Exploring the 9th Intelligence: How Existential Intelligence Shapes Our Understanding of Life and Search for Purpose

Who are we? What is our purpose in life? Where do we fit in the grand scheme of things? What happens after death? Is heaven for real? What is the meaning of life?

These and many other similar questions about the meaning and purpose of our existence make us wonder at some point in our lives. This deep yearning for understanding isn't just philosophical pondering; it's a sign of a unique intelligence that we all possess to varying degrees—our existential intelligence.

Of all the different types of intelligence, existential intelligence is perhaps the most abstract and difficult to understand since it is the intelligence of big-picture thinking. It is not easily measured or quantified like other forms of intelligence, such as logical-mathematical or linguistic intelligence.

However, existential intelligence is a fundamental aspect of our overall cognitive abilities and plays a crucial role in shaping who we are as individuals.

What Is Existential Intelligence? Pondering the Meaning of Human Existence

Thinkers and philosophers have long explored existentialism—the philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. 

However, it wasn't until Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligence that the idea of existential intelligence gained attention. Gardner proposed that existential intelligence could be one of the multiple intelligence types that humans possess, alongside linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, and naturalist intelligence.

Also known as the "9th intelligence," "cosmic smarts," or "purpose smarts," existential intelligence refers to the ability to think deeply about the big questions of life. This includes contemplating abstract and complex concepts such as life, death, and the meaning of existence. It involves asking profound questions, reflecting on one's own being, and considering the mysteries of the universe.

Individuals with high levels of existential intelligence are often abstract, philosophical thinkers. They tend to excel in skills such as cognitive flexibility—the ability to shift between different concepts and consider multiple ideas simultaneously.

Another key skill they possess is meta-cognition, which involves being aware of and understanding one’s own thought processes. This capacity for self-reflection enables existential thinkers to engage deeply with the profound questions of life and existence, fueling their metaphysical pursuits.

What Existential Intelligence Is Not

While existential intelligence involves the capacity to pose and reflect on life's big questions, it's equally important to understand what existential intelligence is not.

• Existential intelligence is not a religious intelligence. Although religious people may engage in existential pondering, it neither requires nor excludes belief in organized religion, whether involving many gods or just one God.
• It's not a spiritual intelligence. Existential intelligence does not require a belief in or the presence of a spiritual realm. While spirituality can be a significant aspect of existential thinking, it is not a necessary component.
• It's not a value of judgment. Existential intelligence can be used for both benevolent and malevolent purposes. For example, Greta Thunberg’s dedication to environmental protection is a positive application, whereas the Nazis' racial purification efforts, which also involved existential thinking, represent a malevolent use of such intelligence.
• Existential intelligence is not linked to any particular age or stage of life, although it may become more prominent during times of transition or crises.
• Existential intelligence does not necessarily make individuals smarter or more intelligent than others with different types of intelligence. It simply defines a specific cognitive style and way of thinking about the world.

Are You Purpose Smart? Traits of People with High Existential Intelligence

Existentially intelligent people exhibit several characteristics that set them apart, including being highly intuitive, lateral thinkers, insightful, curious, and sagacious. These traits enable them to approach the world and its mysteries in unique ways, differentiating them from others.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these characteristics of people who are purpose-smart:

• Highly intuitive: Most of our knowledge is gained through sensory experience or reason, but intuitiveness allows us to understand things without relying on our senses. Thus, most of the existentially intelligent individuals rely on their instincts, often called gut feeling. Their instinctive power is so strong that they can judge the situation without even using any of their senses.
• Lateral thinker: Interestingly, individuals having a high level of existential intelligence make connections that are not obvious directly. This is to say that they are not limited to their logical reasoning but can think outside the box to consider multiple perspectives and come up with unique solutions
• Insightful: Maybe it's due to their introspective nature, but existentially intelligent individuals have a knack for understanding society, the world around them, the whole universe, and themselves. These types of people can easily tell the cause and effect of different phenomena by analyzing them deeply. They have the urge to explain the unexplainable and dig deeper into the mysteries of life just to find answers to their existential questions.
• Curious or Socratic: It's funny how these individuals can ask the right questions that might have never crossed your mind. They are curious to know about things that happened, happen, or could happen about life, the universe, and existence. This curiosity is born out of their deep thought process, and it makes them natural philosophers. One of the reasons why great careers are often predicted for them is because their curiosity can inspire people with greater potential to keep questioning things.
• Sagacious: Sagaciousness is all about being able to interpret and understand complex ideas. Existentially intelligent individuals are often found to have a broad understanding of numerous theories and ideologies such as spirituality, religion, philosophy, psychology, sociology, etc. They can easily make connections between different concepts and form their own unique perspectives. 

