That made me chuckle, Geoff, but I'm not sure it's true. Sometimes I wonder if the smartest people actually just stay quiet more and don't jump into the clown car to go for a ride
Well...most of the senior people have left LinkedIn and I'm kind of looking around...will probably pare down profile but not entirely done ...I don't recall who I heard it from, but, whenever you're feeling too smart, go and try to conquer a crossword puzzle 🤠
It’s different, but in the same ballpark: I stopped using Spotify and started buying and playing records. My relationship with music is changing because of this. I’m more consciously listening, more aware. And I got this from my 17 year old son.
It's funny how you and I often circle the same issue. I have an essay coming out tomorrow about how artificial intelligence learns by looking backward and actual intelligence (though I don't use that term) evolves by looking forward. That there is a gap between a sentence one writes and the one that follows, or a note one plays and the one played next. And for us, people, that gap is filled by emotion, experience, and intent. The machine never has that gap. It can generate the next word, but it is never changed by the work in progress.
But we are. People, we evolve. We don't recursively spiral until we remove all evidence of splinters, and pain, and imperfection. We develop new ideas, new works, new anything by building onto what we believe can be, not only on what we are trained to see already happened.
I don't know. There is some part of actual intelligence that must be forward looking. The spark of creation and improvisation. The need to create something new to fit better than the something old, no matter whether it's built on moments from the past or an entirely new thing or whether it relates to dignity, or difficult choices. There has to be room for invention or improvisation.
The capacity of intelligence has to be more than just the capacity to remember. It has to be the capacity to imagine what can be better.
Your last paragraph hit me in a funny place, Charlie. To imagine. Because you're right, AI can't do that. And to the person using it, sometimes it might feel like it does because the material is new to them. But it's taken from existing work.
But at the same time, I don't know where imagination and ideas come from. Here's example of what I mean by that. Alfred Russel Wallace developed the theory of evolution by natural selection at the exact same time as Charles Darwin. Stephen King was writing It at the same time Peter Straub was writing Floating Dragon. Both were about an ancient supernatural entity plaguing a small community. How does that even happen?
What I love most is being able to HAVE these conversations. You know? Because so many people are very black and white in their opinions, where I tend to be more a shades of grey person, curious about it all. Because really, what we know pales next to what we don't.
A remember an old quote from a Simpson’s episode (you go high, I’ll go low) where Bart told someone that what they didn’t know could fill a warehouse. And then some, right?
How are we supposed to know anything unless we have these discussions. Because so much of the stuff we know is not really objective. We need to throw it back and forth like a baseball to get a feel for how to play. What you think impacts what I think, impacts what someone reading this comment or your essay might think, and so on.
There is a bit of the algorithm in all of us, but our algorithm doesn’t know everything yet, so the possibility of knowing something new still exists. I think that’s imagination. And it’s one of the best things about being alive.
That's what AI can't do, imagine. It can draw from what it's read and gobbled up, but it can't imagine what it hasn't been able to take in. There's no new, just reguritation.
I just put my essay out this issue today. I won’t muddy up Linda’s comments with a link, but feel free to click through to my profile and read if you want.
I think the person who doesn't read has an advantage over the person who can't -- it's much easier to start once you decide you want to. And that's really the question: what do we want to do?
But, honestly, I think we focus too much on intelligence, maybe as a result of the school system which lionizes it over many other valuable skills. The most successful people I know are not the most intelligent (and I say that as somebody who graduated Magna Cum Laude from an Ivy League institution). I would trade some of my intelligence for, say, better health or the ability to understand my spiritual gifts in my twenties instead of having to wait until my '50s.
I wish our society helped people understand and value a whole range of gifts equally. Because there are many human gifts that AI can never have (like intuition or spiritual connection). So I'm waiting for those to become as valued and encouraged as "intelligence."
Lol, Robin, your first sentence is true if taken literally. But you ask a good question in what do we WANT to do. Because it's so easy to just get swept along with the tide, and suddenly here we are, over fifty. Your last paragraph is so true. There are so many things I wish we valued more. Curiosity, for example. Did you know that with each successive year in school, kids ask fewer questions? When I read that, it made me sad. And yes, intuition, and empathy for that matter
Right?!? It's a little like criticizing humans because we don't have the travel speed of an automobile or our fingernails are not as sharp as knives. Of course we create tools that are MORE effective than we are in certain areas. That's the purpose of a tool! But there are human qualities that no tool can replace. I think diving into those is really important, especially ones that allow every person to shine, not just prioritizing a few that some people have more than others.
Thank you! I got to go clip mine... Fortunately, I am not worried about succeeding because a nail clipper is way better than my teeth for getting that job done!
