When you hear the word “intelligence,” who pops into your head?
Someone who quotes quantum theory for fun? Someone who crushed their SATs and never forgets a fact? A Sheldon Cooper? An Amy Farrah Fowler?
But that’s just one of the types of intelligence out there. There are more…the kind that tests never touched.
While we may continue to use the words smart and stupid, and while IQ tests may persist for certain purposes, the monopoly of those who believe in a single general intelligence has come to an end.
— Howard Gardner, developmental psychologist and author of Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
So if you’ve ever felt “not smart enough,” chances are, the system just didn’t make room for your kind of genius. And it’s time you learned what it is and how to best use it.
What are the different types of intelligence?
There are nine types of intelligence:
- Linguistic
- Logical-mathematical
- Musical
- Bodily-kinesthetic
- Spatial
- Interpersonal
- Intrapersonal
- Naturalistic
- Existential
Each one is a distinct way of thinking, learning, and making sense of the world.
The thing is, for decades, intelligence was treated like a single number. IQ tests became the gold standard, boiling everything down to how fast you think, how well you memorize, and how good you are with patterns on paper.
But, as Jim Kwik, a brain performance coach and the trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain program, says, “There’s not just one way to view intelligence.”
In the 1980s, Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner proposed that there are multiple types of intelligences. He originally outlined the seven types of intelligence, then expanded his model to the eight types of intelligence, and eventually settled on nine.
Now, each person carries a different mix. There are some people think in images. Some feel the truth in their bones. Some can read a room better than any textbook. And some build entire worlds with nothing but words and a blank page.
“While we may continue to use the words smart and stupid, and while IQ tests may persist for certain purposes, the monopoly of those who believe in a single general intelligence has come to an end,” Gardner writes in his book, Intelligence Reframed.
“Brain scientists and geneticists are documenting the incredible differentiation of human capacities, computer programmers are creating systems that are intelligent in different ways, and educators are freshly acknowledging that their students have distinctive strengths and weaknesses.”
And that’s the thing: there’s no hierarchy. No “best” type. There’s just the one that’s most you.
Different theories in comparison
Before Gardner introduced the idea of multiple intelligences, the way one thinks was treated as a single score. The most dominant theory came from Charles Spearman, who believed in a general intelligence factor called the “g factor.” In short, you’re either smart or you’re not. And IQ tests were designed to prove it.
Then came Robert Sternberg, who argued that one’s abilities aren’t just about logic. He proposed the now-famous triarchic theory of intelligence: analytical (problem-solving), creative (innovation), and practical (street smarts). It was a step forward… but still leaned heavily on performance and productivity.
Daniel Goleman widened the lens with emotional intelligence (EQ), a.k.a., how well you understand both your own and others’ emotions. It reframed intelligence as something you could build, not just be born with.
Now, Gardner… Well, he took it further with his nine. And while the other theories of intelligence tried to shrink it down to a number, he showed us it’s way more than that. It lives in movement, music, emotions, nature, and more. The stuff school rarely honors, but life needs.
The 9 types of intelligence explained
There are things you just get. Patterns you see. Moods you read. Moves you nail without thinking.
That’s your intelligence showing up.
There’s not just one way to view intelligence.
— Jim Kwik, trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain program
And while the official “Howard Gardner Types of Intelligence” list includes nine, most people (yourself included) carry a blend. One or two usually lead the way.
Let’s walk through each one and see which feels like home.
1. Linguistic intelligence
Words are your thing. You think in sentences. You remember lines from books, films, or conversations years later.
“These are individuals that love to read,” explains Jim. “They love to write. They feel connected to that.”
One of the biggest strengths of linguistic intelligence is that it helps you express ideas clearly and stay fully present while doing it.
In fact, a 2023 study found that people with it were more confident, more engaged, and more likely to enter a flow state while writing. They could focus deeply, enjoy the process, and perform at a higher level, which led to better results in academic writing.
Strengths:
- Reading, writing, and public speaking
- Wordplay, metaphors, and analogies
- Arguing a point or telling a story
Career pathways:
- Author, editor, journalist
- Lawyer, speechwriter, teacher
- Podcaster or public speaker
Real-life example: Maya Angelou, whose words carved space for truth, justice, and the soul.
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence
Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to think in systems, spot patterns, and solve problems with precision.
So if you’ve ever lost track of time while solving a puzzle, building a model, or figuring out the fastest route somewhere, you’re in this territory.
Structure is your best friend. And you quickly notice when things don’t add up.
What’s more, you’re likely the one people turn to when something needs fixing, decoding, or explaining. And when you do, it feels electric.
Strengths:
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Abstract reasoning and pattern recognition
- Breaking down complex systems
Career pathways:
- Scientist, engineer, economist
- Data analyst, coder, game designer
- Strategist or tech founder
Real-life example: Stephen Hawking, who used logic to explore the edges of time, space, and human understanding.
