The Question of Smartness: Are Intellectuals Really That Smart?
"Sapiens," or those who have accumulated vast knowledge and wisdom, often shy away from sharing their private insights publicly. Instead, they tend to make decisions that benefit themselves. It's a mixed bag when it comes to so-called professional intellectuals, with their judgment based on varied individual merits. This piece explores the perception of smartness, questioning the intellectual elite and the expectations placed on inventors in light of their failed promises.
The Misconception of 'Smartness'
The term "smart" is often misunderstood, as it is frequently associated with the label of an "intellectual." However, the author asserts that intellectuals like Chomsky, Brinkley, and Meacham may not live up to the popular notion of being incredibly intelligent. In fact, the author wonders if these individuals are really that smart, highlighting that they may not be widely recognized outside certain cultural or geographical areas.
As for inventors, the disappointment in the lack of time travel and sentient robots is dismissed as a form of delusion. Inventors are human, and as such, they have their limitations and cannot fulfill every conceivable expectation. The author questions the public's expectations and the subsequent disappointment when inventions do not live up to the hyperbolic promises made.
It's argued that true smartness can be defined as possessing a combination of knowledge and wisdom, rather than simply being intellectual. The author suggests that even those considered "smart" have limits, and the really smart ones recognize that some challenges are beyond their reach. The limitations of reality are a constant backdrop to every individual's endeavors.
Challenging Limitations
The notion of time travel is delved into, examining the theoretical and practical challenges involved. Time travel would require manipulating space-time and matter at extreme levels, such as turning stars into black holes. The author points out that even if such manipulation were theoretically possible, it has not been achieved due to the inherent complexity of the task.
The discussion then shifts to sentient robots, emphasizing that the human brain is the most sophisticated entity in the known universe. Thus, replicating human intelligence in a machine is an extraordinary challenge. The author argues that genuinely sentient robots may not simply be advanced machines, but rather entities capable of rebelling against or even eliminating mankind, challenging the traditional notion of progress in artificial intelligence.
Recognizing Human Limitations
While an overestimation of human capabilities can lead to disappointment, the line between genius and madness is often very thin. Leonardo da Vinci’s unique vision led to both revolutionary inventions and radical theories, yet his unorthodox thinking also landed him in trouble. Similarly, the author cites the example of Guglielmo Marconi, who was institutionalized due to his belief in and pursuit of wireless telegraphy.
The dialogue concludes with a statement on humility and wisdom. Even the most brilliant minds must acknowledge their limitations and not assume they can achieve everything that is conceivable. Understanding these constraints is a testament to true smartness, rather than the naive belief that technology can solve all problems.