Here at Cornell, pretty much everyone is smart, but what many fail to realize is that that intelligence can manifest itself in very different ways. Being smart isn’t exactly black and white, but rather a colorful composite composed of many abilities and brainpower. In 1983, Howard Gardner famously defined his theory of multiple intelligences. His theory holds that there actually are nine different types of intelligences. There is plenty of representation of different intelligences on campus, from the Vet School all the Way to the Arts Quad. So without further ado, here are the nine types of intelligences, as told by Cornellians.
1Naturalist Intelligence
People who have naturalist intelligence are very aware of their ecosystem and the natural world. These people are the granola Darwinian park rangers of the bunch. Basically, they understand and ~feel~ nature because they’re super crunchy like that. Find them feeling nature on the Ag quad or at the Plantations abundant with plenty of living things to observe. Career-wise, these people can occupy a range of professions, from biologists to chefs.
2Musical Intelligence
People with this type of intelligence have really great rhythm and pitch. Belt out a note and they’ll name it; ask them to repeat a musical exercise, they’ll nail it (pitch) perfectly. Geographically speaking, Lincoln Hall is where it’s at for these lyric lovers. In addition to being musical geniuses, people with this intelligence are also usually sensitive listeners–they can hear things you don’t and are also highly emotionally intelligent. Musically talented and good listening skills? Talk about aca-awesome.
3Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
This intelligence is pretty straight forward in more ways than one. Generally, these people are really great at math and logic. On campus, you can find these people holed up in Mallot nerding out over linear algebra and multivariable calculus. Speaking of Mallot, they can also probably solve your major conundrum on how that’s actually pronounced. A word of advice: never play betting games with them, as they’ll probably just beat you, and you’ll end up owing them pi (ah, jokes).
4Existential Intelligence
Feeling existentialist like Camus? These people are highly spiritually-minded and enjoy questioning the meaning of life. If you ever want to have a trippy conversation about our greater purpose, definitely grab that existentialist friend analyzing life on the Arts Quad. They are also impressive thinkers and will take all questions to a deeper level–they’ll make everything philosophical from our existential crisis on Libe Slope to what motivates you in life.
5Emotional Intelligence
Having emotional intelligence does not necessarily equate to being emotional, but it does coincide with recognizing other people’s emotions. This type of intelligence pertains to people who can really understand others and listen to other people’s perspective. They can easily integrate themselves into groups and are great leaders. The BFF you go to when you need to vent is probably highly emotionally intelligent.
6Body Intelligence
Have steady hands? Great aim? Then you may be high in this intelligence. People in this category have great control of their body and can coordinate thought and action. Gardner says that these people become great surgeons, dancers, athletes and musicians. Basically, these people can do it all–from playing football in Schoelkopf to being a piano virtuoso in Kennedy Hall and everything in between.
7Linguistic Intelligence
Ever wish you could figure out that one last word in that New York Times crossword? Linguistically-talented people can probably help you out. People who are really great with words and can convey their thoughts well verbally and in writing are highly linguistically intelligent. They are also great with punny sentences and funny articles (!Viva la Slope!). Get ready for a lot of fun pun-slams with your linguistically-minded friends.
8Intra-Personal Intelligence (aka Self-Smart)
This is basically the definition of a Cornellian. People with these smarts are excel at understanding themselves and their priorities. They are unbelievably self motivated and have a strong moral compass. Don’t get into their way because they won’t let anyone obstruct their goals.
9Spatial Intelligence
Calling all artsy people! This intelligence is really evident in people who can draw and visualize their work. They can take their goals and drawings in their head and make it in reality. You can find these people living (I heard they actually have beds there?) in Milstein Hall building crazy structures most probably couldn’t even build in your dreams. They are also true hipsters who exist solely to make you feel unstylish and inadequate.
No matter what intelligence you belong to, as Cornellians, there is every single type of intelligence on campus, each with it’s own distinctive features. All of our intelligences contribute to the diversity on campus (and explains why we have so many colleges) and it’s what makes each of us unique. Whether we beat on, eat pi, drink coffee out of mason jars, or call the Plantations home, we all have something distinctive to bring everywhere on campus.
