Multiple intelligences

Society rewards short term, aggressive solutions. Schools reward linear, verbal thinking. Why so many of the wonderful talents of people, and all of their complexity, is overlooked in schooling, families, churches, and society is a mystery, but a reality. 

Social skills are just as important as verbal skills. Motor skills are just as important as logic skills. Art and music skills are just as important as the skills to build things.

At Essex Center, we honor and support all the skills that are enumerated by Howard Gardner as Multiple Intelligences.  Perhaps these "intelligences" would better be labeled as skills, aptitudes, or talents. In any case, we reject views of intelligence that define it by its measurability, unitary global-ness, and lack of existential validity (real world application), that is, being and becoming oneself. 

These skills are:

Word Smart

Logic Smart

Nature Smart

Picture Smart

Music Smart

Body Smart

People Smart

Self Smart

Life Smart

Reference: Armstrong, Thomas. 2014. You're Smarter Than You Think: A Kid's Guide to Multiple Intelligences: Free Spirit Publishing.

Although this book is addressed to teens, it presents a clear, practical overview for everyone. We all have some mix of strengths and weaknesses — and no one should conclude that they are better or worse people than anyone else because of their unique talent makeup.