned it. However, this, too, is a type of intelligence.