# The Future of Intelligence: Consciousness Beyond AI
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Chapter 1: Rethinking AI Comparisons
Are we measuring AI, like ChatGPT, against humans inappropriately?
“True learning occurs only when competition ceases.”
— J. Krishnamurti
The emergence of ChatGPT-4 has undoubtedly stirred global interest, marking a significant step toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). AGI represents a level of intelligence that could exceed that of the average human. It's clear that AI will excel in processing data, making deductions, and, eventually, in intellectual pursuits. Initially, AI serves as an enhancement to human capabilities, but it is likely to surpass human intelligence over time.
Moreover, creativity is another area where AI is poised to progress. AI can easily take over technical writing and programming tasks. In an ideal scenario, AI and humans could collaborate harmoniously.
However, one aspect where AI cannot surpass humans is consciousness. AI lacks self-awareness and an understanding of its purpose, which makes it impossible for it to achieve genuine consciousness. This limitation suggests that while AI might excel in intelligence and creativity, it will redirect human focus toward our most significant strength: consciousness. Comparing AI to humans solely on intelligence and creativity is a superficial assessment. Instead, we should appreciate that AI can help us hone our unique capacity for conscious thought.
This essay delves into the idea that while human intelligence and creativity may evolve and be outperformed by AI, the pursuit of consciousness remains the ultimate journey for humanity.
Section 1.1: Defining Intelligence
Intelligence encompasses the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.
True intelligence is marked by adaptability—the capacity to learn rapidly in unfamiliar situations. Humans can apply their intelligence to navigate uncertain environments. While AI currently excels at specific tasks—such as coding, scriptwriting, or generating images from text—it lacks general intelligence, which is the ability to address novel challenges. AI operates within predefined parameters and inputs, while humans possess a diverse array of skills that aid in interpreting uncertainty.
As research on neural networks and deep learning advances, it is inevitable that AI will amass sufficient knowledge and skills to surpass human intelligence. Deep neural networks could identify connections between seemingly unrelated data, possibly enabling AI to create visual representations beyond human comprehension—effectively allowing AI to 'dream.'
Subsection 1.1.1: The Nature of Creativity
Creativity is characterized as the ability to generate new ideas or things.
Will creativity vanish in the age of AI? The resounding answer is no. This assertion rests on two fundamental reasons: AI cannot experience emotions or the nuances of life, and humans possess an inherent desire to express their feelings through art, music, and literature.
Consider this: the English language consists of just 26 letters, yet these letters have been used to craft millions of books over centuries. Each author has a unique style, whether they prefer straightforward language to reach a broad audience or more elaborate prose to convey deeper meanings. The common thread is that the final product—a book—reflects the author's experiences, circumstances, and evolving style. Thus, no two books are identical.
One potential future scenario is the emergence of labels on books, akin to food labeling (e.g., GMO vs. Non-GMO), indicating whether a book was written entirely by AI, partly by AI, or solely by humans. This would empower readers to choose their preferred reading material. For instance, if a human author describes a transcendental experience—something AI cannot genuinely comprehend—other readers may seek out such narratives.
Authentic human creativity will flourish at the edges defined by lived experiences, as AI lacks the capacity to experience life. However, conventional storytelling will still coexist. Writers will continue to write not because they feel compelled to compete with AI, but because they have a passion for writing. This principle applies across various art forms.
Section 1.2: The Essence of Consciousness
The trajectory towards AGI seems inevitable. While it may experience temporary setbacks, it is unlikely to cease altogether. Human curiosity and competitiveness drive progress, often resulting in societal inequalities. Although we tend to compare AI to humans in terms of intelligence and creativity, we pay less attention to consciousness, a concept we still struggle to comprehend fully.
As J. Krishnamurti noted, true learning begins when competition ends—whether that competition is among humans or with AI. It is conceivable that AGI could surpass human intelligence, leading to either a dystopian scenario or a benevolent partnership. In any case, humanity will need to look inward, whether to coexist with AGI or to confront it if necessary.
As we strive to understand our purpose on Earth, movements like 'mysterianism' seek to explore the true nature of consciousness, albeit with the acknowledgment that it may remain beyond our grasp.
What impedes our understanding of these complex matters is our preoccupation with the mundane—an artificial cycle we have created for ourselves. Ironically, AI might liberate us from this trap. If AI assumes our routine tasks in the realms of intelligence and creativity, could we all become modern monks?
The answer is nuanced. Some individuals may embrace a more introspective path, using AI as a tool to tackle higher challenges, such as space exploration or understanding multiverses. However, for many, the most profound journey will be inward, seeking to comprehend how our energies connect to the primordial forces that shaped the universe.
The universe within is as vast and intricate as the cosmos we explore outside. AI may allow us to delve into this inner universe, transforming us into a new kind of explorer—one who embarks on an inward journey to uncover a reality we often overlook due to our constant focus on the external world.
Chapter 2: Understanding Intelligence Through Different Lenses
The first video titled Michael Levin | Understanding Intelligence provides insights into the nature of intelligence, discussing its implications in the context of AI.
The second video titled Understanding Intelligence in Psychology I Whole Brain Model I TVET Colleges I Jerry Mallo explores the psychological aspects of intelligence and how it relates to both human and artificial systems.