Have you ever wondered if humans are anywhere near their optimal intelligence bound? Is there even such a bound for our cognitive capabilities? François Chollet and Fridman discuss these thought-provoking ideas and more.
Contents
Breaking Boundaries of Human Intelligence
The concept of an optimal intelligence bound for humans might seem limiting, but François Chollet believes otherwise. He suggests that humans have yet to reach their full cognitive potential. While there may be a limit to how intelligent any system can be, humans are far from reaching it.
The Connection Between Intelligence and Problems
Fridman introduces an interesting perspective. He believes that human intelligence is closely tied to the problems we face. In a way, our cognitive abilities are limited by the challenges we encounter and the solutions we strive to find. This connection between intelligence and problem-solving is an intriguing concept to ponder.
Neuralink: Expanding Human Intelligence
The conversation shifts to Neuralink, a fascinating addition to the field of brain-computer interfaces. Fridman wonders if outsourcing some of our brain power through such interfaces can expand and augment our intelligence. However, Chollet remains skeptical.
Chollet’s skepticism stems from the belief that Neuralink aims to address a specific bottleneck in human-machine cognition—the input and output of information. He argues that bandwidth is not currently a limiting factor. Our brains already possess sensors that can process more information than we can handle.
Externalized vs. Internalized Intelligence
The discussion delves deeper into the concept of externalizing intelligence through information processing systems like Wikipedia. While this externalized cognition has enhanced human intelligence, Chollet argues that it differs significantly from brain-computer interfaces.
Chollet believes that direct access to information, such as Wikipedia, already exists through our phones and traditional sensory inputs. The speed at which we can access and absorb information is already close to optimal. For example, speed reading techniques have limitations, suggesting that the brain’s processing capabilities are not easily surpassable.
The Slowness of the Human Brain
The human brain operates at a relatively slow pace, with conscious thoughts taking seconds to form. Chollet explains that the speed at which information can be processed and expressed is already quite high. The brain’s fundamental bottlenecks may be inherent, allowing us to survive in our environments.
Augmenting Human Intelligence
Chollet acknowledges the potential of augmenting human intelligence as a valid and powerful endeavor. He highlights that civilization itself thrives upon externalized cognition, manifesting through language, books, and culture. This externalization expands cognitive capabilities beyond the limits of individual brains.
The conversation concludes by acknowledging the contributions of non-human systems, such as AI, in furthering our collective intelligence. The growth and influence of technology, like Google search, have significantly impacted the way we think and solve problems.
In essence, the future of human intelligence holds vast possibilities. While Neuralink may not be the ultimate solution, it is essential to explore and push the boundaries of our cognitive abilities. After all, the quest to enhance human intelligence is a journey that will shape our future in fascinating and unimaginable ways.
