Dumb? Who you? No way. Spiritual texts and the introduction of concepts such as Spiritual Intelligence tell us that we have limitless capacity and capability. So throw away your self-doubt and uncover your inner genius, says Shivi Verma

Different strokes

Understanding Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences

In 1983, Howard Gardner proposed a model of intelligence that branches out into various specific sensory modalities. Gardner argues that there is a wide range of cognitive abilities, and that there is not much correlation among them. Many educationalists support the practical value of the approaches suggested by him.

He pinpointed several skills to be qualified as intelligence which include Spatial, Linguistic, Logical-mathematical, Bodily-kinaesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Naturalistic and existential too to some extent.

Logical-mathematical intelligence: This area highlights logic, reasoning, numbers and critical thinking. Those with this intelligence excel in mathematics, chess, computer programming and other logical or numerical activities.

Spatial: This area deals with the ability to visualise with the mind’s eye. Careers which suit those with this type of intelligence include artists, designers and architects. A spatial person is also good with puzzles. Linguistic: People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence are typically good at reading, writing, telling stories and memorising words along with dates. Such people learn foreign languages very easily.

Bodily-kinaesthetic: The core elements of the bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence are control of one's bodily motions and the capacity to handle objects skilfully. Such people have a sense of timing, a clear sense of the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses to act like reflexes. Athletes, pilots, dancers, musicians, actors, surgeons, builders, and soldiers have a high amount of such intelligence.

Musical: This area deals with sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, tones, and music. People with a high musical intelligence normally have good pitch and are able to sing, play instruments, and compose music. They have sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, meter, tone, melody or timbre. Singers, conductors, disc jockeys, orators, writers and composers are blessed with this intelligence.

Interpersonal: Individuals who have high interpersonal intelligence are characterised by their sensitivity to others' moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations, and their ability to cooperate in order to work as part of a group. Salesmen, politicians, managers, teachers, counsellors and social workers display high amount of this intelligence.

Intrapersonal: Introspective and self-reflective capacities includes a deep understanding of the self; what your strengths and weaknesses are, being able to predict your own reactions/emotions. Philosophical and critical thinking is common with this intelligence. Many people with this intelligence are authors, psychologists, counsellors, philosophers, and members of the clergy.

Naturalistic: This area has to do with nurturing and relating information to one’s natural surroundings. Examples include classifying natural forms such as animal and plant species and rocks and mountain types; and the applied knowledge of nature in farming, mining, etc. Careers which suit those with this intelligence include naturalists, farmers and gardeners.