The MIs

The multiple intelligences were first introduced and described by Howard Gardner in 1983. The idea is that in common IQ tests only the linguistic and logical-mathmatical intelligences are tested, but there are others which are just as relevant. He first identified 7 different intelligences and later added two more. Further ones have been under consideration but been denied on the basis of ethical issues. For Gardner’s own description of the intelligences in a paper authored by himself, see Howard Gardner

The first seven intelligences are often referred to as how to be smart. they are as follows:

word smart - linguistic intelligence showing a strong sensativity towards words

picture smart - spatial intelligence reflected in the abilty to see pictures in one’s mind or accurately depict pictures

logic smart - logical-mathmatical intelligence found in the abiltity to understand maths and complex logical systems

music smart - shown in the ability to understand and (re-)produce music

body smart - kinesthetic intelligence using the body skillfully to achieve a purpose or to express oneself

people smart - interpersonal intelligence related to communicating with others and ‘putting yourself in their shoes’

self-smart - intrapersonal intelligence of understanding one’s self and emotions

Further two intelligences have been accepted into the ranks:

Nature smart - naturalist intelligence used for identifying and classifying

Existence smart - the most recent one with an esoteric touch which is the ability to put oneself into the larger ’scheme of things’

There are so many sites and quite a few test on the web to find your strong intelligences - too many to be listed here, but a simple google of ‘multiple intelligences’ will be enough to find material to wander through for days.