Wonderful food for thought, as usual. Sometimes I want to give you a hug over what you present. Positive touch is crucial to positive brain and emotional development. AI misses the human connection because of all it has never felt. Richelle E Goodrich reminds folks that “We forget that the sweetest joys are found in the simplest acts: hugs, laughter, quiet observation, basic movements, holding hands, pleasant music, shared stories, a listening ear, an unhurried visit, and selfless service." AI might seem like it carries on conversations, but it doesn't 'know' any of this.
I've stopped using my phone's calendar and have a (gasp!) wall calendar and pocket calendar. Adding an event to my phone's calendar is done too quickly for me to fully comprehend the date. But picking my favorite pen to write it out, cements it more securely in my brain. Trends toward journaling and fountain pens and gratitude lists are encouraging to see. It is our own little resistance against group think.
Since Humanity is the one defining the concept of Intelligence, they look at their own performance and assign their characteristics to create the idea of Intelligence. Intelligence is also by far not directly connected with morality, that’s a completely different subject. Arguably, all primate species exhibit the same signs of intelligence that a human infant. So what does Humanity do? They require intelligence to include a level of speech. We are doing the same thing with the AI models, holding them up to the standards we define as intelligence without really ever considering whether our cognitive capabilities and actions are somehow universally definable as intelligence. We look for language, the ability to create tools, the creativity to make art, the ability to learn from consequences of our decisions, because that’s how we define our own intelligence. If Humans were so incredibly intelligent, why have we never learned to communicate with any of the other species on this planet to whom we similarly ascribe the intelligence label to? Chimps, Dolphins, Whales, to name a few, demonstrate many of the same characteristics as humans (maybe without tool making and building shelter) and all have recognizable languages, but despite all our vaunted intelligence, we’ve never bothered to communicate unless it was to train them to use our methods of communication. All that says is it is easy to win the game when you are in charge of making the rules.
I teach high school English and college composition. Several months ago, I had a poster custom made for my classroom. It reads: “Actual Intelligence > Artificial Intelligence.”
Having seen it in action, artificial intelligence in its current iteration might just be the worst possible thing for the planet. There are five new data centers that have been authorized in my home state, under NDAs and no respect for the wishes of the people. I live in an environmentally beautiful state - a fisherman's paradise.
My first guess is that the beauty of the outdoors and the water supply will be next to nothing by the time I die - within the next twenty years.
My other guess is that actual intelligence had nothing to do with these decisions to bring this "industry" to the state.
So my question is what happens to the country when none of our leaders have actual intelligence because I am afraid that is where we are headed.
Linda , you are absolutely right , humans possess intelligence. Mostly it is utilised for mischievous and evil purposes . There are others who invest this in multifarious purposes, schemes and even experiments . It is one such where by AI is created and today it is surpassing human intelligence. Yet its operations are manned by humans and they in turn vitiate the clientele that was earlier boosted and heightened by manpower . Today it is AI and its mantle that holds the sway but it is not guaranteed how long it holds its suzerainty. A time may come when it may lose its hold clearing the path for a new comer . Believe in self and strive for newer opportunities rather than succumbing to fear and despair.
To conclude Intelligence is a double edged sword . It provides harmony and peace . And it also creates calamity and chaos.
The thought that came into my mind when reading this was “Intelligence is not Wisdom” and surely ‘Wisdom’ is what we need to make good decisions and live better lives; and to counteract the effects of bad decisions initiated by ‘Intelligent’ people. Decisions that have proved to be far from ‘Wise’.
I am reminded of the words “Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, And with all you acquire, acquire understanding.” (Proverbs4:7)
"Everything is connected" is a right-brain-hemisphere viewpoint. There is no single intelligence, as we now know - but multiple intelligences. Some are stronger in each of us, some weaker: but all can be increased once they're recognized. Imaginative intelligence incorporates all those non rational elements like dignity (which is a form of empathy), appreciation of beauty and awe, and value. The veneration of rational intelligence, which is what AI (artificial) is superlative at, is what is dumbing down our imaginative intelligence. That's why it's vital to name it and recognize how it is the heart of our humanity.
I should have added that imaginative intelligence takes the right-hemisphere viewpoint. That is not the debunked right-brain=creativity argument. The two hemispheres have a different outlook, which colors how you "think."
Actual intelligence on actual intelligence. I’ve been thinking lately about ways mine has been degraded and why. Great post.
Thanks, Kelly. Sometimes I feel like the pace of life today wears me out. I'm sure many of us feel that way, not unique to me!
I think what we are needing is more consciousness which is much different from intelligence.
That's a good point, Jim. And empathy, too, I think.
Yes, empathy. More empathy.
If you haven't seen it, watch The Interview episode with Scott Pelley when he talks about his firing from 60 Minutes. It's empathy personified.
Yes, quite a disappointment to learn how little intelligent life there is among us 🤠.
