Big Think Interview With Howard Gardner | Big Think

The speaker discusses Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, which posits that there are eight distinct types of intelligences that vary among individuals. These intelligences are considered valuable because they have contributed to human evolution. The speaker uses the example of naturalist intelligence, which helped our ancestors identify edible plants and animals, and avoid predators. This intelligence is now manifested in modern society through consumer choices. The speaker also touches on how the value of different intelligences changes with cultural evolution, and emphasizes the importance of social and emotional intelligence in the workplace. The discussion concludes with a look towards the future, where artistic intelligence may become increasingly important as technology advances.

This paragraph delves into the genetic component of intelligence, suggesting that every type of intelligence has a heritability factor, meaning it is influenced by genes passed down through generations. The speaker acknowledges that while genetics play a significant role, environmental factors such as culture, parenting, and social interactions also greatly impact how intelligences are developed and utilized. The speaker also addresses the idea of 'stupid' in two contexts: one being a lack of innate ability in a certain intelligence, and the other being an inability to effectively navigate life, which is more related to intrapersonal intelligence.

The speaker reflects on societal changes driven by progressive ideas and charismatic leaders. They mention historical figures like Franklin Roosevelt and contemporary ones like Barack Obama, who have the potential to inspire and motivate people towards a shared vision. The speaker expresses hope for a shift from a society dominated by money, markets, and self-interest to one guided by excellence, engagement, and ethics. They also discuss the importance of education in fostering these values and the need for a collective effort from government, private leaders, and individuals to drive positive change.

The speaker discusses the concept of creativity and how it has evolved from solitary endeavors to a more global and collaborative process. They highlight the importance of taking risks and learning from failures as part of the creative process. The speaker also addresses the potential of digital media to revolutionize education and the workplace, and the need for new analytic tools to understand creativity in a connected world. They mention the 'good play project' which examines how young people interact with technology, and the different levels of engagement, from social networking to serious interest in specific topics.

In this paragraph, the speaker ponders the nature of existential intelligence, which involves an interest in big questions and a sense of mission. They reflect on whether political figures like Barack Obama can mobilize this type of intelligence to inspire and motivate people on a larger scale. The speaker also discusses the importance of education in fostering not just intellectual abilities, but also the desire to continue learning and the motivation to contribute positively to society.

The speaker addresses the challenges faced by modern education systems, particularly the disparity in educational quality between different socioeconomic groups. They emphasize the importance of educational aspirations and the need for policy that supports a wide range of educational goals, from ensuring basic literacy to fostering excellence. The speaker criticizes the 'No Child Left Behind' policy for not adequately addressing the diverse needs of different educational contexts and calls for a more nuanced approach to education reform.