Forbes magazine recently published an article (link here) which purports that linguistic intelligence is the most important of all the intelligences. The author argues that linguistic intelligence and linguistic influence, or “LQ and I,” both shape and externalize our inner emotions and beliefs. The theory is that through understanding the emotions elicited by certain words and replacing them with others, we can influence our behavior and, presumably, the behavior of others.
“When we elevate our LQ and I, we become self-aware of them. We can then decide to anchor or challenge beliefs and behavioral patterns and lead ourselves toward different, more empowering emotions, beliefs and behaviors.”
Though the author claims that this goes beyond MI theory, the description of “LQ and I” is in line with Howard Gardner’s description of linguistic intelligence and only goes beyond it in the sense that it also touches on the personal intelligences (understanding oneself and others). However, Gardner has explained that in MI theory, no single intelligence is more important than the others, for more details see his blog post “Are All Intelligences Equal?” (link here). In fact, the valorization of different intelligences depends on the culture and time period, as Gardner has said,
“Like beauty, intelligences are in the eye of the beholder.”
The byline mentions that the author of the Forbes article is a “Business Strategist & Mindset Coach.” It makes sense that a person in such a profession, who must offer convincing advice verbally and through written reports, would most valorize linguistic intelligence.