What's the function of existential intelligence in reality

  Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "what's the function of existential intelligence in reality", the main reason why I choose that topic because many people don't know about its existence, for your information that existential Intelligence (often referred to as the 9th intelligence in Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory) is a person's ability to contemplate fundamental questions about human existence.

Simply put, it is the intelligence of the "big picture." People with this intelligence often grapple with questions about life, death, and the reality of the universe.

 

Here is a detailed explanation along with real-life examples:

 

Traits of People with Existential Intelligence

 

They are not satisfied with superficial answers. They tend to:

- Think philosophically.

- Be able to see things from a cosmic or broad perspective.

- Question established norms and "truths."

 

Concrete Examples in Daily Life 

1. Children Who Often Ask "Why?"

The purest examples are often seen in children who ask difficult questions to their parents, such as:

- "Where was I before I was born?"

- "Why do people have to die?"

- "Why are we on Earth instead of another planet?"

- "Where does God live?"

2. Interest in Deep Topics

Someone with this intelligence usually prefers discussions about:

- The origin of the universe (cosmology).

- Concepts of time and infinity.

- The meaning of love, suffering, or justice.

- They may prefer watching documentaries about outer space or reading philosophy books over light/gossip topics.

3. Ability to See "Beyond the Self"

When facing minor problems (e.g., traffic jams or losing money), they can stay calm because they see them in a long-term perspective.

- Example: "This frustration is only temporary and won't mean anything in 5 years."

4. Relevant Professions

People with high existential intelligence are often found in roles such as:

- Philosophers: Thinkers who formulate concepts about logic and ethics.

- Theologians/Spiritual Leaders: People who delve into the meaning of divinity and spirituality.

- Theoretical Physicists/Cosmologists: Like Einstein, who thought about the relativity of time and space.

- Abstract Artists/Writers: Whose works try to capture human emotions or conditions that are difficult to put into words.

 

World Figures Examples

Some figures considered to have very high existential intelligence: 

- Socrates: Always questioned the definitions of truth and justice.

- Buddha: Searched for answers to human suffering and a way out of it.

- Albert Einstein: Although a scientist, he often contemplated the mysteries of the universe with a sense of wonder that was almost spiritual.

 

[!NOTE]

Important: Having existential intelligence does not mean a person has to be religious. An atheist can also have high existential intelligence if they often contemplate ethics, morality, and the origin of the universe in depth.

 

Do You Have It? 

You may have dominant existential intelligence if you often feel: 

- Small when looking at stars at night, yet feel connected to the universe.

- Often daydreaming about the future of humanity.

- Wanting your life to have an impact or "legacy," not just to pursue money.

What makes people feel at home at the working place

   Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "What makes people feel at home at the working place", the main reason why I choose that topic because not everyone can detect what makes them comfortable at the working place, The feeling of "betah" (comfort and contentment) in the workplace is known in psychology by the term Employee Retention, which is closely linked to Employee Engagement.

 

Psychologically, a high salary often only prevents someone from "leaving" but is not enough to make them feel "betah" (comfortable and enthusiastic). The feeling of betah arises when humans' basic psychological needs are met.

 

Here is a psychological breakdown of what truly makes someone "betah or comfort" at work:

 

1. Self-Determination Theory

This is the "cornerstone" of modern work psychology. According to this theory, a person will naturally feel betah if their three innate needs are fulfilled:

- Autonomy: A sense of having control. Employees feel trusted to arrange their own work methods, rather than being dictated every step of the way (micromanagement).

- Competence: A feeling of "I'm good at this". Employees feel their work is challenging but still manageable, and that their skills are growing, not stagnant.

- Relatedness: A sense of belonging. This is often translated as a "family-like" culture in Indonesia. Employees feel cared for as people, not just as company assets.

2. Psychological Safety

Popularized by Harvard's Amy Edmondson, this concept is a key factor in mental comfort:

- Definition: Employees feel safe to express opinions, ask questions, or even make mistakes without fear of being embarrassed, punished, or seen as stupid by superiors and colleagues.

