Ever since kindergarten, we have been taking tests that measure how “smart” we are. But what exactly does it take to be smart? How do you even define intelligence? We’ve all had to take the dreaded SAT or ACT before applying to colleges. Although I actually ended up doing pretty well on it, so many people who I consider to be extremely smart did not. These types of tests, and many other ones we’ve had to take in school test our logical thinking abilities and linguistic reasoning. Those are definitely valuable skills to have, but human intelligence goes way beyond that!
According to an American developmental psychologist, Howard Gardner, there are multiple types of intelligence. This range includes Musical–rhythmic and harmonic, Visual–spatial, Verbal–linguistic, Logical–mathematical, Bodily–kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Naturalistic intelligence. These days, our society has started to place an increased amount of emphasis on STEM fields and global technology. However, for those who are not into STEM, this is a huge problem.
From my own experience, I’ve noticed that kids who are more inclined towards artistic fields don’t get the amount of attention they deserve at schools. We limit our definition of being smart to people who are good at core subjects like math and science. So many awards and scholarships are focused on these subjects. Music and Art are not even required at many learning centers anymore. I even have friends who are so talented at activities like dance and singing but are discouraged by their parents who want them to pursue a career in medicine or engineering. It's very sad to watch people with these unique talents underestimate themselves because of what society has as its standards for intelligence.
I’ve realized that so many people who are so-called geniuses in core school subjects lack other valuable characteristics. They grow up with the mindset that they are better than all their peers, and this in turn alienates them from knowing how things work in the real world. Having interpersonal intelligence is crucial for developing important connections and effective communication. Similarly, intrapersonal intelligence is something that will really help people understand more about themselves. This would be the ability to realize what a person is good at, and what he or she can work on. This type of intelligence is so important, yet so many people undervalue it.
Personally, I feel that our educational standards can be modified to provide a better fit for people of all types. Although I myself am more of a STEM minded individual, I think we should work to emphasize the arts just as much as we do science and technology. Both fields are extremely important and fulfilling for those who are a part of them, but neither one is better than the other. Kids who are not inclined towards core subjects at school shouldn’t feel ashamed to be gifted at the arts, and those who do have more logical thinking abilities have to learn that there is more to intelligence than their grades and standardized test scores.
