In the field of human intelligence, a multitude of acronyms has emerged over the years, whereas in the past, everyone simply referred to "gifted" individuals. Today, we encounter terms like HPI (Haut Potentiel Intellectuel or High Intellectual Potential), HQI (Haut Quotient Intellectuel or High IQ), THPI (Très Haut Potentiel Intellectuel or Very High Intellectual Potential), THQI (Très Haut Quotient Intellectuel or Very High IQ), HPE (Haut Potentiel Émotionnel or High Emotional Potential), THPE (Très Haut Potentiel Émotionnel or Very High Emotional Potential), TTHPI (Très Très Haut Potentiel Intellectuel or Extremely High Intellectual Potential), THQI+, as well as EIP (Enfant Intellectuellement Précoce or Intellectually Precocious Child), EHP (Enfant Haut Potentiel or High Potential Child), APIE (Adulte à Haut Potentiel Intellectuel et Émotionnel or Adult with High Intellectual and Emotional Potential), Zebra, and many others. This proliferation creates confusion and raises an essential question: what purpose do these distinctions serve if they only complicate an already challenging concept? Are they more beneficial for psychology and personal development professionals, or do they truly serve the individuals they describe?

The Origins of Acronyms: The Persistent Desire to Categorize

The emergence of these acronyms stems from a desire to better identify, understand, and classify individuals with exceptional intellectual or emotional capacities—a commendable goal at its core. Initially, the aim was to provide more precise responses to the specific needs of these individuals, whether in education, psychology, or support. However, over time, these classifications have multiplied, creating a sort of jargon that tends to divide and complicate rather than clarify, leading to rigid boundaries that often fail to reflect genuine differences.

HPI and HQI: A Necessary Distinction?

The term HPI, which closely aligns with "gifted" or "zebra," is often used interchangeably with HQI, which specifically indicates a high IQ score. Many argue that these terms are not exact synonyms. HQI refers strictly to a numerical measure obtained through IQ tests, typically above 130, whereas HPI encompasses a more holistic approach, considering not just IQ but also aspects like creativity, curiosity, broad thinking, and emotional intensity. An individual identified as HPI may not even know their exact IQ at a given time, reflecting the idea that cognitive or intellectual functioning and a test score are distinct entities. While this subtle distinction might seem necessary to some, it risks further segmenting a field that would benefit from unification. It’s worth questioning the true value of this distinction, which is seldom done. In fact, it seems that some so-called experts thrive on this complexity, perhaps motivated by personal gains.

The Variants THPI, THQI, and More

Acronyms like THPI, THQI, and their variants attempt to differentiate individuals according to increasingly higher levels of intellectual capabilities. This has led to even more specific subgroups like TTHPI, THQI+, and possibly others that seek to capture finer nuances, often based on anecdotal evidence with limited empirical support. This proliferation of categories can become counterproductive, complicating diagnosis unnecessarily and potentially leading to excessive expectations or pressures on individuals, without offering much in return—especially in the context of self-diagnosis through reading, outside of any clinical or educational intervention.

HPE, THPE, APIE: The "E" for Emotional Intelligence, a Dimension in Its Own Right

The introduction of terms like HPE, THPE, and APIE reflects a growing awareness of the importance of emotional intelligence. As if, in earlier discussions of "giftedness," this dimension was overlooked. Emotional intelligence, long relegated to the background compared to IQ, is now recognized as an important factor in both intelligence and personal and professional success. However, the multiplication of categories again raises questions about their real utility, particularly since emotional intelligence can be developed. This begs the question of whether it should be considered a distinct dimension.

Toward a Unified and Necessary Concept of Intelligence

The proliferation of these acronyms, though driven by a desire for precision, ultimately complicates the understanding of intelligence without significantly advancing our overall comprehension or the possibilities for support. Rather than getting trapped in increasingly fine classifications, it might be better to return to a more holistic vision of intelligence—one that considers each individual in their entirety, without reducing them to an acronym. Intelligence, whether intellectual as measured by IQ, multiple, or emotional, is a human quality that cannot be fully captured by rigid categories and is constantly evolving throughout life. It may be time to simplify this approach to better recognize the richness and diversity of individual talents. This form of inclusivity borders on the absurd.

For an Intelligence Beyond Labels

If acronyms like HPI, HQI, THPI, THQI, HPE, THPE, TTHPI, THQI+, Zebra, EIP, and APIE are used without truly representing or highlighting the varied aspects of human intelligence and specific functioning—or if they are understood only by certain experts who congratulate themselves for their mutual understanding—what is their real utility? Simplifying our thinking about intelligence could not only make it easier to support high-potential individuals but also contribute to a more inclusive and less segmented view of this complex and valuable human quality, which can also be developed. Shouldn't we rather question each person's relationship with inquiry and, more importantly, how they apply it? We might consider three dimensions: first, the lucidity that is built by understanding the broader implications of a situation; second, the extent to which the individual allows themselves to question the world, society, and norms; and finally, once established ideas are questioned, whether the person remains simply accepting of limits or seeks ways to change them.

After all, beyond these observations about intelligence, about who belongs to which category, what are the effects on the individual, society, or the world? And more simply, does the THQI+ individual feel more valued, appreciated, understood, and better overall? In a system where everyone is free to express, manipulate, and embellish concepts while promoting their ideas, it becomes very difficult to control intellectual disarray.