5 characteristics of people with high existential intelligence

There is no one person equal to another. Each of us perceives, thinks, feels and interprets the world in a different way.. And this is due in part to the type of intelligence predominant in each individual. People with high existential intelligence are not abundant in the mundane, consumerist and individualistic society in which we are immersed; However, they have certain characteristics worth mentioning.

Existential intelligence, also called spiritual, philosophical or transcendental intelligence, is part of the theory of multiple intelligences. by Howard Gardner. According to this author, we cannot limit ourselves only to IQ as a measure to evaluate and understand a human being, since there are other areas of great relevance.

Linguistic, musical, spatial or interpersonal abilities (to name a few) are part of the individual’s assets and determine their degree of intelligence. Initially, there were seven intelligences proposed by Gardner, although he later considered the inclusion of two more, among which is the aforementioned existential intelligence.

What are people with high existential intelligence like?

All of us exhibit each type of intelligence to some degree. However, people with high existential intelligence are usually characterized by the following:

1. They have philosophical concerns

One of its most characteristic features is that They are concerned about philosophical and transcendental questions. Where do we come from? Why are we alive? What is beyond death?

These approaches occupy their minds much of the time and they also enjoy reading and learning about theological, existential or spiritual issues.

2. He likes to see the bigger picture

They are capable of going beyond the physical senses to explain and understand the world around them.

Besides, They have a great ability to see the big picture in any situation. Therefore, they are good advisors, they have the ability to solve problems and find solutions, and they tend to be good leaders for organizations.

3. They bet on high values

They generally move away from traits such as selfishness or self-centeredness, violence, and conflict. They tend to be conciliatory, peaceful, respectful and supportive individuals.

They usually show great interest in the society around them and defend universal values ​​such as kindness, love, peace and brotherhood. Even so, They may feel alien and strange in their surroundings..

4. They practice an altruistic lifestyle

It is common for people with high existential intelligence show disinterest in certain common social practices such as consumerism and the type of leisure normalized in society. On the contrary, they usually spend their time achieving a comprehensive development of their being.

They tend to be very people aware of taking care of their own body, the environment and others (they perform acts of service and altruism). Ultimately, they perceive unity in everything around them.

5. Sense of transcendence

They have great curiosity and a high capacity for abstraction which leads them to constantly search for answers. They are more open to diversity and tend to ask themselves the why and wherefore of things.

In short, their sense of transcendence is high, and they seek to place themselves and conceive life and daily actions in the context of an interconnection with the entire universe.

Why is it important to promote existential intelligence?

It is understood that Existential intelligence implies the development of the previous ones in some way; since self-knowledge, interpersonal skills, mathematical and linguistic knowledge and body control are essential to understand this type of abstract issues and apply these approaches.

Children naturally show the philosophical restlessness and curiosity that characterizes this type of intelligence; However, they are ignored or silenced sooner rather than later. It is also common for these approaches to re-emerge during adolescence. Nevertheless, Society does not accompany this reflective process, but rather overshadows it in favor of individualism and material life..

Despite this, the sense of transcendence is inherent to human beings, and putting it aside can generate extensive emotional discomfort. Therefore, it is essential to recover and enhance this valuable intelligence. For example, In schools it is important to connect the syllabus with practical application in real lifeencourage students to look at the same problem from different angles and enhance curiosity.

In our daily life, We can promote this intelligence through practices such as meditation, introspection, contact with nature, the care of physical well-being, the arts or prosocial behaviors. And, above all, if you are part of this category of people with high existential intelligence and sometimes you feel different, value your uniqueness and take advantage of it. We are all unique.

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