Vijai P. Sharma, Ph.D
1. Verbal (linguistic) Intelligence. It refers to our grasp of words meaning and reasoning through words. Poets, authors, and eloquent speakers have it in ample measure. Academic success depends on it. Traditional IQ tests and achievement tests rely a great deal on this ability. In our society, verbal intelligence sits on a very high pedestal.
2. Numerical Intelligence: This is the logical-mathematical ability. Scientists, statisticians, and physicists have it to a fuller extent than do others. Academic success depends on it. Traditional IQ tests and achievement tests rely a great deal on this ability. In our society, it is venerated but also dreaded.
3. Spatial Intelligence: It is the ability to maneuver and operate space. Without it, we won't be able to create and manipulate intricate shapes and designs. Lay-outs, models, ,structures, and graphical plans utilize spatial intelligence. because of spatial intelligence, we can read a map and get to our destination. Engineers, sailors, architects, sculptors, painters, gardeners. and surgeons have it in ample measure. IQ tests rely on it but not to the extent they do on verbal and numerical intelligences.
Most of the traditional IQ tests rely almost exclusively on verbal, numerical, and spatial intelligence. Tests, such as the SAT and ACT are also based on the above stated three intelligences. In all societies, where formal education is prevalent, a child's smartness or lack of smartness is determined by these three intelligences which are basically, the ability for 3-R'S. The other seven intelligences are not a part of any formal assessment. However, success, fame, prosperity, and overall quality of life depends not just the "big three" intelligences, but also on the other seven that are listed below.
4. Interpersonal Intelligence: It is the ability to relate to people and understand them. To connect with people we have to be able to sense their feeling and thoughts. We team up with others, follow them, lead them, motivate them, and guide them (or misguide them). The reason that "nerds" are a butt of joke by others is that they lack or neglect this particular ability.
Interpersonal intelligence is perhaps the most complex ability and perhaps the most essential requirement in order to succeed in life unless one's concept of success is to survive on planet Jupiter single-handedly.
Successful salespeople, politicians, teachers, counselors, religious leaders and leaders of all varieties have to have a lot of interpersonal intelligence.
5. Intra-personal Intelligence: The prefix "Intra" means within. While the interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and get along with others, intra-personal intelligence is the ability to understand and get along with one's own self. Another name for this intelligence is "personal insight." It is very important for all of us to understand ourselves, to know who we are, and to talk to ourselves intelligently.
Those who are at peace with themselves have
intra-personal intelligence in ample measure and those
who are at war with themselves lack in this particular
department. It does not necessarily accompany other
intelligences. For example, some people have superb
verbal and numerical intelligence but they perform
extremely self-destructive behaviors. None of their
talents and superior abilities in other areas can bring
happiness in their lives because their intra-personal
intelligence is either deficient or not fully
functional. In order to succeed in life, we need to
know our faults, assets, our whims, and idiosyncrasies.
Incidentally, counseling may be very helpful in
developing interpersonal and intra-personal
intelligences.
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1996, Mind Publications
Dr. Vijai Sharma
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