That made me chuckle, Geoff, but I'm not sure it's true. Sometimes I wonder if the smartest people actually just stay quiet more and don't jump into the clown car to go for a ride
Well...most of the senior people have left LinkedIn and I'm kind of looking around...will probably pare down profile but not entirely done ...I don't recall who I heard it from, but, whenever you're feeling too smart, go and try to conquer a crossword puzzle 🤠
It’s different, but in the same ballpark: I stopped using Spotify and started buying and playing records. My relationship with music is changing because of this. I’m more consciously listening, more aware. And I got this from my 17 year old son.
Oh, what a delight, Marcel. Yes, I could see how that would make a difference. Brings back fond memories of when I had a box of vinyl records
It's funny how you and I often circle the same issue. I have an essay coming out tomorrow about how artificial intelligence learns by looking backward and actual intelligence (though I don't use that term) evolves by looking forward. That there is a gap between a sentence one writes and the one that follows, or a note one plays and the one played next. And for us, people, that gap is filled by emotion, experience, and intent. The machine never has that gap. It can generate the next word, but it is never changed by the work in progress.
But we are. People, we evolve. We don't recursively spiral until we remove all evidence of splinters, and pain, and imperfection. We develop new ideas, new works, new anything by building onto what we believe can be, not only on what we are trained to see already happened.
I don't know. There is some part of actual intelligence that must be forward looking. The spark of creation and improvisation. The need to create something new to fit better than the something old, no matter whether it's built on moments from the past or an entirely new thing or whether it relates to dignity, or difficult choices. There has to be room for invention or improvisation.
The capacity of intelligence has to be more than just the capacity to remember. It has to be the capacity to imagine what can be better.
Your last paragraph hit me in a funny place, Charlie. To imagine. Because you're right, AI can't do that. And to the person using it, sometimes it might feel like it does because the material is new to them. But it's taken from existing work.
But at the same time, I don't know where imagination and ideas come from. Here's example of what I mean by that. Alfred Russel Wallace developed the theory of evolution by natural selection at the exact same time as Charles Darwin. Stephen King was writing It at the same time Peter Straub was writing Floating Dragon. Both were about an ancient supernatural entity plaguing a small community. How does that even happen?
What I love most is being able to HAVE these conversations. You know? Because so many people are very black and white in their opinions, where I tend to be more a shades of grey person, curious about it all. Because really, what we know pales next to what we don't.
A remember an old quote from a Simpson’s episode (you go high, I’ll go low) where Bart told someone that what they didn’t know could fill a warehouse. And then some, right?
How are we supposed to know anything unless we have these discussions. Because so much of the stuff we know is not really objective. We need to throw it back and forth like a baseball to get a feel for how to play. What you think impacts what I think, impacts what someone reading this comment or your essay might think, and so on.
There is a bit of the algorithm in all of us, but our algorithm doesn’t know everything yet, so the possibility of knowing something new still exists. I think that’s imagination. And it’s one of the best things about being alive.
That's what AI can't do, imagine. It can draw from what it's read and gobbled up, but it can't imagine what it hasn't been able to take in. There's no new, just reguritation.
I just put my essay out this issue today. I won’t muddy up Linda’s comments with a link, but feel free to click through to my profile and read if you want.
Thanks Charlie! I will.
I think the person who doesn't read has an advantage over the person who can't -- it's much easier to start once you decide you want to. And that's really the question: what do we want to do?
But, honestly, I think we focus too much on intelligence, maybe as a result of the school system which lionizes it over many other valuable skills. The most successful people I know are not the most intelligent (and I say that as somebody who graduated Magna Cum Laude from an Ivy League institution). I would trade some of my intelligence for, say, better health or the ability to understand my spiritual gifts in my twenties instead of having to wait until my '50s.
I wish our society helped people understand and value a whole range of gifts equally. Because there are many human gifts that AI can never have (like intuition or spiritual connection). So I'm waiting for those to become as valued and encouraged as "intelligence."
Lol, Robin, your first sentence is true if taken literally. But you ask a good question in what do we WANT to do. Because it's so easy to just get swept along with the tide, and suddenly here we are, over fifty. Your last paragraph is so true. There are so many things I wish we valued more. Curiosity, for example. Did you know that with each successive year in school, kids ask fewer questions? When I read that, it made me sad. And yes, intuition, and empathy for that matter
The things that can never be remade as "artificial". Yes!
Right?!? It's a little like criticizing humans because we don't have the travel speed of an automobile or our fingernails are not as sharp as knives. Of course we create tools that are MORE effective than we are in certain areas. That's the purpose of a tool! But there are human qualities that no tool can replace. I think diving into those is really important, especially ones that allow every person to shine, not just prioritizing a few that some people have more than others.
