When Dr Howard Gardner, a professor of cognition and education at Harvard University, suggested the idea of multiple intelligence's in the 1980's, he started a revolution. Before this, intelligence's was almost entirely judged in relation to IQ. Tests covered mathematical and linguistic skills, with a bit of problems-solving thrown in for good measure. While IQ tests effectively sifted academic individuals from those that were more practical by nature, they were a poor indicator of future success in life, Love or work, they also provided a very limited definition of what it was to be smart. Gardner's idea is remarkably simple and it goes with the grain of common sense. He identified eight types of intelligence, which i have described below (with Gardner's original names in brackets if they were different). The final two types on the list have been added by other thinkers since Gardner developed his theory. See if you recognise yourself in any or some of these descriptions.

Linguistic

You like words and stories. Word-play intrigues you and you are an avid reader. you have a good vocabulary. You probably enjoy learning languages. You like writing and may well be able to remember list of words and tell good stories.

Mathematical (Logical-mathematical)

You seek to understand the relationship between different things. You like figures, abstract problems, brain-teasers and puzzles. You appreciate patterns, categories and systems. You probably make lists.

Visual (Spatial)

You notice colour, form and texture. You probably use pictures to help you remember things, and diagrams, maps and doodles when you are making notes. You may well be able to draw, paint or sculpt.

Physical (Bodily-kinesthetic)

You enjoy physical exercise, sports and dance. You tend to be on your feet at the first opportunity whether in a meeting or at a party. You learn by rolling up your sleeves and getting on with things.

Musical

You are attuned to sound and rhythms. You probably relished singing and listening to music from an early age. You can recall songs and melodies well. Music impacts powerfully on your moods.

Emotional (Intrapersonal)

You tend to look within yourself, on a constant quest for self-knowledge, You may keep a diary of your experiences, moods and thoughts. You enjoy time to think and reflect, and you understand and manage your own emotions well.

Social (Interpersonal)

You enjoy other people's company and getting to know people. Parties, meetings, team games and gregarious activities appeal to your nature. You show high levels of empathy with other people.

Environmental (Naturalist)

You are fascinated by nature, and see things in it that pass others by. You probably like binging outdoors and are fond of animals. You take a keen interest in your home environment, inside and outside.

Spiritual

You enjoy grappling with the fundamental questions of existence. You tend to act according to your principles, possibly questioning the normal ways of behaving in a given situation. You probably hold well-developed beliefs that you are ready to stand up for.

Practical

You like making things happen. You are often called on to fix, mend or assemble things, or to come up with solutions. Where others talk about what needs to be done, you prefer to get on and do it.