Existential Intelligence Examples in the Context of Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner recognized that traditional IQ tests were limited, as they primarily measured logical-mathematical and linguistic abilities. His theory of multiple intelligences proposes that cognitive ability is diverse and multifaceted, with individuals excelling in different areas based on their unique profiles of intelligence.

While existential intelligence stands on its own as the capacity to ponder life’s big questions, it often interacts with the other intelligences in meaningful ways:

• Linguistic Intelligence: Individuals with strong linguistic intelligence may use their verbal skills to articulate complex existential ideas. The ability to express deep, philosophical thoughts clearly and persuasively often enhances the impact of existential thinking.
• Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: This form of intelligence can complement existential intelligence by providing a structured approach to philosophical inquiry. Logical analysis helps in deconstructing existential questions and exploring them systematically.
• Spatial Intelligence: Those with high spatial intelligence may engage in existential thinking through visual or spatial metaphors. For example, they might conceptualize abstract ideas about existence using imagery or design, making complex ideas more accessible.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: Physical movement and expression can sometimes serve as a medium for existential exploration. Practices like dance, martial arts, or even yoga allow individuals to engage with existential concepts through the physical body, helping them to control one's body movements while connecting with deeper existential themes.
• Musical Intelligence: Music has long been a conduit for existential reflection. Individuals with strong musical intelligence, often possessing artistic skills, might express or explore existential themes through composition or performance, using music as a tool to convey profound ideas about life and existence.
• Interpersonal Intelligence: Understanding and reflecting on others' existential questions can deepen interpersonal connections. Those with high interpersonal intelligence might use their sensitivity to others’ experiences to explore and discuss existential themes in a communal context.
• Intrapersonal Intelligence: Existential intelligence is closely linked to intrapersonal intelligence, as both involve self-reflection and an awareness of one’s own thoughts and feelings. The capacity for deep introspection is often essential for those exploring existential questions.
• Naturalistic Intelligence: A connection to the natural world can prompt existential reflection. Individuals with strong naturalistic intelligence may find themselves contemplating life’s big questions through their interactions with nature, pondering the broader ecosystem and humanity’s place within it.

Why Does Existential Intelligence Matter?

Existential intelligence may not have a direct impact on your day-to-day life like other forms of intelligence, such as emotional intelligence, social intelligence, or practical intelligence, but it still holds significant importance. These other cognitive skills help navigate interpersonal relationships, solve everyday problems, and manage emotions effectively.

However, existential intelligence offers a different kind of value by allowing us to explore deeper questions of meaning and purpose that shape our overall understanding of life. Here are a few reasons why it matters:

• Self-awareness: Existentially intelligent people are like self-reflective mirrors, constantly questioning and evaluating their own existence. What has shaped them into who they are? What drives their actions and decisions? All this introspection and reflection leads to a deeper understanding of oneself.
• Creativity: Existential intelligence involves thinking outside the box, imagining new possibilities, and questioning the status quo. This kind of thinking is vital for creativity and innovation.
• Coping with life's challenges: When faced with difficult circumstances, existential thinkers can draw on their big-picture thinking abilities to find meaning and purpose in tough situations. This helps them cope with uncertainty and navigate through life's ups and downs.
• Finding meaning: At some point in life, we all question our purpose and meaning. Existential intelligence allows us to explore these existential questions and also provides a framework for understanding our place in the world.

