Did you know there are 9 types of intelligence? These range from musical, interpersonal, spatial, and more. The question is: Which intelligence type do you have?
When you think of intelligence, you might think of IQ tests. You might think of geniuses who can recite entire lines of mathematics, or people accepting Nobel Prizes. Many of us consider intelligence as an innate ability to learn and remember information and ideas. However, in recent decades, our understanding of intelligence has changed.
What is an Intelligence Type?
An intelligence type is an indicator of your strengths and areas where you excel. Each intelligence type indicates different skills or “smarts” you are best suited for. There are 9 intelligence types:
1. Naturalistic – nature smart
Naturalistic learners feel a connection to the earth. You learn by working with nature. People may say you have a green thumb or that you’re an animal whisperer. In school, you always loved having class outside and you may have engaged in hobbies such as bird watching or rock collecting.
Naturalistic careers: Zookeeper, Veterinarian, Botanist, Gardener, Geologist, Astronomer
To cultivate Naturalistic intelligence: Keep a nature journal, start a small garden, go outside for everyday activities, take care of a pet.
Famous people with existential intelligence: Steve Irwin (“The Crocodile Hunter”), Jane Goodall, Gregor Mendel
2. Musical – sound smart
You understand and appreciate the art of music. You do well at listening, composing and performing music. You use rhythms and patterns to understand things. You can probably remember and even replicate a sound or listening passage you’ve only heard once.
Auditory-Musical careers: Composer, DJ, Band Director, Singer.
To cultivate Auditory-Musical intelligence: Listen to music while studying, connect music to a lesson, write a short song.
Famous people with Auditory-Musical intelligence: Mozart, Yo-Yo Ma, Alicia Keys.
3. Logical-Mathematical
Calculating, classifying, and finding patterns are all your strong suits. You like to experiment, solve puzzles, and identify relationships. You light up at the idea of a “deductive reasoning” exercise. This is the other most highly regarded intelligence in traditional education, so you’ve probably done well in school.
Logical-Reasoning careers: Scientists, Computer programmers, Inventors, Accountant, Computer analyst, Economist
To cultivate Logical-Reasoning intelligence: Play logic and pattern games like Sudoku, organize a collection, develop and prove a hypothesis, find the pattern in a poem.
Famous people with Logical-Reasoning intelligence: Nicola Tesla, Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates.
4. Existential – Spirit smart
This intelligence has only recently been identified and was not included in the scoring of this quiz. It is the ability to deal with the big questions of human existence and metaphysics. People may say you have a “sixth sense”, a “strong aura,” or an “old soul”. No matter your age, you give off a feeling of inner peace and wisdom. People with this type of intelligence tend to be sensitive and have the ability to ask deep questions about human existence and the meaning behind our existence.
Interpersonal careers: Shaman, yogi, clergyman, psychic, philosopher, writer, blogger
To cultivate existential intelligence: practice meditation, write down some “big” questions and write down the answers that come to you
Famous people with existential intelligence: Buddha, Lao Tzu, Joan of Arc, Simone de Beauvoi
5. Interpersonal – People Smart
You enjoy socializing, sharing, conducting interviews and cooperating. People may consider you extroverted and/or empathetic to others. You’re an excellent group leader and team player.
Interpersonal careers: Politician, teacher, social worker, counselor, Human Resources, Public Relations
To cultivate Interpersonal intelligence: Engage in group activities, volunteer for community service, teach a class or a friend something.
Famous people with existential intelligence: Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phill, Mother Teresa.
6. Intrapersonal – Self Smart
Intrapersonal-intelligent people are highly skilled at understanding themselves. You are introspective, independent, and self-motivated. You learn best by working alone and setting individual goals.
Interpersonal careers: Psychologist, poet, therapist.
To cultivate Intrapersonal intelligence: Keep a daily journal, read self-help books, imagine yourself in other people’s shoes.
Famous people with existential intelligence: Anne Frank, Aristotle, Gandhi, Hellen Keller.
7. Bodily-Kinesthetic – Body Smart
You learn best through touch and movement. You process information through the body and may have fine-tuned motor skills. People probably say that you’re “well-coordinated” and “athletic”. You usually need to do something to remember it and you may have a hard time working at a desk all day.
Bodily-Kinesthetic careers: Dancer, actor, construction worker, sculptor.
To cultivate Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence: Physical activities, manipulate objects, using fine and gross motor skills, build things.
Famous people with Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence: Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, Mary Lou Retton.
8. Verbal Linguistic – Word Smart
You learn best through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You probably enjoy writing poetry and stories. You’re good at identifying grammar errors and you may have a talent for learning foreign languages. This is traditionally one of the most highly-prized intelligence in education systems worldwide, meaning it’s likely that you’ve been successful in your scholarly pursuits.
To cultivate Verbal-Linguistic intelligence: Write in a journal, play word games (like Scrabble and crossword puzzles), read more books, and debate issues more often.
Verbal-Linguistic careers: Writers, public speakers, lawyers, Librarian, YouTuber, TV Host, Radio announcer
Famous people with Verbal-Linguistic intelligence: JK Rowling, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr, and Junot Diaz.
9. Visual-Spatial – Picture Smart
You have an excellent ability to draw, visualize, and design. You benefit greatly from having access to pictures, diagrams, and other visual aids. You enjoy puzzles and mazes and you can visualize and manipulate objects with your mind’s eye.
Visual-Spatial careers: Architect, computer scientist, designer, photographer, pilot, engineer
To cultivate Visual-Spatial intelligence: Take a photography or drawing class, draw mind maps of your plans or ideas, do puzzles and mazes for fun
Famous people with Visual-Spatial intelligence: Galileo Galilei, Salvador Dali, and Steve Jobs.
*As a reference to the original article can be seen on the website themindsjournal.com and scienceofpeople.com