Well said Robin. Gotta go sharpen my fingernails….
Thank you! I got to go clip mine... Fortunately, I am not worried about succeeding because a nail clipper is way better than my teeth for getting that job done!
Wonderful food for thought, as usual. Sometimes I want to give you a hug over what you present. Positive touch is crucial to positive brain and emotional development. AI misses the human connection because of all it has never felt. Richelle E Goodrich reminds folks that “We forget that the sweetest joys are found in the simplest acts: hugs, laughter, quiet observation, basic movements, holding hands, pleasant music, shared stories, a listening ear, an unhurried visit, and selfless service." AI might seem like it carries on conversations, but it doesn't 'know' any of this.
I've stopped using my phone's calendar and have a (gasp!) wall calendar and pocket calendar. Adding an event to my phone's calendar is done too quickly for me to fully comprehend the date. But picking my favorite pen to write it out, cements it more securely in my brain. Trends toward journaling and fountain pens and gratitude lists are encouraging to see. It is our own little resistance against group think.
Since Humanity is the one defining the concept of Intelligence, they look at their own performance and assign their characteristics to create the idea of Intelligence. Intelligence is also by far not directly connected with morality, that’s a completely different subject. Arguably, all primate species exhibit the same signs of intelligence that a human infant. So what does Humanity do? They require intelligence to include a level of speech. We are doing the same thing with the AI models, holding them up to the standards we define as intelligence without really ever considering whether our cognitive capabilities and actions are somehow universally definable as intelligence. We look for language, the ability to create tools, the creativity to make art, the ability to learn from consequences of our decisions, because that’s how we define our own intelligence. If Humans were so incredibly intelligent, why have we never learned to communicate with any of the other species on this planet to whom we similarly ascribe the intelligence label to? Chimps, Dolphins, Whales, to name a few, demonstrate many of the same characteristics as humans (maybe without tool making and building shelter) and all have recognizable languages, but despite all our vaunted intelligence, we’ve never bothered to communicate unless it was to train them to use our methods of communication. All that says is it is easy to win the game when you are in charge of making the rules.
I teach high school English and college composition. Several months ago, I had a poster custom made for my classroom. It reads: “Actual Intelligence > Artificial Intelligence.”
P.S. I also loved that series!
Having seen it in action, artificial intelligence in its current iteration might just be the worst possible thing for the planet. There are five new data centers that have been authorized in my home state, under NDAs and no respect for the wishes of the people. I live in an environmentally beautiful state - a fisherman's paradise.
My first guess is that the beauty of the outdoors and the water supply will be next to nothing by the time I die - within the next twenty years.
My other guess is that actual intelligence had nothing to do with these decisions to bring this "industry" to the state.
So my question is what happens to the country when none of our leaders have actual intelligence because I am afraid that is where we are headed.
As always, Linda, very through provoking post!
Linda , you are absolutely right , humans possess intelligence. Mostly it is utilised for mischievous and evil purposes . There are others who invest this in multifarious purposes, schemes and even experiments . It is one such where by AI is created and today it is surpassing human intelligence. Yet its operations are manned by humans and they in turn vitiate the clientele that was earlier boosted and heightened by manpower . Today it is AI and its mantle that holds the sway but it is not guaranteed how long it holds its suzerainty. A time may come when it may lose its hold clearing the path for a new comer . Believe in self and strive for newer opportunities rather than succumbing to fear and despair.
To conclude Intelligence is a double edged sword . It provides harmony and peace . And it also creates calamity and chaos.
Seems like the important conversation is any one that pushes us to think deeper. Thanks for starting another one of those here.
All the more reason to judge others by what they do, not by what they say, or post.
The thought that came into my mind when reading this was “Intelligence is not Wisdom” and surely ‘Wisdom’ is what we need to make good decisions and live better lives; and to counteract the effects of bad decisions initiated by ‘Intelligent’ people. Decisions that have proved to be far from ‘Wise’.
I am reminded of the words “Wisdom is the most important thing, so acquire wisdom, And with all you acquire, acquire understanding.” (Proverbs4:7)
"Everything is connected" is a right-brain-hemisphere viewpoint. There is no single intelligence, as we now know - but multiple intelligences. Some are stronger in each of us, some weaker: but all can be increased once they're recognized. Imaginative intelligence incorporates all those non rational elements like dignity (which is a form of empathy), appreciation of beauty and awe, and value. The veneration of rational intelligence, which is what AI (artificial) is superlative at, is what is dumbing down our imaginative intelligence. That's why it's vital to name it and recognize how it is the heart of our humanity.
I should have added that imaginative intelligence takes the right-hemisphere viewpoint. That is not the debunked right-brain=creativity argument. The two hemispheres have a different outlook, which colors how you "think."