Mental acuity... ( Archived) (24)

I don't think intelligence fluctuates-you either have it or you don't. But, I do think my ability to present myself in a manner that appears intelligent, can fluctuate.

The obvious, not enough sleep, having other things on the mind, can influence the appearance of intelligence.

One thing I have become keenly aware of however, is the brain appears to behave differently when one is in an active learning state. I spent many years going to college at night to earn a degree. I noticed that during periods where I took a break from school (no classes) I had more difficulty remembering things at work, home, etc, and I didn't learn as quickly or easily. When I returned to school, it would take me a few weeks to get back in the groove, but once I did, my memory improved all around and I felt more on the ball in other areas of my life.

So, now that I know this, I try to take a class or try something new every once in awhile, to keep the neurons firing.

The different types of intelligence fluctuate depending on a person's health, stress levels or lack thereof, and hormonal balances.

What foods we eat and how much exercise we have changes how our concentration works and whether we remember things or can work things out.

Medicaton dulls certain brain functions and social intellignece is affected by our interaction with others and how we deal with them and our experiences of that interaction.

Outside influences play a part too, for instances if we are having a scatterbrained moment due to some drama in our lives or if we are meditating and at peace. It may be harder to concentrate or behave intelligently then.

There are 9 types of intelligence in all.

1. Naturalist Intelligence (“Nature Smart”)



Designates the human ability to discriminate among living things (plants, animals) as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations). This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as botanist or chef. It is also speculated that much of our consumer society exploits the naturalist intelligences, which can be mobilized in the discrimination among cars, sneakers, kinds of makeup, and the like.



2. Musical Intelligence (“Musical Smart”)



Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. This intelligence enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as demonstrated by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners. Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions; and mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves. They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.





3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Number/Reasoning Smart)



Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions and hypotheses, and carry out complete mathematical operations. It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract, symbolic thought; sequential reasoning skills; and inductive and deductive thinking patterns. Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians, scientists, and detectives. Young adults with lots of logical intelligence are interested in patterns, categories, and relationships. They are drawn to arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments.



4. Existential Intelligence


Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here.



5. Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart”)



Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives. Teachers, social workers, actors, and politicians all exhibit interpersonal intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence are leaders among their peers, are good at communicating, and seem to understand others’ feelings and motives.



6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (“Body Smart”)



Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection of skills through mind–body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons, and craftspeople exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence.

7. Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart)



Linguistic intelligence is the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand the order and meaning of words and to apply meta-linguistic skills to reflect on our use of language. Linguistic intelligence is the most widely shared human competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists, and effective public speakers. Young adults with this kind of intelligence enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles.



8. Intra-personal Intelligence (Self Smart”)



Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life. Intra-personal intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition. It is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers. These young adults may be shy. They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated.



9. Spatial Intelligence (“Picture Smart”)



Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills, and an active imagination. Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects all exhibit spatial intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing or daydreaming.

All I can say is that some times we don't live up to our intelligent quotient potential during the course of a day. I especially see that demonstrated in many of the threads here.

For a moment I thought you said "Mental Case". I was going to say yes..

"Expectations"...

And I thought I was being generous.

SShhhhh!!!!!!!!!! Egos are big enough around here..

Definitely.... I have particularly severe 'blonde moments' from time to time and can be quite ditzy while at other times be quite sharp.... it really just depends... I think that can be the case with lots of people..