3. Musical intelligence
If you tap beats on the table without thinking… If certain songs hit you like a punch in the chest… And if melodies stick in your head faster than phone numbers, you’ve got that musical intelligence.
You feel the music. You’re tuned to vibration, timing, and flow. When you’re in sync, it shows in how you move, how you speak, and how you connect.
The thing is, having this kind of intelligence doesn’t always mean you play an instrument (though many do). But it’s about how your brain recognizes patterns in sound and how deeply it responds.
Strengths:
- Recognizing rhythm and pitch
- Emotional sensitivity through music
- Creating, composing, or interpreting sound
Career pathways:
- Musician, composer, singer
- Audio engineer, music therapist
- DJ, producer, sound designer
Real-life example: DJ Bliss, who blends rhythm, culture, and crowd energy into soundtracks that move people—on and off the dance floor.
4. Kinesthetic intelligence
If you think best while walking, pick up choreography fast, or fix things with your hands before reading the manual, you’ve got kinesthetic intelligence. You’re able to express yourself, solve problems, or learn new things through physical movement.
And it goes beyond athleticism. It has more to do with awareness, coordination, and knowing exactly how to shift your body to make something work, even if you couldn’t explain it in words.
Strengths:
- Physical coordination and timing
- Muscle memory and hands-on learning
- Body awareness and spatial sense
Career pathways:
- Dancer, athlete, physical therapist
- Surgeon, craftsperson, builder
- Actor, choreographer, movement coach
Real-life example: Tennis player Bianca Andreescu, whose sharp instincts and body-mind connection helped her win the US Open at just 19.
5. Visual-spatial intelligence
Have you ever assembled furniture without looking at the instructions? Or mapped out a whole room in your head before moving a single thing?
Schools rarely teach it, yet entire industries are built on it, and that’s visual-spatial intelligence. It’s the ability to picture objects, angles, and layouts in your mind and then work with them like a sculptor shaping space.
Deeply felt and instantly understood, it’s a way of experiencing the world through shape, space, and visual rhythm.
Strengths:
- Visual problem-solving
- Mental mapping and 3D thinking
- Design, layout, and aesthetic intuition
Career pathways:
- Architect, artist, designer
- Pilot, engineer, photographer
- Filmmaker, animator, stage director
Real-life example: Film director Louie Schwartzberg, whose films turn space, light, and time into stories that make you feel the world differently.
6. Interpersonal intelligence
Interpersonal intelligence doesn’t show up on a test, but it changes the entire energy of a room. For instance, if you’ve ever found yourself calming group tension, picking up on what others miss, or guiding someone through a hard moment without needing a script, this is likely one of your strengths.
And with it, you can lead without dominating. You have the skill to sense nuance, speak with care, and build relationships that last. In a noisy world, you hear what matters.
Strengths:
- Emotional sensitivity and social awareness
- Active listening and compassionate communication
- Teamwork, conflict resolution, and group dynamics
Career pathways:
- Therapist, coach, social worker
- Teacher, team leader, HR specialist
- Facilitator, community organizer, diplomat
Real-life example: Monty Moran, who scaled Chipotle to its glory by listening deeply to and building trust with his employees, and proving that human connection scales.
7. Intrapersonal intelligence
Intra- is a Latin prefix that means “within” or “inside.” So, intrapersonal intelligence is your ability to understand your thoughts, emotions, triggers, and patterns and use that internal clarity to navigate life with intention.
This kind of self-awareness has been linked to real-world outcomes. A 2021 study looked at how students’ ability to understand themselves affected their school performance. The researchers found that those with higher intrapersonal intelligence tended to do better in school.
What does that mean for you? In short, knowing yourself helps you learn better.
Strengths:
- Self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Independent thinking and introspection
- Personal growth and decision-making clarity
Career pathways:
- Writer, philosopher, psychologist
- Coach, strategist, solo entrepreneur
- Spiritual teacher or personal development guide
Real-life example: Vishen, the CEO and founder of Mindvalley, whose deep self-inquiry and mental clarity shaped a personal growth movement that’s reached millions.
8. Naturalistic intelligence
Naturalistic intelligence is, as Jim explains it, “somebody who’s really connected with nature” and “understands the science of nature.”
You’ve got this intelligence if you can spot changes in the weather without checking an app. Or you remember the way light hits the trees at a certain hour.
The beauty of being a naturalistic is that you’re able to recognize patterns in the natural world and feel deeply attuned to life in all its forms. Because of that, you often feel a responsibility to protect and understand them.
