Howard Gardner (b. 1943) is an American developmental neuro-psychologist, author, and currently the John H. and Elisabeth A. Hobbs Professor of Cognition at Harvard University. He is best known for his theories concerning the existence of multiple human intelligences. His books have been translated into 27 different languages and he holds multiple honorary degrees from 33 world-wide colleges and universities. While his works were initially conceived as contributions to the field of psychology, his theories about multiple intelligences have had the most impact on the thinking and practice in the field of education, particularly in the United States. He has worked with several educational foundations and projects, helping to redefine curriculum and assessment in schools and institutions around the world, yet continues to view himself as an independent scholar and public intellectual.
Gardner was born on July 11, 1943 to Ralph and Hilde Garner, Jewish immigrants that fled from their native Nuremberg, Germany in 1938 at the height of Nazi rule. He was raised in Scranton, a former coal mining-town in northeastern Pennsylvania. Gardner's birth was preceeded by the accidental death of his brother Eric. His parent's refuge and the family death were two issues not discussed during his childhood, but would later have an impact on his development.
As a a child, he was a studious and earned academic high marks, and was an excellent pianist. He quit formally studying music when he entered adolescence, although he says that music remains an important part of his life. He attended a nearby preparatory school for his elementary and secondary education, but claims that his education began in earnest when he entered Harvard University in 1961.
Instead of pursuing a law degree, as initially planned for and encouraged by his parents; Gardner decided to become a scholar and studied curriculums ranging from history to sociology, psychology to economics. He adopted psychoanalyst Erik Erikson as a mentor and earned his undergraduate degree in 1965. After this time he became intensely focused on the works of cognitivists Piaget and Bruner, and began working closely with psycholinguist Roger Brown. He entered Harvard's Doctoral Programme in 1966 and completely his PhD in 1971. He remained academically dedicated to Harvard and because of his persistence managed to avoid typical tenure, moving on to become a lecturer and professor of education. His first major book, The Shattered Mind was published in 1975, and followed by fifteen or so subsequent titles, including Frames of Mind (1983) in which he introduced a full length statement on his theory of multiple intelligences.
Gardner is married to developmental psychologist and colleague Ellen Winner. Together they have four sons and one grandson. Gardner says that his main passions are his work and family, although he enjoys travel and a wide range of the arts.
