Throughout the 20th century, the average score on IQ tests across the world grew by a significant 30 points—a difference vast enough to separate an individual ranked as average from one rated as gifted. This phenomenon demonstrates that intelligence is malleable and can be increased. Factors driving this historical increase include improved quality of nutrition, better education, and greater exposure to new technologies.
The question of whether this increase will continue or if humans will hit a limit is a subject of debate among experts. While some argue that early humans 350,000 years ago already possessed the brain capacity and complex behaviors of modern humans, others believe we have only "scratched the surface" of our intellectual capacity and will continue to grow as we encounter and solve new problems. Regardless of where the theoretical limit of human intelligence lies, experts agree that we all have the potential to be much smarter if we focus on how to make the world a better place.
Rethinking How We Measure and Apply Intelligence
For society to become smarter, experts suggest we must reconsider how we define and apply intelligence:
Beyond Abstract Logic: IQ tests, which focus heavily on abstract logic, may not tell us everything we need to know. It is time to view intelligence as a more fluid quality rather than a fixed, inbuilt measure.
The Power of Groups: Society should place less emphasis on intelligence as a conventional, individualistic quality. In reality, most of what we accomplish is done in groups and teams. There is a need to put more emphasis on real-world intelligence—how we use our analytical and creative skills for the common good.
Embracing Neurodiversity: The neurodiversity movement argues that individuals with different kinds of neurological capacities should be integrated into society, not excluded. Their different styles of thinking—like that of activist Greta Thunberg—have the potential to shape and change the world in radical and important ways.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
The question of whether humans will be eclipsed or replaced by intelligent machines is frequently asked. Experts suggest that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human intelligence are two completely separate phenomena.
AI is not bound by the limits of human intelligence, for better or worse.
The human brain, an organic entity, is fundamentally different from a computer.
Human intelligence is responsive to the environment in ways that a computer is not.
Therefore, while AI will undoubtedly change much about the world, our "old wet brains" are unlikely to be eclipsed, and human and computer intelligence are not comparable. Ultimately, while experts may disagree on whether our species will keep getting smarter, the power to use our intelligence to improve the world remains firmly in our own hands and minds.
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