The Meaning of Existential Intelligence & How to Develop It

Everyone sometimes wonders about the meaning of life—there’s nothing unusual about that. But if you often think about humanity’s purpose as a whole instead of just your own, you’ve likely developed existential intelligence.

What is existential intelligence, though? How does it manifest, and what are its advantages? As one of the rarer types of intelligence, it may warrant some explanation before you can determine whether you possess it.

So, let’s jump right into it!

What Is Existential Intelligence?

Existential intelligence, sometimes known as cosmic smarts, refers to the ability to raise philosophical questions and contemplate topics related to mankind’s existence and origins. Essentially, it’s responsible for so-called “big picture thinking,” enabling you to ponder life and death, good and evil, and the universe as a whole.

Although widely considered the last of Gardner’s nine intelligences, existential intelligence doesn’t entirely fit into that group. In fact, Gardner has never officially recognized it, only mentioning it in his 1999 book Intelligence Reframed, where he debated whether it deserved the same status as the other eight.

Gardner’s hesitation in announcing it as his ninth intelligence stemmed from the fact that he wasn’t sure if it was a separate intelligence or an amalgamation of a few other types. Yet he couldn’t deny that some people show a particular propensity for raising philosophical questions and understanding abstract concepts.

What Are People With Existential Intelligence Like?

Everyone possesses some degree of existential intelligence, but some people are more gifted at it than others. Usually, those individuals will exhibit unique and easily recognizable traits, which we will describe in more detail below.

#1. They Are Highly Intuitive

Although there are scientific explanations for intuition, it can come across as a superpower to those who don’t rely on it. Highly intuitive people often seem to know things instinctually, even when there’s little to no evidence to back up their conclusions.

As a result, they enjoy pondering big questions that can’t be answered by deductive reasoning, engaging their intuition instead. So, it’s no surprise that there’s a crossover between intuitive individuals and people with developed existential intelligence—the two traits influence each other and grow together.

#2. They Are Curious

Person looking through a key hole as they showcase existential intelligence

At some point during childhood, you must have asked yourself where people came from, how the universe was created, and what awaits you after death. Faced with the world for the first time, children tend to freely express their curiosity and look for answers to even the most complex questions.

Unfortunately, this childhood wonder largely fades in adulthood as everyday realities pour in. Suddenly, you are too busy trying to pay bills to consider a less practical matter, such as mankind’s purpose.

However, people with high existential intelligence retain some of that childlike curiosity, never forgetting to marvel at the very existence of life and the universe. They are on an endless search for answers, which, even if it’s fruitless, brings them fulfillment.

#3. They See the Bigger Picture

Whoever came up with the expression “can’t see the forest for the trees” certainly didn’t have a person with high existential intelligence in mind. Not only do these people see the forest, they see the whole world beyond it.

In other words, they think big thoughts and concern themselves with universal problems. Free will and determinism, good and evil, death and the afterlife, and the origin of the universe—these are standard topics covered in a conversation with a person gifted with high existential intelligence.

However, that’s not to say more mundane topics are beneath them. They’re okay with talking about their daily lives, but they will visibly perk up when the discussion takes on a more philosophical note.

#4. They Are Philosophical

Having seen some existential intelligence characteristics, you won’t be shocked to learn that it’s frequently encountered in philosophers. All great minds, such as Socrates, Plato, Nietzsche, and Kant, were highly gifted in this area, which is reflected in their work.

Of course, not everyone with high existential intelligence becomes a philosopher or even reads philosophy. However, they are all inclined to ask philosophical questions and enjoy deep discussions about meaning and existence.

#5. They Challenge the Status Quo

Challenging the status quo as trait of existential intelligence

Existential intelligence is rarely satisfied with widely accepted answers that regurgitate what’s been said hundreds of times. In fact, it always asks why—why is a certain belief popular, why don’t people challenge it, and why don’t we consider alternatives instead?

However, people with high existential intelligence don’t challenge the status quo just to stand out. It’s simply in their nature to question everything—nothing more, nothing less.

