Daniel Howe

Knowledge is the acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles; the fact or state of knowing; the perception of fact or truth; clear and certain mental apprehension.

The definition mentioned above makes one realize that knowledge comes from memorizing and thinking, as well as one’s personal experiences. Knowledge involves intelligence,

emotion and skill.

Edward deBono compares our mental process with three parts of an automobile engine.◦ Motor = intelligence

◦ Fuel = knowledge

◦ Tune-up = thinking

Just as there are different types

of motors - four cylinders, six

cylinders and eight cylinders,

there are different types of intelligence.

When all three elements of an engine work together the car runs well. Likewise, when all three mental processes are working well, a person is considered to

be smart.

Each person has a certain sized motor (aka intelligence)

The grade of fuel (knowledge) can be raised by reading books, taking classes, reading the newspaper, etc. The more information we expose ourselves to, the more knowledge we receive.

The level of tuning (thinking skills) can always improve as well.

Lateral thinking is a way of solving problems using creative new approaches. Rather than relying on the same perceptions, concepts and boundaries we normally use, we need to think outside the box and bring in new ideas in order to approach the problem from a different angle.

Edward deBono defines lateral thinking using four aspects:◦ 1) recognize main ideas

◦ 2) search for different ways of looking

at things

◦ 3) be flexible in your thinking

◦ 4) use change to encourage other ideas

Lateral thinking can:◦ turn problems into opportunities

◦ find alternative solutions

◦ increase the number of new ideas using unconventional thinking

◦ give a new starting point to come up with new solutions

Traditional IQ focused on two types of intelligence.◦ Linguistic intelligence (using words and language)

◦ Logical-mathematical intelligence (reasoning)

Michael Gardner goes beyond this and defines eight types of intelligence.

1. Linguistic (“word smart”)

2. Logical-mathematical (“number smart”)

3. Spatial (“picture smart”)

4. Kinesthetic (“body smart”)

5. Musical (“music smart”)

6. Interpersonal (“people smart”)

6. Intrapersonal (“self smart”)

7. Naturalist (“nature smart”)

Being able to identify with and empathize with others, relating to them effectively shows a high level of emotional intelligence.

Daniel Goleman believes that emotional intelligence is a foundation for social intelligence.

To understand one’s own level of emotional intelligence just take an Emotional Intelligence Test.

There is a difference between intelligence and thinking

There are different types of intelligence

Thinking is a skill that can be improved

Emotions need to be understood and used

No matter how “smart” a person is, they can always improve.