An Interview with the Father of Multiple Intelligences
by Maggie Rugg
In 1990, Dr. Howard Gardner, a prominent Harvard psychologist and educator, published his book, “Multiple Intelligences: The Theory of Human Differentiation.” Gardner’s theory posits that humans have multiple intelligences, or “intelligences,” which he defines as “the capacity to think flexibly and efficiently in several different ways.”
Gardner’s book and theory have had a profound impact on education and human development and have been widely embraced by educators and parents alike. Recently, however, some have questioned Gardner’s theory arguing that there is not enough evidence to support it. In this interview, John White, the father of three daughters who all display signs of being highly intelligent in multiple ways, discusses his experiences with his daughters, his belief in the theory of multiple intelligences, and the evidence he believes supports it.
John White
John White is the father of three daughters – Allyson, Allison, and Alexandra – all of whom display signs of being highly intelligent in multiple ways. Allison, for example, is known for her keen mathematical skills, while Alexandra is known for her creativity and ability to think outside the box.
John has openly discussed his experiences with his daughters and the theory of multiple intelligences, and has even written a book about it. In this interview, he discusses his experiences with his daughters, his belief in the theory, and the evidence he believes supports it.
What is your experience with your daughters and their intelligence?
Allyson is the eldest, and she is known for her mathematical skills. Allison is also very creative and she has a lot of ideas. Alexandra is also very creative but in a slightly different way. She is more creative in terms of her imagination.
How do you think their intelligence is related to their individual strengths?
I think their individual strengths are related to their intelligence in multiple ways. For example, Allison is very good at math, but she also likes to write. Alexandra is also very good at math, but she also likes to paint. And, finally, Allyson is good at math, but she also likes to play soccer.
Do you think their intelligence is unique to them or is it a common trait among highly intelligent people?
I think their intelligence is unique to them. I don’t think there are a lot of people who are as talented as they are. I think their intelligence is a unique talent.
Do you think their intelligence is something that can be nurtured and developed?
I do. I think it can be nurtured and developed if the right environment is provided.
How do you think their intelligence is related to their creativity?
Allison and Alexandra are both very creative, but their creativity is different. Allison is more creative in terms of her ideas, and Alexandra is more creative in terms of her imagination.
Do you think their intelligence is something that can be inherited?
I think intelligence is something that can be inherited, but it is not something that is automatically passed on. It needs to be nurtured and developed.
How do you think their intelligence is related to their ability to think outside the box?
Allison and Alexandra are both very good at thinking outside the box. Allison is especially good at it. Alexandra is also very good at it but in a different way.
Do you think their intelligence is something that can be improved?
Yes, I do think their intelligence can be improved.
Do you think their intelligence is something that can be developed through education?
Yes, I do. I think their intelligence can be developed through education. I think that education is very important, especially for people who are highly intelligent like Allison, Alexandra, and Allyson.
Do you think that the theory of multiple intelligences can help people understand and embrace their own unique strengths?
I do. I think that the theory of multiple intelligences can help people understand and embrace their own unique strengths. I think it can also help people understand and embrace the strengths of others.
Do you think that the theory of multiple intelligences can help people develop a better understanding of themselves?
Yes, I do think that the theory of multiple intelligences can help people develop a better understanding of themselves. I think it can also help people develop a better understanding of others.
Do you think that the theory of multiple intelligences can help people better understand and appreciate their environment?
I do think that the theory of multiple intelligences can help people better understand and appreciate their environment. I think it can also help people better understand and appreciate the strengths and abilities of others.
