9 types of intelligence & Gardner’s theory

Everyone has something unique to offer. What you may not consider is that what makes you unique could be one of the many types of intelligence. 

Being intelligent is about more than being cognitively "smart." Instead, it considers your strengths and weaknesses across all types of intelligence. 

Maybe many of your skills are musical, interpersonal, and naturalistic. Or perhaps you're better at visual-spatial and linguistic problems. Or it could be you’re a pro at communication and can explain complex problems in a snap. Understanding which intelligence types you're strongest in can help you grow and succeed. And we’re not just talking about your professional life but your personal life as well.

Having this knowledge in your back pocket can also help you discover what you are truly passionate about. It may even tell you which career field you should enter. You may think of your unique offering as a calling, a life purpose, or a gift. By being more aware of types of intelligence, you can be better prepared to find a career path or make a more informed decision in terms of higher education.   

Learn Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, why a less restrictive view of intelligence is needed, and how to identify your intelligences.

What is intelligence?

Before we dive into the nuances and specifics of the types of intelligence, let’s first take a look at what it actually is. People have been trying to define intelligence since almost the start of civilization. But defining such an abstract and almost immeasurable trait is difficult. Socrates of ancient Greece said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” 

One of the most well-known tools for measuring intelligence is the IQ (intelligence quotient) test. Throughout history, the IQ test has served as a sort of metric of worth and identity. Yet, since intelligence includes many different emotional and experiential aspects, a single test is not a true way to show how smart you are.

IQ scores can also fluctuate with time. If you’re looking to improve intellectually, you can exercise your brain to become smarter. As with physical exercise, mental exercises help keep the brain strong and resilient. With determination, you can better yourself and your cognitive abilities.

The problem with restrictive views of intelligence

Besides measuring a narrow set of skills, people have also criticized IQ tests for cultural bias. According to a recent meta-analysis, improved assessment tools would consider more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and representative factors. 

Evaluation using an IQ test alone keeps up the outdated idea that intelligence is one-dimensional. Consider descriptions such as “street smart” or “life smart” in comparison to “book smart.” Think also about someone who is referred to as a “people person.” These phrases show humans are aware of different types of intelligence. Yet, for some reason, intelligence is often defined as a singular entity.

The human mind is too complex and diverse to measure using such a restrictive view. There are many different cultural experiences and types of neurodiversity in the world. Standardized IQ tests don’t consider all our various skills and abilities. It’s not hard to see how this narrow view of intelligence could easily become a problem.

The concept of emotional intelligence

You’ve probably heard of the term emotional intelligence. It’s a good example of alternative forms of intelligence. Drs. Peter Salovey and John Mayer introduced the concept of emotional intelligence (EI or EQ) about 90 years after the IQ test. Psychologist Daniel Goleman later expanded on and popularized it with his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. 

If you have a high EQ, you’re typically better able to manage and appropriately express your feelings, as well as understand the feelings of others. Like other types, you’re also able to improve emotional intelligence by working on being more self-aware and empathetic.

Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences

It’s only a somewhat recent idea that intelligence may not be one-size-fits-all. Psychologist Howard Gardner found the traditional view of intelligence too limited. In response, he coined the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. 

Gardner’s revolutionary theory proposes that there are several ways to be intelligent. It states that you can apply each type of intelligence to certain disciplines. By assessing your strength in each category, you can get an idea of where you’d thrive.

The multiple intelligences theory says there are many different types of intelligence. You can have more than one type or even show a range of all intelligences at once. 

Visual-spatial intelligence

If you’ve ever failed to pack for a vacation (only to have someone come along and make everything fit), spatial intelligence may not be your strong suit. You also might not excel in this area if you can’t get past the first level of Tetris (yet all your friends seem to go well past level 10). 

But, organization and objection orientation are only a couple of ways to show spatial intelligence. Artistic skills are also part of this category. Great artists understand proportions, white space, and fine details using visual focus. Individuals with this intelligence may also have an active imagination and a great ability to visualize. 

