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.