Progressive Media Forum

 How Intelligent Are You?

Intelligence refers to your ability to understand, learn and think. Intelligence is a complex topic, and there is much debate surrounding what it actually is and how it can be measured.

For centuries a person’s intelligence or academic abilities were measured with a standardised IQ test. But in his book, Frames of Mind, Howard Garner challenges the notion that intelligence is a single yardstick to measure a person’s abilities. Over the last few decades, other researchers and psychologists have followed suit and also identified alternative ways to measure intelligence that doesn’t only focus on academic abilities.

There are four types of intelligence that are commonly used today

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
Emotional Quotient (EQ)
Social Quotient (SQ)
Adversity Quotient (AQ)

Each of these types of intelligence has its own unique benefits and can be helpful in different ways. For example, someone with a high IQ may be good at problem-solving and critical thinking, while someone with a high EQ might be better at managing emotions and empathising with others. Knowing more about the different types of intelligence can help you understand your own strengths and weaknesses and work on the weaker areas. It can also be helpful in choosing a career or educational path that suits your individual strengths.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) measures a person’s level of comprehension. This is usually assessed through an IQ assessment that tests a person’s ability to solve mathematical equations, memorise things, identify patterns and recall lessons.

Emotional Quotient (EQ)

Emotional Quotient (EQ) refers to one’s ability to manage their emotions. This is the measure of your ability to maintain peace with others, keep to time, be responsible, be honest, respect boundaries, be humble, genuine and considerate.

Social Quotient (SQ)

Social Quotient (SQ) is the measure of your ability to build a network of friends and maintain it over a long period of time. It refers to one’s ability to interact and communicate with others with empathy and assertiveness.

Adversity Quotient (AQ)

Adversity Quotient (AQ) refers to one’s ability to overcome challenges or adversity. When faced with troubles, the Adversity Quotient considers who will give up, who will abandon their family, and who will contemplate suicide.

Intelligence is an ever evolving concept.

By definition, intelligence is an ever evolving concept. The more situations one is exposed to, the more their internal database will expand, and so will intelligence. 

Knowing more about the 4 different types of intelligence will enlighten you to get exposed to other areas of life than just Academics. You should adore manual labour (never think manual work as a form of punishment). You should love sports and arts and get involved in whatever excites you.

Focus your thought and energy to develop your IQ, as well as your EQ, SQ and AQ. You should become a multifaceted human being able to do things independently of your parents.