The good news is you can also improve your visual-spatial intelligence. Some common ways to do this are by spending time drawing and practicing puzzle strategy games. Over time, you could see your spatial awareness increase. 

Characteristics:

• Imaginative
• Aesthetic knowledge
• Strategic

Potential career opportunities:

• Artist
• Interior designer
• Architect

Linguistic intelligence

Linguistic intelligence is often described as the most shared human competence. The current global literacy rate is 86.3% for individuals aged 15 and older. But this type of intelligence includes more than the ability to read.

Exceptional linguistic intelligence involves effective communication and comprehension of the written language. These abilities are known as meta-linguistic skills. You apply meta-linguistic skills when you analyze the meaning of a sentence.

Reading literature or poetry is another way to exercise linguistic intelligence. It also involves comprehension of symbolism, metaphors, and literary themes. It’s common for those with linguistic intelligence to enjoy writing and telling stories. 

Characteristics:

• Communicative
• Good reading comprehension
• Articulate

Potential career opportunities:

• Literary analyst
• Author
• Professor

Logical-mathematical intelligence

Logical-mathematical intelligence involves analytical skills and pattern recognition. Sometimes, logical-mathematical intelligence can help you get high-paying, in-demand jobs. These positions often fall into engineering or technology fields. 

Examples of logical intelligence include deductive thinking patterns and sequential reasoning skills. If you can predict the next number in a patterned equation, you’re using logical intelligence. Logical strategy games such as sudoku are useful ways to exercise this ability. 

Mathematical intelligence involves the ability to complete mathematical operations and understand calculations. You might use it to calculate things in your head or memorize complex equations. 

Characteristics:

• Pragmatic
• Analytical 
• Good pattern recognition

Potential career opportunities:

• Statistician
• Accountant
• Computer programming

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence

Awareness of where your body is in space and time is bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. This might come naturally to you. You may also need to practice certain movements to develop this intelligence over time. Your bodily-kinesthetic intelligence level can change throughout your life.

Athletes use bodily-kinesthetic intelligence combined with physical skills to get a strike or make a slam dunk. Such achievements use spatial intelligence as well as bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. While these are not the same ability, they often overlap. 

If you have high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, you may prefer hands-on learning. To increase it, try practicing mindfulness skills to get in tune with your body and how it feels. 

Characteristics:

• Dexterity
• Flexibility
• Balance

Potential career opportunities:

• Athlete
• Physical therapist
• Yoga instructor

Musical intelligence

Musical intelligence is somewhat self-explanatory. If you have high musical intelligence, you may be better at detecting rhythms or creating melodies than others. This type of intelligence allows you to find similarities and patterns in music.

You may have heard stories about people playing the piano or writing songs as soon as they could walk. Or you might have a friend who can hear a guitar chord and know which notes are being played. That’s musical intelligence in action. 

The benefits of music are immense. The world would be quite dull without the contributions of singers and composers. The good news is that if you’re self-motivated, it’s never too late to pick up an instrument and start learning. 

Characteristics:

• Rhythmic 
• Good hearing
• Drawn to sound

Potential career opportunities:

• Songwriter
• Composer
• Singer

Interpersonal intelligence

If human connection is easy for you, you likely have high interpersonal intelligence. Though you can build interpersonal skills, you could also have them as an innate ability. 

High interpersonal intelligence allows you to interact better with others. The skill involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication. It might make you a charismatic type who can connect with people without much effort. Interpersonal intelligence may make you a good public speaker or politician. You might also excel as a spiritual leader or salesman. 

People with interpersonal intelligence also tend to make great mediators. This is because they have the ability to consider different perspectives. Communication is key in mediation, so high interpersonal intelligence comes in handy.

This type of intelligence is useful in your personal life as well. Healthy interpersonal relationships are a key marker of happiness and mental well-being. The ability to stay connected benefits young adults throughout their lives.