Famous People with High Levels of Existential Intelligence

While existential intelligence isn't measured in the same way as other forms of intelligence, we can identify numerous individuals throughout history who may be said to have high existential intelligence. Here are a few examples:

• Socrates: This is a famous Greek philosopher known for his "Socratic method," which involves asking questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncovering underlying truth—or at least to disprove untruths.
• Jesus Christ. Surprising, isn't it? But think about the parables He told. His teachings weren't always literal but often used stories to reveal deeper truths about life and purpose.
• Buddha: His name literally means "enlightened one." The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is a prime example of someone with high existential intelligence. His life and teachings revolve around understanding the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. He questioned the material world's impermanence and the illusion of a lasting self. Through meditation and mindfulness, he developed deep insights into the human condition and offered a path to enlightenment. His teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are profound reflections on existential questions and provide a framework for living a meaningful and ethical life.
• Plato: Plato is another renowned Greek philosopher who may be said to have a high level of existential intelligence through his philosophical inquiries and theories. In his Allegory of the Cave, he proposed the idea that there is an abstract truth that is higher and more complete than what we witness in the real, imperfect world. Plato's dialogues, such as "The Republic" and "Phaedo," also tackled ethical dilemmas, the nature of the soul, and the meaning of a just life, reflecting his deep engagement with existential questions.
• Einstein: Beyond his scientific pursuits, Albert Einstein was a pacifist and humanist who advocated for social justice and world peace. His concern for humanity and his reflections on ethical issues demonstrate his existential intelligence as he sought to understand the moral implications of scientific advancements and the responsibility of scientists to society.

Side Note: 

Great careers for existentially intelligent people include philosophers, theologians, psychologists, clergy, inspirational speakers, authors, economists, artists, and writers. These professions often align with Holland's Artistic, Social, and Investigative career types, where deep thinking, creativity, and helping others find meaning are key elements. 

7 Ways to Improve Your Existential Intelligence: Expand What’s Possible

Existential intelligence, a key aspect of Gardner's multiple intelligences, involves asking deep questions about human existence and seeking meaning in life. While challenging to measure, it is essential for personal growth and understanding, much like emotional intelligence, which helps us navigate our emotions and relationships.   

Nurturing this intelligence allows us to better understand ourselves, tackle deep questions, and explore the complexities of human beings and their experiences. As Socrates wisely noted, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

If you feel your existential intelligence could be stronger, don't worry—like other types of intelligence, it can be developed. Here are some effective ways to enhance it:

1. Daydream

Daydreaming, a universal human experience, can be a powerful tool for enhancing existential intelligence. It allows you to reflect on your thoughts, explore your imagination, and contemplate the meaning of human existence. By consciously using daydreaming as a way to process experiences and ideas, you can deepen your understanding of existential concepts.

2. Practice Meditation

Meditation, a time-honored practice for achieving inner peace and mental clarity, is closely linked to existential intelligence. By meditating, you can strengthen your spiritual connection, gain a broader perspective on life, and better understand the complexities of human existence.

3. Brainstorm

Engaging in brainstorming exercises stimulates creative thinking and helps you consider multiple perspectives. This practice enhances your ability to see the big picture, which is crucial for developing existential intelligence sensitivity and tackling deep questions about life.

4. Become a Critical Thinker

Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information objectively. By honing your critical thinking skills, you can approach existential questions with clarity, avoiding biases and making well-reasoned judgments about complex issues.

5. Cultivate Deep Thinking

Deep thinking goes beyond surface-level analysis, involving introspection and contemplation of complex ideas. By engaging in deep thinking, you can make connections between abstract concepts, which is essential for understanding human existence and existential theories.

6. Engage in Meaningful Conversations

Meaningful conversations with others can greatly enhance your existential intelligence. Discussing philosophical, ethical, or spiritual topics allows you to refine your thoughts, gain new perspectives, and deepen your understanding of the complexities of human beings and their experiences. 

7. Study Ancient and Modern Philosophers

Studying the works of both ancient and modern philosophers is invaluable for improving existential intelligence. Exploring diverse viewpoints and arguments helps you better understand existential concepts and enriches your intellectual journey.

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