Do College Professors Have a Corner on Intelligence?

When it comes to intelligence, what is beyond or a "corner" is not the best question to ask. Perhaps, to ask what the forms of intelligence there are is the better question to ask. Then, the reader can order them by perceived importance: above, beyond, significant, or irrelevant. Of the many forms of intelligence, we give a short list.

• Linguistic Intelligence - The ability to use language effectively, whether in writing, speaking, or understanding complex texts. Think poets, novelists, or orators like Shakespeare or Martin Luther King Jr.
• Logical-Mathematical Intelligence - Skill in reasoning, problem-solving, and working with numbers or abstract concepts. Mathematicians like Einstein or computer programmers excel here.
• Spatial Intelligence - The capacity to visualize and manipulate objects in space. Architects, artists like Picasso, or even pilots rely on this.
• Musical Intelligence - Sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, and melody, plus the ability to create or interpret music. Composers like Mozart showcase this.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence - Mastery of physical movement, coordination, and touch. Athletes like Simone Biles or dancers like Fred Astaire embody this.
• Interpersonal Intelligence - Understanding and interacting effectively with others—reading emotions, motives, and social cues. Great leaders, therapists, or negotiators thrive here.
• Intrapersonal Intelligence - Self-awareness and insight into one’s own emotions, goals, and motivations. Philosophers or introspective writers like Virginia Woolf often display this.
• Naturalistic Intelligence - Recognizing patterns and relationships in nature, like classifying plants, animals, or understanding ecosystems. Biologists like Darwin or even farmers tap into this.
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) - A blend of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, focusing on managing one’s emotions and empathizing with others. Popularized by Daniel Goleman, it’s key for relationships and leadership.
• Creative Intelligence - The ability to generate novel ideas, think outside the box, and innovate. Inventors like Tesla or boundary-pushing artists like Dali highlight this.

Another five forms are Existential Intelligence, Practical intelligence, Social Intelligence, Business Intelligence, and Experiential Intelligence.

Personally, I think they all contribute to the vast human experience, where one form working surpasses another, depending on the context. Only a few of these rest in the academic realm. Of course, the professors regard their form(s) as superior. All have relevance. To deny any of them diminishes all of humanity.