Every Mind
Brilliant
in Its Own Way

Linguistic intelligence involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. Gardner considers it one of the most widely shared human competences, appearing in its fullest form in poets and writers.

"Poets are perhaps the most striking example of the linguistic gift, but this intelligence is also evident in effective storytellers, orators, and those who use language as a primary tool of their trade."

— Howard Gardner

Logical-mathematical intelligence refers to the capacity to analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate issues scientifically. Gardner notes it is the form of intelligence most associated with traditional IQ tests — yet it represents only one facet of human cognitive potential.

"The logical-mathematical intelligence is the one most closely associated with what psychologists call 'intelligence' — yet it is only one of many ways the human mind can be brilliant."

— Howard Gardner

Spatial intelligence involves the ability to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately and to perform transformations on those perceptions. It encompasses both the broad spatial awareness of navigators and pilots, and the fine-grained spatial sensitivity of sculptors, surgeons, and architects.

"The spatial person thinks in pictures and images, and has the facility to perceive, transform, and recreate different aspects of the visual-spatial world."

— Howard Gardner

Musical intelligence refers to skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns. Gardner argues it is structurally parallel to linguistic intelligence — both involve sensitivity to patterns, both have a long developmental history, and both appear as prodigies in early childhood.

"Of all the gifts with which individuals may be endowed, none emerges earlier than musical talent. Musical intelligence may well be the first to develop."

— Howard Gardner

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the potential of using one's whole body or parts of the body to solve problems or fashion products. It involves the ability to use mental abilities to coordinate bodily movements — a capacity that Gardner argues deserves the same status as other intelligences.

"The ability to use one's body in highly differentiated and skilled ways, for expressive as well as goal-directed purposes, is evident in the actions of the craftsperson, the dancer, the athlete, and the actor."

— Howard Gardner

Interpersonal intelligence is the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations, and desires of other people and, consequently, to work effectively with others. Gardner sees it as foundational to human social life, and notes it is particularly developed in teachers, therapists, and political leaders.

"Interpersonal intelligence builds on a core capacity to notice distinctions among others — in particular, contrasts in their moods, temperaments, motivations, and intentions."

— Howard Gardner

Intrapersonal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself — to have an effective working model of one's own desires, fears, and capacities — and to use such information effectively in regulating one's own life. Gardner considers it the most private of intelligences, yet essential to all human flourishing.

"Intrapersonal intelligence is the most private of intelligences. It requires looking inward and making discriminating sense of one's own feelings."

— Howard Gardner

Naturalist intelligence involves the ability to recognize, categorize, and draw upon patterns in the natural environment. Added by Gardner in 1996 as the eighth intelligence, it encompasses the human capacity to distinguish among living things and to use this ability productively — whether in farming, hunting, or biological science.

"The naturalist intelligence designates the human ability to discriminate among living things as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world. This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past."

— Howard Gardner