Existential intelligence: what it is and why it is useful

And how to tune your mind into a philosophical mindset.

What is existential intelligence

Existential intelligence (EI) indicates a person’s ability to reflect on timeless themes. For example, to contemplate 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 the American psychologist Howard Gardner. In his concept, intelligence is divided into several types:

logical-mathematical — ‘pure’ IQ, 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, sport 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, compose music, play instruments and understand the structure of musical works;

interpersonal — responsible for understanding the behaviour, motives and emotions of those around us;

intrapersonal — responsible for a person’s ability to be aware of their own feelings and actions.

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Gardner first identified the eight types of intelligence listed above, but it was only later that he began to consider the existential type. Gardner defined it as the ability to understand one’s place in the universe and to engage with transcendental questions of existence. Furthermore, the scholar also identified spiritual intelligence, but ultimately did not include it or EI in his main theory.

Generally speaking, the concept of the existential has its roots in the philosophical school of the same name, which was developed by:

Søren Kierkegaard (philosopher, theologian) — who believed in the freedom of every individual;

Nikolai Berdyaev (philosopher-anthropologist, Christian mystic) — who defined conscience as the primary criterion of philosophical knowledge;

Martin Heidegger (philosopher) — who emphasised that a person must study themselves, define their identity and the meaning of their own life.

These three thinkers (and others besides) devoted their lives to studying how the world works and to gaining a deeper understanding of human existence. Such profound questions require a highly developed EI and a willingness to reflect until at least a glimmer of truth is found.

Today, opinions on the autonomy of existential intelligence vary. For example, a popular view is that it is not a distinct type of intelligence, but rather a mode of thinking. Here is what we can already conclude: EI is a person’s cognitive ability to comprehend the meaning of life based on individual experience.