Modes of Intelligence

It's one of those aspects of our personality which defines us and enables us to engage with our surroundings. Some believe it's an innate, deep routed and very natural occurrence whereas others prefer the idea that it's an educationally enhanced effort on the part of the individual. Whatever side you take, I'm sure you'll agree it is a definitive strand in ourselves which has much to do with who we turn out to be.

I was watching an extra on a DVD of the wonderful 'Extras', a comedy by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, and something Mr Gervais said resonated with me on some level. He mentioned that there are two kinds of intelligence; intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence. This has stayed with me for some time and I've formulated my own little addition to this view.

I agree there are people who are somewhat more intellectual than others however I don't think it is mutually exclusive from emotion. I think everyone has a variety of intelligence's within them, each radically different and each complimenting or repelling others.

Intellectual intelligence is important, it's knowing stuff. It's knowing stuff which is useful or relevant in some way. Knowing stuff has always been important to me, not that I'm saying I know more than the average fella, but I've always liked to strive to build on my education and focus my mind. Emotional intelligence is an area I don't think i'm particularly up on. Emotional intelligence is gauging the emotions and emotional needs of others. I've always been a bit rubbish at that. I'm working on it though.

We now come to the other intelligences we have in ourselves. What about observational intelligence? Sexual intelligence (which is very different from romantic intelligence)? physical intelligence (which dancers have I'm sure)? And even technological intelligence!

It may sound a bit 'new labour' to say this but in this mode of thinking everyone has a form of intelligence they can and should use to their advantage, my concern is that people sometimes need intellectual intelligence to realise that, and unfortunately that particular intelligence isn't as widespread as one would think.