Characteristics:

• Charismatic
• Good leader
• Emotionally intelligent

Potential career opportunities:

• Public speaker
• Social worker
• Human resources

Intrapersonal intelligence

People with intrapersonal intelligence have a keen sense of self-awareness. They have a superb understanding of their own feelings and behaviors. 

Intrapersonal knowledge provides an appreciation for self-reflection. It also helps you perceive relationships more deeply. If you have high intrapersonal intelligence, you may analyze yourself via your internal monologue. You may be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and have a clear sense of what motivates you.

With intrapersonal intelligence, you may have a high capacity for self-reflection. You may have walked into a therapist’s office and had them tell you that you seem quite self-aware. While this gift can be great for building relationships and finding your path in life, it may be tiring. You may sometimes struggle to be in the moment because you can't turn off your internal thoughts.

Characteristics:

• Self-aware
• Contemplative
• Introspective

Potential career opportunities:

• Therapist
• Writer
• Counselor

Naturalistic intelligence

Naturalistic intelligence, also referred to as “nature smart,” is often found in those with marked survival skills. If you're nature smart, you might be able to point out poison ivy and start a fire from scratch. 

You might have an impeccable sense of direction. You may care about the environment and find peace observing the weather change. It's very possible you're who everyone wants by their side if the apocalypse ever happens. 

Naturalist intelligences aren’t often talked about in our modern consumer society. Yet knowledge of nature will always be useful. You never know when you’ll need to put plant identification or star-tracking skills to use. 

Characteristics:

• Good sense of direction
• Observant
• Connection to nature

Potential career opportunities:

• Horticulturist
• Botanist
• Park ranger

Existential intelligence

If you're drawn toward getting a philosophy or psychology degree, you may have high existential intelligence. This could also be you if you tend to tackle deep questions about the human condition. 

If you have this type of intelligence, you may like observing the world around you. You may enjoy contemplating the nature of human existence. With existential intelligence, sensitivity toward mortality is common. If you have this intelligence type, it’s likely you think often about the purpose of life.

If your existential intelligence is innate, you may have an easier time deciphering complex meanings than others. Watching existential films and philosophy books can bring out your existential intelligence.  

Characteristics:

• Pensive
• Sensitive
• Deep thinker

Potential career opportunities:

• Philosopher
• Psychologist
• Theologian

Identifying your strengths: recognizing your dominant intelligences

Knowing your strengths is the key to working on self-improvement. By identifying your dominant intelligence types, you can learn more about yourself. You can then use this knowledge to improve team dynamics and maximize the value you bring.

Figuring out what you’re good at is the first step toward finding your purpose. When you know what you excel in, you can build confidence and embrace your whole self. 

You can do this by following your natural instinct. It’s possible you were born knowing where you excel. If you don’t know how to identify your intelligence types, you can try out new things to find hidden skills. You can also take a multiple intelligences test online to get insight into your most dominant intelligence types.

Cultivating all types of intelligence

You don’t have to be a jack of all trades. The unique skills you bring to the world are enough. Of course, the idea of using 100% of your brain and developing all areas of intelligence is enticing. So, is it possible to master all types of intelligence?

Yes, it’s very possible to improve various intelligence types. But there’s no guarantee you’ll become a genius in every area. Improving intelligence is especially achievable for young adults because they have more neuroplasticity. 

Where you focus your energy and self-determination is up to you. Developing new intelligences could even increase your respect and appreciation for certain skills. It can also be more enjoyable to enter life with a growth mindset.

Using multiple types of intelligence to live more fully

While certain types of intelligence may come naturally to you, that isn’t the case for everyone. Acknowledge the strengths others have rather than judge or criticize them for what they lack. Remember that no one type of intelligence is better than another. 

Appreciating others for their unique characteristics makes you a more patient, understanding person.

Individual coaching can help you discover your strongest areas of intelligence and use them to shape your path in life. As you learn more about who you are and develop self-acceptance, your strengths are something you’ll start to take pride in.