ThoughtGallery.org > Genius: Redefining Intelligence — A Friday Night Conversation / TED Circle Discussion

Genius: Redefining Intelligence — A Friday Night Conversation / TED Circle Discussion

FEATURED TED TALK:

“Beyond Wit and Grit: Rethinking the Keys to Success,” by Howard Gardner: https://youtu.be/IfzrN2yMBaQ

HOST:

> Nikki Johnson, Founder, Fibonacci Events (https://fibonaccievents.com)

LOCATION: 

> IBM Atrium at 590 Madison Avenue & 56th Street, Northwest Corner.

GENIUS: HOW SHOULD INTELLIGENCE PROPERLY BE DEFINED?

For more than a century, the basis of intelligence was considered to be synonymous with IQ. In recent years, the definition of intelligence has increasingly expanded in recognition of many different types of exceptional abilities.

What are your thoughts about this subject? Let’s all put our thinking caps on together, for the purpose of discussing the best ways to recognize and nurture extraordinary talent in our midst — in addition to exploring many other intriguing facets of this topic.

Before arriving at this event, take a quick look at this 17-minute TED Talk from developmental psychologist and Harvard professor Howard Gardner, who describes the evolution of his now-famous Theory of Multiple Intelligences: https://youtu.be/MN_zmzKT2Wk/.

Then come share your own thoughts, insights, and experiences related to this topic, including:

> How would you define the word “intelligence”? What does it mean to be “intelligent”? What degree of significance do you think this characteristic actually has, in terms of its impact on daily living and overall quality of life?

> What qualifies someone as a “genius”? In your opinion, what are the defining characteristics? To what extent would you say that the traits of a genius are developed through time and practice, versus simply innate?

> How do you feel about IQ as a means of assessing intelligence? How does IQ correlate to real-world success? What cultural biases and other factors need to be considered in measuring intelligence through standardized IQ testing?

> In 1983, Howard Gardner (i.e., the presenter in the featured TED Talk) developed a Theory of Multiple Intelligences, including nine distinct types: (1) musical-rhythmic [i.e., ability to discern / manipulate sound patterns and exhibit strong sense of rhythm]; (2) visual-spatial [i.e., aptitude in visualizing and representing the three-dimensional world]; (3) verbal-linguistic [i.e., capability to use language to conceptualize and express ideas]; (4) logical-mathematical [i.e., strength in logical reasoning, quantification, pattern recognition, and testing of hypotheses]; (5) bodily-kinesthetic [i.e., coordination of body and mind, creation through physical movement, and active performance]; (6) interpersonal [i.e., ability to understand other people and work well in groups / teams]; (7) intrapersonal [i.e., deep understanding of oneself and your own thoughts / feelings / desires]; (8) naturalistic [i.e., sensitivity to features of nature and appreciation for the environment]; and (9) existential-moral [i.e., deep desire to ponder questions of life, death, and ultimate realities]. What are your thoughts about this model, as a means of conceptualizing intelligence? Where do your greatest strengths fall among these nine categories?

> What relationship do you see between intelligence and personality types such as those defined by Myers-Briggs? How does acknowledgment of different personality types impact our ability to assess and develop intelligence accordingly?

> Take a few moments to think of a list of 10 people — historical and / or contemporary — that you would consider to be particular geniuses in their chosen profession. Who is your favorite person among this list, and why? What do you admire most about his / her abilities and achievements? What made him / her so exceptionally talented?

> What is the relationship between eccentricity and genius? Why has it frequently been said that there’s a fine line between genius, creativity, and insanity? What makes geniuses prone to unusual tendencies and / or emotional instability?

> Interestingly, the Greeks and Romans had quite a different conception of the word “genius” than we do today; for these ancient cultures, it was not an aspect of an individual’s personality, but more of a guiding spirit that provided creative assistance to the members of a particular household. How does this concept compare to the notion of a “muse,” which many contemporary artists — to varying degrees — have attributed as a source of inspiration for their work?

> Some people — such as David Shenk, author of The Genius in All of Us — believe that each one of us is born with genuine genius potential, awaiting actualization. What do you think of this idea? How can all of us best develop our personal strengths to maximize our potential?

> What do you think your own genius abilities could be? What is something that you do exceptionally well? What would you consider to be your strongest form(s) of intelligence, talent, or skill?

We will be joined by members from a number of different Meetup groups for this discussion.

Totally looking forward to seeing all of you!

This event is part of Friday Conversations New York (FCNY), which occur every Friday evening at 6:00 PM in Midtown Manhattan, sponsored by Conversations New York (www.conversationsnewyork.com). These free gatherings provide you with opportunities to share your thoughts and experiences on topics that matter, as a powerful way to evolve your mind continually!

Friday, March 13, 2020, 6:00 p.m. sharp – 7:30 p.m.

Presented by Conversations New York (www.conversationsnewyork.com)

FREE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ON EVENTBRITE TO SECURE A PLACE 

(and be notified of any changes in schedule, location, agenda, etc.):

https://genius-redefining-intelligence-ted-circle.eventbrite.com

IBM Atrium (590 Madison Ave & 56th St, Northwest Corner)

590 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Free!