#6. They Love Intellectual Debates

For someone with high existential intelligence, nothing is quite as invigorating as a good debate. Even if they don’t find a decisive answer to any of their questions, the very process of exchanging ideas is food for the mind and an activity to keep them occupied for hours.

Advantages of Having High Existential Intelligence

So, why is existential intelligence important? Although it may seem that it doesn’t have practical use, this type of intelligence can greatly enhance the mind of its user.

Here are some of its most beneficial aspects:

• High-order thinking and reasoning. We are all capable of high-order thinking, including critically analyzing facts, synthesizing information, and making judgments based on the optimal outcome. However, people with high existential intelligence typically excel in these areas compared to others.
• Deep understanding of the world. Existential intelligence never stops at the surface, no matter how complex the topic. It aims to understand the world’s intricacies, cause-and-effect relationships between events, and the underlying forces that shape our reality.
• Enhanced self-awareness. People with existential intelligence think deeply not only about the world but also about themselves, trying to understand their own purpose in the grand scheme of things.

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How to Develop & Practice Existential Intelligence

In many ways, existential intelligence is a skill like any other. Some people are naturally gifted, while others need to put in the effort to develop it. If you belong to the latter group, our tips on improving existential intelligence will be of great help.

#1. Spend Time in Nature

A person walking in nature to develop existential intelligence

Spending time in nature is usually associated with naturalistic intelligence, but those who want to develop existential intelligence can benefit from it as well. After all, nature’s tranquility encourages thinking and reconnecting with both the universe and yourself.

In addition, observing natural phenomena can inspire thoughts about existence and meaning, a crucial aspect of existential intelligence.

#2. Meditate

A women meditating

The benefits of meditation are well known—it can reduce stress and anxiety, promote positivity, improve memory, and decrease blood pressure. But did you know that meditation also increases awareness and deepens your thoughts?

The mechanism behind it is simple.

While you meditate, you step away from the constant noise in your brain, giving yourself space to exist without judgment. You watch your thoughts and feelings come and go, but you don’t engage. This contributes to clarity of thought and relaxes your “mind-muscle,” which for most people only happens while they’re asleep.

Ultimately, the goal is to live in the moment and increase self-awareness.

At first, this state will only last while you meditate, but as time goes by, you’ll notice this new level of consciousness seep into your daily life. Soon enough, your thoughts will become clearer, and your ability to think in abstract terms will be sharper.

#3. Study Philosophy

Study philosophy to develop existential intelligence

Contrary to expectations, people with high existential intelligence don’t quote famous philosophers in every conversation. In fact, reading philosophy isn’t a requirement at all, as long as you formulate your own questions and seek answers.

That being said, studying philosophy can be helpful in developing existential intelligence. It gives you a great starting point for your own thought experiments, provides viewpoints you might not have considered, and strengthens your opinions with better examples and arguments.

#4. Brainstorm Ideas

A person brainstorming and putting notes

Whether you do it alone on a piece of paper or in a conversation with others, brainstorming is a great mental exercise to improve your agility and get your creative juices flowing.

Start by giving yourself a specific topic and coming up with as many associated ideas or terms as you can. When you think of something particularly interesting, expand on it, ask questions, and look at it from various angles.

Don’t pressure yourself to come up with a unique and brilliant idea, though. Brainstorming is all about training lateral thinking, which is best achieved in a relaxed context where every thought counts.

#5. Daydream

A women daydreaming to develop existential intelligence

Daydreaming is a severely underrated activity, especially in today’s fast-paced world. In fact, many would object to us calling it an activity in the first place. There’s nothing active about it, someone might argue. It’s just sitting and wasting time.

As you might have guessed, that’s not the case at all.

Daydreaming is an excellent way to enhance your thinking and creativity by letting your mind do what it does best—wander. As it wanders, you can sit back and allow it to take you where it will. It’s precisely in these states that the most unique ideas are born.

#6. Engage in Discussions

People having a meeting at work and discussing various topics

While they are in your head, your ideas are only half-baked and not quite ready to serve. The only way to complete them is to put them out there and see if they hold up against scrutiny or fall apart under closer inspection.

