Gardner was one of the first people to question the idea that intelligence is a single entity that can be measured by an IQ test. Gardner developed a list of eight intelligences and believes that each intelligence has it’s own strengths and constraints. He also claimed that the intelligences did not work independently but are used at the same time and complement each other.
Each person has a unique blend of different intelligences just as each person has a unique fingerprint. Gardner’s definition of intelligence is “The capacity to solve problems or to fashion products that are valued in one or more cultural settings." [1]
Many people still have a narrow view of what intelligence is. Intelligence is usually related to academic ability, yet people display intellect in so many different ways. Intellectual growth and creativity comes from embracing the dynamic nature of intelligence.
Einstein and da Vinci
People like Albert Einstein (1879-1955) and Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) knew that their strengths came from their creativity and imagination. Einstein said that “Maths is the language nature uses to describe her wonders." [2] He understood the relationship between nature, creativity and science. Einstein was often said to resolve complicated mathematical problems whilst playing his violin in the kitchen.
Da Vinci was known as the archetypal "Renaissance man" because of his multiple intelligences in many different disciplines. He was an accomplished artist, architect, musician, scientist, engineer, inventor, botanist, mathematician and writer. Da Vinci believed that everything connects and was able to see these connections between seemingly disparate things. He was fascinated with all branches of learning and understood that his learning and discovery in one area affected his knowledge and understanding of another.
Both Einstein and Da Vinci were able to see new connections between events, ideas and circumstances. This ability led them to develop and create new theories, designs and calculations that were revolutionary.
Renaissance Men and Women of the 21st Century
Unfortunately for many famous creative people today, there is a stigma attached to having multiple intelligences or being multi-disciplinary. Having become famous for one particular creative endeavour such as acting or singing makes recognition in other areas a little harder and is often taken less seriously. But why should this be the case? Can’t people have many talents and work in different disciplines like Leonardo Da Vinci did?
There are a number of famous people that have been successful in a variety of disciplines such as Shirley MacLaine (1934-). MacLaine is an American theatre actress, dancer, activist and author who has seen great success in all of her fields. Pop singer Gwen Stefani (1969-) has combined a successful career in music and fashion. There are hundreds of ‘celebrities’ who have jumped on the fashion designer bandwagon but Stefani’s success comes from her own trendsetting style and fashion credibility. She believes that music and fashion are a natural part of who she is and that music and fashion all come from the same place of creativity.
Bob Dylan (1941-) and David Bowie (1947-) have combined successful careers as both musicians and artists. Dylan has used his own art on three of his album covers and Bowie has his own online art gallery. He sells his work as a painter, sculptor, photographer and printmaker online as well as his collaborations with other artists. Most recently the actor, director and screen-writer Sylvester Stallone (1946-) has emerged as a talented painter; a passion that he began in his teens before he started acting.
Multiple Intelligence Today
Although Da Vinci and Einstein were two of the grand masters of multiple intelligence well before the 21st century; it is equally important to observe the achievements of current renaissance men and women. Dylan, Bowie, Stefani, Stallone and MacLaine have all successfully integrated various aspects of their careers. These people have utilised their creative intelligence rather than logical or mathematical intelligence. This has allowed them to carve a niche from their own personal talents and surpass the stigma often attached to people already famous in one particular field.
The question that Howard Gardner poses is “How do we best take advantage of the uniqueness conferred on us as a species exhibiting several intelligences?" [3] Part of that answer may be to observe the inspirational people of the current day and throughout history who have achieved success in many disciplines and against all odds.
Sources
Quotes [1] & [3]: Smith, Mark K. Howard Gardner and Multiple Intelligences. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education, 2002, 2008.
Quote [2]: Robinson, Ken & Aronica, Lou, The Element, How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything. Penguin Books, London, 2009
Jane Alexandra Cormack - Jane currently works as a director and facilitator of her own company, Rhythm In Colour. These workshops connect women through creativity ...
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