Existential intelligence: What it is and how it can be useful
What is existential intelligence?
Existential intelligence (EI) shows how well someone can think about eternal topics. For example, thinking about death, freedom, loneliness, and the meaning of life.
There is no precise definition of the word ‘intelligence,’ but it is most often understood as the ability to learn, think, adapt to life, and solve problems.
The idea of different types of intelligence was developed by American psychologist Howard Gardner. In his concept, intelligence is divided into several types:
- Logical-mathematical — IQ ‘in its pure form’, responsible for solving mathematical problems and logical reasoning
- Naturalistic — responsible for the ability to see patterns in nature and feel part of it
- Bodily-kinesthetic — responsible for body coordination in everyday life, sports and dance
- Visual-spatial — responsible for the ability to navigate, analyse maps and arrange objects in space
- Verbal-linguistic — responsible for reading, writing texts and understanding spoken words
- Musical — responsible for the ability to sing, write music, play instruments, and understand the structure of musical works
- Interpersonal — responsible for understanding the behaviour, motives, and emotions of others
- Intrapersonal — responsible for a person’s ability to be aware of their feelings and actions
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Gardner first identified the eight types of intelligence listed above, but he thought about existential intelligence later. Gardner defined it as the ability to understand one’s place in the universe and engage in transcendental questions of existence. In addition, the scientist also identified spiritual intelligence, but never included it or EI in his main theory.
In general, the concept of existential intelligence has its roots in the eponymous branch of philosophy developed by:
- Søren Kierkegaard (philosopher, theologian) — believed in the freedom of each individual
- Nikolai Berdyaev (philosopher-anthropologist, Christian mystic) — defined conscience as the main criterion of philosophical knowledge
- Martin Heidegger (philosopher) — emphasised that a person needs to study themselves, determine their identity and the meaning of their own life
These three thinkers (and others) devoted their lives to studying how the world works and coming closer to understanding human existence. Such global questions require a highly developed EI and a willingness to reason until at least a hint of the truth is found.
Today, opinions on the autonomy of existential intelligence vary. For example, a popular view is that it is not an independent type of intelligence, but rather a type of thinking. Here is what we can already conclude: EI is a person’s cognitive ability to understand the meaning of life based on individual experience.
How existential intelligence is useful
First, EI helps to cope with crisis situations.
Doctor of Philosophy Elena Kosilova notes that in difficult and unstable times, we think about bigger things: why and how we live, what we see as our true purpose, how we relate to death. As a result, a philosophical attitude towards problems and suffering develops resilience in us.
Secondly, developed EI allows us to explore the world and broaden our views. Sometimes the search for an answer is more important than the result. In existential thinking, the very fact of reflection is important: the more questions we raise within ourselves, the more processes we start in our minds.
Thirdly, people with high EI scores have a clearer understanding of their own nature and uniqueness. The main goal of existential intelligence is to realise one’s authenticity.