In other words, test your ideas in discussions with people who share your interests. Your conversation partners could point out shortcomings you’ve overlooked or offer perspectives you haven’t considered. Whatever the case, you’ll benefit from the exercise, even if your first battle of wits isn’t as successful as you imagined.

#7. Keep a Dream Journal

A women reading her journal to develop existential intelligence

Even if your dreams seem utterly detached from reality, research shows that that’s not the case. In fact, dreams are a residue of your day, placing your experiences, thoughts, and feelings into a new, often confusing context.

Still, as strange as your dreams may seem, they can be an excellent tool for getting to know yourself, exploring your thoughts, and gathering new ideas. Therefore, we recommend writing your dreams down in a dream journal as soon as you wake up. That way, you’ll have material to ponder during your waking hours.

Existential Intelligence Career Options

Since existential intelligence deals with abstract concepts, it may be difficult to come up with any practical applications for this type of intelligence. Still, that doesn’t mean there aren't careers that benefit from high existential intelligence.

Let’s go over some of the most obvious ones.

#1. Philosopher

Statue of the Thinker

It goes without saying that existential intelligence and philosophy go hand in hand. After all, existential intelligence is all about pondering the big questions, which is precisely what philosophers do. Truly a match made in heaven.

That being said, to become a philosopher, you also need excellent writing skills to translate all your thoughts onto paper.

#2. Yoga Instructor

Yoga instructor at work showcasing her existential intelligence

Although yoga is a form of exercise, which would place it in the bodily-kinesthetic domain, it draws on meditation and existentialism for some of its tenets. For example, yoga instructors frequently mention grounding yourself in the moment, opening your mind, and experiencing the universe’s energy as it flows through you.

For many people, these words may have little meaning. But a person with high existential intelligence is likely to take them seriously, consider them carefully, and attempt to translate their meaning to others.

#3. Pastor

A pastor in church

Although existential intelligence and religion aren’t necessarily connected, some people with this specific intelligence find answers in church. For those individuals, becoming a pastor might be the ideal calling.

Pastors study and interpret the Bible, lead worship ceremonies, and counsel and guide the congregation. This latter part of their duties requires great interpersonal and existential intelligence. After all, the goal is to show the path to their purpose to those who feel like they’ve lost it.

Famous People With High Existential Intelligence

High existential intelligence is one of the rarest types of intelligence encountered in the general population. Still, there are a few famous examples of existential intelligence we want to highlight below.

Buddha

Buddha, “the enlightened one,” was a wandering sage from South Asia who was elevated to an almost godlike status due to his wisdom. His teachings about life, death, and morality persist to this day as Buddhism, a major religion in East, Southeast, and South Asia.

Socrates

Socrates, a Greek philosopher famous for asking questions rather than giving answers, laid the foundations of modern Western philosophy.

Throughout his career, Socrates concerned himself with the purpose and meaning of human existence as well as how one should live a good life. Both of these questions perfectly encapsulate what existential intelligence is about.

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ as an example of existential intelligence

Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, was a first-century religious leader believed to be an incarnation of God.

As a historical and biblical figure, Jesus is characterized by high interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence, but his most developed one would be, without a doubt, existential intelligence. After all, according to the scripture, he was a big-picture thinker who put his ideas about the world and the universe before his well-being.

Challenges Associated With High Existential Intelligence

Although there aren’t many downsides to possessing existential intelligence, people who do may struggle with staying practical and dealing with details.

Namely, their minds are so focused on big questions and abstract concepts that day-to-day existence could prove a challenge. Still, this obstacle can easily be overcome with an occasional shift in thinking and extra planning.

Key Takeaways

The ninth and final intelligence type is often found in philosophers, spiritual leaders, and writers who explore deep questions and universal topics of meaning, purpose, and morality. Although it’s unclear how much existential intelligence is innate, it might be developed through meditation, daydreaming, and reading philosophy.

So, if you want to come at least a little closer to Buddha, this is your chance. Grab a few books on philosophy and get started!