The Archivist

How to overthink well (A public apology to Howard Gardner)

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This week, something sparked in my brain while listening to an episode of the Economist's Babbage. It was an interview with Howard Gardner on his theory of Multiple Intelligences and the Synthesizing Mind. I've always struggled with this theory, but this time it all made sense. I then looked into more of his work to try to understand why the way I think can be so different from others.


I often get told that I'm "overthinking" or "overcomplicating things" when I just feel like I'm thinking normally. I think Gardner's framework on synthesis can help me unpack what people mean when they say these things. 

Resources and References:

  • Economist Interview with Howard Gardner
  • Howard Gardner speaking on Intelligence
  • The Synthesizing Mind: Making Sense of the Deluge of Information
  • More from Howard Garnder 
  • Fun facts: Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel

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    The ArchivistBy SheShallConquer