- Impact: If someone has to constantly "wear a mask" or fear speaking up every day, their mental energy will be exhausted (burnout) and they will not feel betah.

3. Job Embeddedness

Psychology also views betah as how strong the "spider's web" is that ties someone to their position. There are three elements:

- Fit: The employee's personal values align with the company culture. Example: A laid-back person will not feel betah in a very rigid/bureaucratic company.

- Links: Having a "Work Bestie" or close friend at the office. Research shows that having one close friend at work is one of the strongest predictors of someone staying long-term.

- Sacrifice: The perception that "if I move, I will lose many non-material things" (such as a fun team, an understanding boss, or flexible working hours).

4. Perceived Equity

Humans have a highly sensitive sense of fairness. The feeling of betah can disappear instantly if there is inequality:

- Distributive Justice: Is my salary/bonus fair compared to colleagues with the same workload?

- Procedural Justice: Are rules enforced evenly? Are promotions given transparently or based on favoritism?

5. Meaningfulness

Psychologist Victor Frankl emphasized that humans are driven by the search for meaning. A person will feel betah—even in a very heavy job—if they feel their work is important and makes an impact.

- Example: A customer service representative will feel more betah if they see their work as "helping people in need" rather than just "handling complaints".

 

Summary: The "comfortable" Triangle meaning 

Simply put, a person will feel comfortable if they can say:

 

- "I am safe here." (Psychological Safety)

- "I am valuable here." (Recognition & Meaning)

- "I have a future here." (Growth & Competence)

 

You deserve to be in environments that bring out the softness in you, not the survival in you

  Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "You deserve to be in environments that bring out the softness in you, not the survival in you", the main reason why I choose that topic because many people struggle to fight with the environment, instead of building self worth to bring softness in ourselves,  It should be noted that we live in this world to create characters that will be used by reality, if we are not able to create quality personality values, then reality will place us in an environment that weakens our personality, We need to remember that the quality of our personality determines whether reality will use us for something that is more expensive than our self-esteem or cheaper than our self-esteem.

  There are 5 things we need to pay attention to value about our qualifications 

  

1. Core Meaning 

This advice conveys that everyone deserves to be in an environment that makes them feel calm, gentle, and become the best version of themselves naturally, not an environment that constantly forces them into a state of survival, stress, or constant alertness.

  

2. Psychological Perspective 

The environment shapes behavior.

If someone lives in a place full of conflict, pressure, reproach, or threats, the brain will always be active in survival mode: anxious, defensive, easily angered, and finding it difficult to trust others.

 

The softness mode (rest/connection mode) is when someone feels safe, accepted, and valued.

This brings out the sides of:

 

- affection

- patience

- creativity

- empathy

- ability to connect with others

  

3. Implicit Message

 

Every reality invites you to: 

a. Evaluate your environment 

Does the place you are in right now: 

- often make you mentally exhausted?

- make you feel like you have to be constantly alert?

- make you feel marginalized or unappreciated?

 

b. Prioritize mental health 

You deserve to be in an environment that: 

- does not require you to be tough

- does not force you to endure fear or pressure

- provides space to grow peacefully

 

c. Recognize your limits

This also implies the importance of saying: 

"I need a healthy environment."

"I don't want to survive in a place that hurts me."

  

4. Life Wisdom

 

Often, people stay in bad environments because: 

- they are afraid of being abandoned

- they are afraid of looking weak

- they are used to the pain

- they feel they have no choice

 

Every reality reminds us:

 

✅Softness is not weakness — it's a sign that you feel safe and safety is a right of every human being.  

 

5. Practical Application

 

You can start by: 

- choosing friends who make you feel calm, not tense

- working in a place that values you, not exploits you

- living with people who understand you, not demand from you

- reducing interaction with toxic people

- creating a peaceful personal space