Successful Intelligence- A Triad for Druidry and Sustainability

Psychologist Robert Steinberg describes three kinds of intelligences that we need in order to solve the many problems of the world.  These three intelligences are:

• Creative intelligence: intelligence required to develop solutions to problems and formulate new ideas
• Analytical intelligence: intelligence required to solve problems and to assess the quality of ideas (this is traditionally privileged in
• Practical intelligence: intelligence that is needed to actually implement ideas effectively in a variety of settings

By being able to balance these three intelligences, Steinberg argues we can have “successful intelligence.”

In druidry, we sometimes use “triads” as a way of teaching. This stems from a much more ancient practice within Celtic society, where even the laws themselves were written in a triad form.  I’d like to propose a triad that incorporates these three kinds of intelligences, and the need to balance them.  The triad is:  Three intelligences one needs to be successful: the ability to dream new ideas, the ability to assess those ideas, and the ability to effectively implement them.

Like any good triad, these three intelligences have implications for both druidry and sustainability.  When we think about these intelligences in terms of druidry, they do line up to some extent with the three “grades” of druidry (to use OBOD’s terms) and the three exploration areas of study of druidry (to use AODA’s terms). Creative intelligence is obviously the realm of the bards, as it is the realm of idea formulation, thinking through ideas, brainstorming etc.  Analytical intelligence seems to belong to the ovates, in that seclusion and study can lead us to developing greater insights; there’s also the importance of assessing and weighing the validity of an idea (which can delve into the arts of divination).  Practical intelligence, or making change in the world, seems to be in the realm of the druid. (Although I could see arguments suggesting that analytical intelligence line up with druid studies, and practical intelligence line up with ovate studies; regardless, the “triad” in thinking is still there).

I think these ideas also really apply to discussions of sustainability.  We need creative intelligence to have vision–to create solutions, to think beyond the ordinary, to think beyond the traditional boundaries that our culture places upon us.  Vision is a critical component of change, and one written about as necessary in books like The Limits of Growth.  But visioning alone never cane come to fruition without the next two kinds of intelligence.  We need to assess and understand the quality of the solutions that we dream up–are they pipe dreams? Or are they realistic? What resources would it take to make them happen?  Do they solve the problem they are meant to solve? Finally, we need practical action and dedication to effectively implement ideas.

I would like to propose that we use these intelligences as a triad to understand ways of seeing the world from both a druidic and sustainable perspective.  I’d also like to suggest that we use these as a heuristic, that is, a useful and thought provoking tool, for developing a more sustainable relationship with the living world.