Most of us have read the book ‘A Beautiful Mind’, or seen the movie, where a brilliant John Nash makes ‘hogwash’ of his personal relationships. Nash’s schizophrenia was an excuse, but his aberrant brain did not stop him from formulating the ‘game theory’, which eventually fetched him the Nobel Prize. There are several such ‘deviants’ who are acknowledged for their outstanding contributions. Einstein, Edison, Da Vinci, Rodin and Graham Bell, who are also known dyslexics, are just few of the famous ones! 

The theory of Multiple intelligences is a salutation to the different types of intelligences that are inherent in  humans. It was conceived by Howard Gardner as an educational theory wherein he proposes that  every individual exhibits a different set of  intelligences and, therefore, has a unique ‘cognitive profile’. This theory initially found its feet in Gardner’s book, ’Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences’, published in 1983.

Gardner’s theory contends  that the conventional definition of intelligence  does little justice to the scale of human abilities.According to him, a  little boy who recites  the multiplication tables with precision and ease may not necessarily be  more intelligent than  a child who battles with it. The second child may display strength at a different level of functioning and, therefore, may learn faster  through  diferent methods, or he may be outstanding in a field, other than mathematics.

Gardner’s  Intelligence Categories

Gardner has categorized intellignce based on eight criteria:

a) Bodily-Kinesthetic 

Individuals who have a high level of this intelligence are exemplerarily good at physical activities, such as dance or sports.They learn things physically rather than through words or images. Some of the career options which best suit these people  include athletics, acting, surgery and dancing.

b) Interpersonal

This area deals with interaction with other people. Individuals who are bestowed with this intelligence in abundance are extroverted and will shine in team work. They  communicate effectively and enjoy debates and discussions. They  learn best while in a group. People with this type of intelligence excel as politicians, social workers, diplomats, managers and  teachers.

c) Verbal-Linguistic

This type of intelligence deals with words, either written or spoken and people who harbor this intelligence are very good at remembering words, dates and vividly telling stories. They are skilled at teaching and oration, besides mastering foreign languages with surprising ease, as they have a great verbal memory and recall, and are very good at manipulating structures and syntax.

Careers which suit people with this type of intelligence are journalism, philosophy, writing, legal affairs, teaching and politics.

d) Logical-Mathematical

This area deals with logic, numbers, deduction and reasoning. Individuals who belong to this category are very good at mathematics, computer programming, chess and a whole lot of other logical and number-related activities.They are also adept at scientific reasoning and dealing with the abstract. Careers which best suit individuals with this intelligence include scientists, doctors, engineers, mathematicians, and economists.

e) Intrapersonal

This intelligence deals with introspection and introverts. Those who have a high degree of this intelligence are self-reflective and are likely to indulge in thought-based pursuits, such as philosophy.They do not opt for company and  often prefer to work or study alone. Writing is an excellent option for them.