Gardner's Multiple Intelligences: Why Muhammad Ali is a Genius
The Flaw in the IQ Test
Standard IQ tests (like the WAIS) measure g-factor (general intelligence). They are excellent at predicting academic success and pattern recognition. But they are terrible at predicting whether someone can write a symphony, navigate a complex social hierarchy, or win a boxing match.
In 1983, Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner proposed the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. He argued that the brain has separate “computers” for different tasks. You can have a super-computer for math and a pocket calculator for social skills.
The 9 Types of Intelligence
1. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
- The Archetype: Albert Einstein, Terence Tao.
- The Skill: Logic, abstractions, reasoning, numbers. This is what traditional IQ tests measure.
2. Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
- The Archetype: William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill.
- The Skill: Sensitivity to the meaning and order of words. These people think in stories.
3. Spatial Intelligence
- The Archetype: Pablo Picasso, Michelangelo.
- The Skill: The ability to visualize the world in 3D. Architects, pilots, and chess players excel here.
4. Musical Intelligence
- The Archetype: Ludwig van Beethoven, Mozart.
- The Skill: Discerning pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. It is often the first intelligence to emerge (prodigies).
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
- The Archetype: Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan.
- The Skill: Controlling one’s body movements and handling objects skillfully. This is why Ali is a genius—his “processing speed” for physical movement was off the charts.
6. Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart)
- The Archetype: Oprah Winfrey, Abraham Lincoln.
- The Skill: Understanding the moods, motivations, and desires of others. Essential for leadership.
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence (Self Smart)
- The Archetype: Frida Kahlo, Carl Jung.
- The Skill: Understanding oneself. Knowing your own fears, motivations, and limits. This is key to Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
8. Naturalist Intelligence
- The Archetype: Charles Darwin.
- The Skill: Recognizing and categorizing flora, fauna, and artifacts. In the modern world, this often translates to seeing patterns in consumer behavior or data clouds.
9. Existential Intelligence (The Philosopher)
- The Archetype: Plato, Sun Tzu.
- The Skill: Tackling deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life and death.
Why This Matters
The “Genius Index” is not just about the g-factor.
- Muhammad Ali might score 78 on a Logical test, but 160 on a Kinesthetic test.
- Beethoven might struggle with social skills (Interpersonal) but excel at Musical structure.
Recognizing your own dominant intelligence allows you to stop judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Gardner’s theory accepted by science?
It is controversial. Psychometricians (people who study testing) argue that g-factor still correlates with all these intelligences. For example, people who are good at music are often good at math. They argue Gardner is just describing “talents,” not separate “intelligences.”
Can you have all 9?
Leonardo da Vinci is the closest example. He was an expert in art, anatomy, engineering, and music. He is the ultimate Polymath.
Which intelligence is most important for money?
Studies suggest Interpersonal Intelligence (EQ) is the highest predictor of management success, while Logical-Mathematical is the highest predictor of technical success.
Can you train these?
Yes. Unlike g-factor, which is largely genetic, skills like Interpersonal intelligence can be learned through practice.