Strengths:
- Sensory awareness and ecological thinking
- Recognizing patterns in nature
- Feeling grounded through connection with the earth
Career pathways:
- Biologist, conservationist, park ranger
- Herbalist, environmental educator, farmer
- Sustainability expert, animal behaviorist, geologist
Real-life example: Jane Goodall, whose deep relationship with the natural world transformed how we understand animals, ecosystems, and ourselves.
9. Existential intelligence
Why are we here? What happens after this? What makes life meaningful?
If you’ve been asking the big questions, then it’s likely you have existential intelligence. You spend time reflecting and looking for patterns that stretch beyond your own story.
But here’s the thing about this kind of intelligence: you’re not curious because you want to figure it all out. You’re curious because you want to stay open enough to listen.
Strengths:
- Asking meaningful, open-ended questions
- Thinking across time, systems, and belief structures
- Feeling driven by purpose or personal truth
Career pathways:
- Philosopher, writer, theologian
- Coach, spiritual teacher, futurist
- Therapist, humanitarian, thought leader
Real-life example: Physicist Nassim Haramein, whose theories on unified physics challenge traditional science and invite us to see reality as a deeply connected, conscious system.
How to test your intelligence type
There’s no one-size-fits-all test for the different types of intelligence. And that’s exactly the point.
These nine types are a way to notice the patterns in how your mind moves, what feels natural to you, and how you engage with the world.
If you’re curious, there are all types of intelligence tests out there. But for starters, you can start with this:
- What kind of tasks light you up?
- When do you lose track of time in the best way?
- What kind of “smart” have people always told you you are?
The answers to those questions hold more truth than any number ever could. And your intelligence, as Jim points out, “is not fixed like your shoe size.” It’s something you can actually improve on.
And the more you pay attention to it, the clearer it gets.
Enhance your intelligence type with these additional resources
The point of Gardner’s theory of intelligence is that no one person is just one type. We all have a unique blend, and each one holds a different piece of our brain potential.
You might lean heavily into one or show signs of several. The key is knowing how to develop them.
Here are some courses, books, podcasts, and films to help you do exactly that. Find the types of intelligence that speaks to you. Follow your curiosity. And see where it leads.
| Linguistic intelligence | Course: Speak and Inspire with Lisa Nichols (available on Mindvalley) Book: On Writing by Stephen King Podcast: The Moth |
| Logical-mathematical intelligence | Course: Superbrain with Jim Kwik (available on Mindvalley) Book: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Movie: Moneyball |
| Musical intelligence | Course: Introduction to Classical Music by Craig Wright (Yale University via Coursera) Book: Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks Podcast: Song Exploder |
| Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence | Course: The Longevity Blueprint with Ben Greenfield (available on Mindvalley) Book: The Fruit Cure by Jacqueline Alnes Movie: Billy Elliot |
| Spatial intelligence | Course: Be Extraordinary with Vishen (available on Mindvalley) Book: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon Movie: Inception |
| Interpersonal intelligence | Course: Conscious Parenting Mastery with Dr. Shefali (available on Mindvalley) Book: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Podcast: We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle |
| Intrapersonal intelligence | Course: Lifebook with Jon and Missy Butcher (available on Mindvalley) Book: Think Remarkable by Guy Kawasaki and Madisun Nuismer Podcast: The New Happy with Stephanie Harrison |
| Naturalistic intelligence | Course: Chakra Healing with Anodea Judith (available on Mindvalley) Book: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Documentary: Fantastic Fungi |
| Existential intelligence | Course: A Journey to Infinitheism with Mahatria Ra (available on Mindvalley) Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Talk: Alan Watts’ lectures on YouTube |
Unleash your limitless
Your brain has its own rhythm. Its own way of making sense of the world. And when you start paying attention to how it naturally learns, solves, and creates, you stop forcing what doesn’t work and start building on what does.
The Superbrain masterclass with Jim Kwik is designed for exactly that (and it’s free). This prelude to the whole program is only 87 minutes. But what you’ll get is gold:
- 10 tools to unlock more of your brain’s potential
- The one skill that gives you a real edge in life
- Brain foods to boost focus and clear mental fog
- A morning routine to sharpen thinking
- A memory trick to recall names, dates, and ideas
- More fast, practical upgrades you can use daily
Jim’s taught astronauts, entrepreneurs, the X-Men, and even everyday people, like Sooni Mohammed.
The student from Canada used to struggle with confidence and memory before learning Jim’s methods. He shares this on Mindvalley Stories:
After taking this quest, my confidence was through the roof. I felt I could remember anything, big or small. I consistently got better grades and could remember little details as well. Even in conversations with people, I can remember their names and details about them.
You, too, can learn faster, comprehend more, and forget less in the free masterclass.
Because, the bottom line is, you don’t need a better brain. Just a better way to work with the one you’ve already got.
Welcome in.