 











When: Fri., Mar. 13, 2020 at 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

FEATURED TED TALK:

“Beyond Wit and Grit: Rethinking the Keys to Success,” by Howard Gardner: https://youtu.be/IfzrN2yMBaQ

HOST:

> Nikki Johnson, Founder, Fibonacci Events (https://fibonaccievents.com)

LOCATION: 

> IBM Atrium at 590 Madison Avenue & 56th Street, Northwest Corner.

GENIUS: HOW SHOULD INTELLIGENCE PROPERLY BE DEFINED?

For more than a century, the basis of intelligence was considered to be synonymous with IQ. In recent years, the definition of intelligence has increasingly expanded in recognition of many different types of exceptional abilities.

What are your thoughts about this subject? Let’s all put our thinking caps on together, for the purpose of discussing the best ways to recognize and nurture extraordinary talent in our midst — in addition to exploring many other intriguing facets of this topic.

Before arriving at this event, take a quick look at this 17-minute TED Talk from developmental psychologist and Harvard professor Howard Gardner, who describes the evolution of his now-famous Theory of Multiple Intelligences: https://youtu.be/MN_zmzKT2Wk/.

Then come share your own thoughts, insights, and experiences related to this topic, including:

> How would you define the word “intelligence”? What does it mean to be “intelligent”? What degree of significance do you think this characteristic actually has, in terms of its impact on daily living and overall quality of life?

> What qualifies someone as a “genius”? In your opinion, what are the defining characteristics? To what extent would you say that the traits of a genius are developed through time and practice, versus simply innate?

> How do you feel about IQ as a means of assessing intelligence? How does IQ correlate to real-world success? What cultural biases and other factors need to be considered in measuring intelligence through standardized IQ testing?

> In 1983, Howard Gardner (i.e., the presenter in the featured TED Talk) developed a Theory of Multiple Intelligences, including nine distinct types: (1) musical-rhythmic [i.e., ability to discern / manipulate sound patterns and exhibit strong sense of rhythm]; (2) visual-spatial [i.e., aptitude in visualizing and representing the three-dimensional world]; (3) verbal-linguistic [i.e., capability to use language to conceptualize and express ideas]; (4) logical-mathematical [i.e., strength in logical reasoning, quantification, pattern recognition, and testing of hypotheses]; (5) bodily-kinesthetic [i.e., coordination of body and mind, creation through physical movement, and active performance]; (6) interpersonal [i.e., ability to understand other people and work well in groups / teams]; (7) intrapersonal [i.e., deep understanding of oneself and your own thoughts / feelings / desires]; (8) naturalistic [i.e., sensitivity to features of nature and appreciation for the environment]; and (9) existential-moral [i.e., deep desire to ponder questions of life, death, and ultimate realities]. What are your thoughts about this model, as a means of conceptualizing intelligence? Where do your greatest strengths fall among these nine categories?

> What relationship do you see between intelligence and personality types such as those defined by Myers-Briggs? How does acknowledgment of different personality types impact our ability to assess and develop intelligence accordingly?

> Take a few moments to think of a list of 10 people — historical and / or contemporary — that you would consider to be particular geniuses in their chosen profession. Who is your favorite person among this list, and why? What do you admire most about his / her abilities and achievements? What made him / her so exceptionally talented?

> What is the relationship between eccentricity and genius? Why has it frequently been said that there’s a fine line between genius, creativity, and insanity? What makes geniuses prone to unusual tendencies and / or emotional instability?

> Interestingly, the Greeks and Romans had quite a different conception of the word “genius” than we do today; for these ancient cultures, it was not an aspect of an individual’s personality, but more of a guiding spirit that provided creative assistance to the members of a particular household. How does this concept compare to the notion of a “muse,” which many contemporary artists — to varying degrees — have attributed as a source of inspiration for their work?

> Some people — such as David Shenk, author of The Genius in All of Us — believe that each one of us is born with genuine genius potential, awaiting actualization. What do you think of this idea? How can all of us best develop our personal strengths to maximize our potential?

> What do you think your own genius abilities could be? What is something that you do exceptionally well? What would you consider to be your strongest form(s) of intelligence, talent, or skill?

We will be joined by members from a number of different Meetup groups for this discussion.

Totally looking forward to seeing all of you!

This event is part of Friday Conversations New York (FCNY), which occur every Friday evening at 6:00 PM in Midtown Manhattan, sponsored by Conversations New York (www.conversationsnewyork.com). These free gatherings provide you with opportunities to share your thoughts and experiences on topics that matter, as a powerful way to evolve your mind continually!

Friday, March 13, 2020, 6:00 p.m. sharp – 7:30 p.m.

Presented by Conversations New York (www.conversationsnewyork.com)

FREE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED ON EVENTBRITE TO SECURE A PLACE 

(and be notified of any changes in schedule, location, agenda, etc.):

https://genius-redefining-intelligence-ted-circle.eventbrite.com

IBM Atrium (590 Madison Ave & 56th St, Northwest Corner)

590 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Free!

 

Buy tickets/get more info now