Claresta Sirait
SEMINR 126
HW 1
“What is Intelligence, Anyway?” by Isaac Asimov and “The Theory of Multiple
Intelligences” by Howard Gardner describe about intelligence in people. Howard Gardner talks
about intelligence divide into seven types, that are musical, bodily-kinesthetic, logical
mathematical, linguistic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal intelligence. On the other hand,
Isaac Asimov began with questioning about intelligence. Basically, intelligence is our ability to
solve problems, such as problems in textbook and in our real lives. Problems in textbook mean
written questions from subjects in school, such as math. Whereas in real world, there are many
kind problems we have to overcome. People can have various interpretations about it. I believe
everyone has intelligence but it depends on how they use and develop it.
In my opinion, intelligence is very abstract. According to Isaac Asimov, at first he
thought he was the intelligent one because he got the highest score in aptitude test when he was
in the army. “In a world where I could not use my academic training and my verbal talents but
had to do something intricate or hard, working with my hands, I would do poorly.” This quote
shows us that although his ability is in written academic test, he is not good at other than that. He
provided us an example from his experience between him and his auto-repair man. We can
conclude that these two people have different kind of ability. The mechanic’s specialty is in
mechanical tools. On the other hand, we can relate it to Gardner’s theory. He also mentioned
measuring human ability through IQ test. “Furthermore, even IQ tests measure only logical or
logical-linguistic capacities, in this society we are nearly “brain-washed” to restrict the notion of
intelligence to the capacities used in solving logical and linguistic problems.” It means society is
only aware of logical and linguistic intelligence. Most of them often make the IQ test as the
measurement for intelligence. People have the perception that intelligence people are those who
can solve any mathematical and logical problems, like Isaac Asimov. Some of them may look
down those who don’t have that ability. We have to realize that there are many kinds of
intelligence as Gardner stated. I think people have their own specialty. That doesn’t mean that
people with logical intelligence are better than people with spatial intelligence. We can take an
example from Asimov’s story. He may have logical capability but the auto-repair man has the
bodily-kinesthetic capability. The mechanic might not go to formal school and have degree from
school, but he has a skill. From my experience, I have met a person who in fact only finished her
elementary school but she can communicate and socialize with people better than me. She helped
people with their problems and engaged them to get together. I may study abroad and have more
opportunity than her but she has a skill that I am lack of. “To become a successful violinist
requires bodily-kinesthetic dexterity and the interpersonal skills of relating to an audience…”
Even to be successful in a profession require different kind of skills. I agree on what Gardner
asserted, related to Asimov’s writing. Sometimes, we will find people with various skills in our
daily lives, especially in school. I think intelligence is various skills that everyone has in
different aspects, disregard the level in formal school or degree they have.
In short, everyone is intelligent in different fields. Intelligence is relative, depend on our
perceptions. Isaac Asimov and Howard Gardner wrote what intelligence is and the type of it.