The document summarizes Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, which identifies nine distinct types of intelligence: 1) Linguistic intelligence, 2) Logical-mathematical intelligence, 3) Musical intelligence, 4) Spatial intelligence, 5) Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, 6) Interpersonal intelligence, 7) Intrapersonal intelligence, 8) Naturalistic intelligence, and 9) Existential intelligence. It provides brief descriptions of each type of intelligence and suggests ways to strengthen each one. The theory challenges the traditional view of intelligence as being solely based on IQ tests by recognizing different ways that humans can be smart.

1. The Nine Types of Intelligence
By Howard Gardner
1. Naturalist Intelligence (“Nature Smart”)
It designates the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals) as well
as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations). This ability
was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues
to be central in such roles as botanist or chef. It is also speculated that much of our
consumer society exploits the naturalist intelligences, which can be mobilized in the
discrimination among cars, sneakers, kinds of makeup, and the like.
2. Musical Intelligence (“Musical Smart”)
Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. This
intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as
demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners.
Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions; and
mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes. Young
adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves. They
are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.
3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smart)
Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions
and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations. It enables us to perceive
relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic thought; sequential reasoning
skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns. Logical intelligence is usually well
developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives. Young adults with lots of logical
intelligence are interested in patterns, categories, and relationships. They are drawn to
arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments.
4. Existential Intelligence
Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the
meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.
5. Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart”)
Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It
involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions
among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to
entertain multiple perspectives. Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians all exhibit
interpersonal intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are leaders among
their peers, are good at communicating, and seem to understand others’ feelings and
motives.
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2. 6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”)
Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of
physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills
through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit well-
developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence.
7. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart)
Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to express and
appreciate complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand the order and
meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on our use of language.
Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence and is evident in poets,
novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers. Young adults with this kind of
intelligence enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles.
8. Intra-personal Intelligence (Self Smart”)
Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and
feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life. Intra-personal
intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition. It
is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers. These young adults may be
shy. They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated.
9. Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”)
Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include
mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an
active imagination. Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial
intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence may be fascinated with mazes or
jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing or daydreaming.
From: Overview of the Multiple Intelligences Theory. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and Thomas
Armstrong.com
Another material:
One of the smartest people I know can’t spell worth beans (or, benes as I am pretty sure she
would write) and has a particular way of pronouncing foreign-based words (sorbet is
soibert; café au lait is coffee oh loddy). Meanwhile, my friend who can speak five languages
is entirely flummoxed when it comes time to calculate the tip for a waiter.
So what’s going on with these two brainiacs—am I, simply, surrounded by idiot savants?
Not according to Dr. Howard Gardener who developed the theory of multiple intelligences,
going beyond the IQ test to discover the many ways humans are smart. He identified
intelligent abilities including language, music, spatial reference, kinesthesia, naturalistic,
and possibly existential intelligence. Gardner’s definitions include ways to improve your
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3. weaker areas—strengthening your brain. Learning—even about learning—reduces the risk
of Alzheimer’s says the American Academy of Neurology.
These are Gardner’s nine types of intelligence, as described in A Better Brain at Any Age
(Conari, 2009) by Sondra Kornblatt.:
1. Linguistic intelligence reflects the ability to read, write, tell stories, and learn languages,
grammar, and syntax. Strengthen this ability by studying a new language, improving
vocabulary, and writing.
2. Your friendly computer programmer has logical-mathematical intelligence. She’s
comfortable with numbers, logic, reasoning, and abstractions. To increase logical ability, get
a book of logic games, knit a sweater, and learn computer programming. Or watch a movie
on video, and stop it to predict what will happen.
3. Those with strong musical intelligence are sensitive to sounds, tones, rhythms, pitch,
musical keys, and structure of the songs (from verse and chorus to symphonies). Borrow
different types of music CDs, sing with the radio, be quiet and listen to the sounds around
you.
4. Those with strong spatial intelligence can imagine, understand, and represent the visual-
spatial world. They may have a good sense of direction, hand-eye coordination, and visual
memory. Some people, for instance, can visualize how furniture fits in a room without
measurements, or buy a scarf that matches the blue in a blouse at home (perfect “chromatic
pitch.”) To strengthen your spatial intelligence, be a backseat driver and provide directions
for a trip, fit the groceries in the bag or the car, play with jigsaw puzzles and mazes, build
some Lego’s, or sculpt some clay.
5. Remember Gene Kelly performing “Gotta Dance!” in Singing in the Rain? He had
bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, as do athletes, builders, actors, or surgeons (if they have
fine motor skills). Yoga is a great way to increase this ability. Make crafts or build, ride a
bike, dance, and learn tai chi or other sports.
6. Someone with interpersonal intelligence is good at organizing people and is aware of
moods and motivations. He or she can communicate and lead well. To get more people
skills, practice active listening—that is, repeat back what you think someone said. Learn
about the types of personalities with the Myers-Briggs test (psychological preferences such
as extraversion and introversion) or the Enneagram (a theory of nine personality types—
possibly centuries old).
7. Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to be self-aware and explore emotions, goals and
motivations. This perspective on the human condition is used by writers, philosophers,
psychologists, and theologians. To improve your intrapersonal intelligence, “know
thyself”—write in a journal, meditate, try the personality tests mentioned above.
8. Individuals with green thumbs and “horse whisperers” have naturalistic intelligence.
They are sensitive to nature and may easily recognize and classify species. To get more
naturalistic intelligence, expose yourself to the great outdoors: plant a seed, volunteer at an
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4. animal shelter, take a walk with a naturalist at the park, read about classifications of animals
(kids’ books can be a great place to start).
9. Spiritual or existential intelligence fits all Dr. Gardner’s criteria except for association
with a specific brain specialization—though this intelligence could be a whole-brain
function. Those with this ability explore questions about life, death, and what lies beyond
the subjective perspective. Prayer and meditation increase whole-brain communication and
lessen the blood flow to the parietal lobes (which give a subjective sense of time and space).
Explore what lies beyond through inquiry, reading, or talking with others.
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