Dr. Gardner does not support the theory that there is "one form of cognition which cuts across all human thinking. There are multiple intelligences with autonomous intelligence capacities."

Although it was difficult to categorize these intelligences, he arrived at 8 different types of intelligences found in human beings.

Linguistic Intelligence: The effective use of words and language
Professions: Journalist, author, poet
Geniuses: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Marcel Proust

Logical/Mathematical Intelligence: Logical thinking; comfort with regard to math and numbers
Professions: Scientist, engineer, researcher, mathematician
Geniuses: Albert Einstein, Thomas A. Edison

Musical Intelligence:  Composition and production of music; musical performance
Professions: Orchestra conductor, musician, composer, vocalist
Geniuses: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Stevie Wonder

Spatial Intelligence: Ability to create vivid mental pictures and images and to understand spatial relationships
Professions: Sculptor, airplane pilot,  artist, architect
Geniuses: Michelangelo, Charles Lindbergh

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: Inherent control of bodily movements
Professions: Athlete, dancer, actor
Geniuses: Nancy Kerrigan, Shaquille O'Neal

Interpersonal Intelligence: Characterized by an understanding of others and the ability to create a "connection" with them
Professions: Salesman, teacher, counselor, politician
Geniuses: Ronald Reagan, Anthony Robbins

Intrapersonal Intelligence: Ability to have an accurate view of oneself
Professions: Philosopher, self-analyst
Geniuses: Socrates, Lao-tzu

Naturalist Intelligence: Ability to classify and use the environment
Professions: Farmer, gardener, geologist
Geniuses: Charles Darwin, George Washington Carver

Find YOUR Genius!

To discover your genius, you need to become alert to your unique gifts and to direct your life and your actions toward your strengths.  Bobby Fischer might inherently have had the potential to be a great chess player, but if he had lived in a culture without chess, that potential would never have been manifested.

IQ wasn't the reason for Mary Lou Retton's genius--that was her Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence.  IQ wasn't the reason for Amelia Earhart's genius--that was her Spatial Intelligence.  IQ wasn't the reason for Ronald Reagan's genius--that was his Interpersonal and Intrapersonal genius.

These "geniuses" found their focus, based on an awareness of their natural intelligence; then moved forward to develop and strengthen their known intelligences, directing them toward their purpose in life.

The common thread connecting their spirits is this:  You couldn't pay them enough to not do what they do. They love doing what it is they do so much that they would probably do it for free. When you feel that strongly about what you're doing, you're on your way to experiencing your genius.