In his book titled “Frames of Mind,” American psychologist Howard Gardner explains that there are multiple types of intelligence and that every human being possesses at least one. Howard Gardner’s studies have shown that every human being is endowed with extraordinary intelligence and that no person on earth is devoid of intelligence. In his book, the psychologist discusses linguistic intelligence, musical intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and intrapersonal intelligence.

Linguistic Intelligence: Gardner defines linguistic intelligence as the ability to use and understand words and nuances of meaning. It also encompasses the ability to understand how language affects emotions, as seen in rhetoricians, writers, and poets, for example. Linguistic intelligence involves using language to understand others and to express one’s thoughts. It facilitates the use of the native language as well as other languages.

This form of intelligence is exhibited by writers, poets, translators, and interpreters. All individuals who manipulate language in written or spoken form use linguistic intelligence: speakers, lawyers, poets, writers, etc.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: Logical-mathematical intelligence allows for solving abstract problems of a logical or mathematical nature. It is the capacity to manipulate numbers and solve logical problems. Gardner points out that mathematics involves not only logic but also the ability to handle long chains of logical relationships expressed symbolically.

People with well-developed logical-mathematical intelligence have the ability to calculate, measure, demonstrate logic, and solve mathematical and scientific problems. They analyze the causes and consequences of phenomena or actions. They can categorize and order objects.

Spatial Intelligence: Spatial intelligence is the ability to navigate an environment and establish relationships between objects in space. It allows for seeing the continuity of an image rotating in space and creating a mental image. For example, it enables well-arranged objects in a space, like suitcases in a car trunk, or planning a route from one point to another. It is used in fields such as architecture, carpentry, or urban planning.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to use and control body movements in activities such as sports and dance. It also involves using the body to express an idea or emotion or to perform a physical activity.

Musical Intelligence: Musical intelligence is the aptitude to perceive and create rhythms and melodies, to recognize musical patterns, interpret them, and create new ones. This intelligence involves both active and passive processes: playing an instrument, singing, or composing (active) as well as appreciating listened-to music (passive). This intelligence is developed and necessary for musicians and composers.

Interpersonal Intelligence: Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand others, communicate with them, and anticipate their behavior. It allows individuals to interact and react correctly and appropriately with others. It enables recognizing differences and nuances in temperament, character, and motives of action between people. It allows empathy, cooperation, tolerance, and manipulation. It can detect someone’s intentions without them being expressed.

This intelligence solves problems related to our relationships with others; it allows us to understand and generate valid solutions to help them. Charismatic personalities all have very high interpersonal intelligence. It peaks in people who show a lot of empathy, characteristic of good teachers, therapists, and leaders. Interpersonal intelligence is important in professions such as politician, merchant, teacher, team manager, and spiritual guide.

Intrapersonal Intelligence: Intrapersonal intelligence allows for forming a precise and accurate representation of oneself and using it effectively in life. It involves more the realm of representations and images than language. It is the ability to decipher one’s own emotions, remain open to one’s needs and desires. It is the intelligence of introspection and analytical psychology. It allows anticipating one’s behaviors based on a good self-knowledge. It is possible, but not systematic, that a person with great intrapersonal intelligence may be perceived as egocentric by their surroundings.

Intrapersonal intelligence relates to a person’s sensitivity to their own potential and limits, their own emotions. This form of intelligence is highly sought after in counseling, psychology, and psychiatry professions. The works of the American psychologist confirm that God has equipped all our children before sending them to earth.

No child is on earth by accident, and no child is superior or inferior to another. They are all different, and this difference is part of the divine order. Let us value and respect this order in the interest of humanity, for only God knows what humanity truly needs…

This text is an excerpt from the book “HOW TO HELP OUR CHILDREN SUCCEED” written by Dominique MBOG.

We invite you to read the following article “Our Children Do Not Belong to Us.“