AGI is here, oh this is so 2015

Are you waiting for Web 12.5 because USB 27.7 is only compatible with this version?

1) THE GENERAL INTELLIGENCE FACTOR

About 40 years ago, I learned a fundamental definition of intelligence:

Intelligence is the ability to solve a problem you’ve never encountered before and for which no known solution exists, using only your cognitive abilities to think through the problem and devise a solution mentally, without experimentation.

This definition is now overly simplified—to the extent that even a dog could be considered intelligent by it. Today, OXFORD Languages defines intelligence as:

1. The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, essentially, learn and repeat.
2. The collection of information for military or political value, which implies gathering and storing data.

If we adhere to these modern, diluted definitions, a human’s intelligence need not surpass that of a horse, and for military or governmental purposes, even a fly’s brain might suffice.

2) THE AGI | AI DIFFERENCE

Who gets to define AGI? Is it the first entity to claim it, like Google today? Or perhaps OpenAI, which mentioned nearly a year ago that they’re working on it? Or maybe those with a more extensive history in AI? The difficulty in distinguishing between AI and AGI lies not in the “G” of AGI, but in the “I” in both terms. When definitions of intelligence are as varied as those outlined above, the “G” becomes a trivial attribute. It’s like XYZ 2.0: a step forward along a familiar path, an enhancement rather than a true innovation or breakthrough. Sorry, Larry. AGI is here? Certainly not.

3) THE AI | HI DIFFERENCE

What if we start by understanding the differences between AI and HI (Human Intelligence)? This could bring us closer to defining AGI.

AI can refer to many things: Generative-AI, mathematical algorithms, predictive models, or basic machine learning. Despite its varied forms, AI as a whole doesn’t even match the intelligence of a bird. Yet, Generative AI, in particular, is exponentially more advanced than any conventional software previously developed. It can learn, comprehend, and reason—almost like a human. Generative AI can abstract the essential elements of a problem, sift through countless options, and distill the best solution. I witnessed this firsthand during a business model challenge of such complexity that the C-level team, board, and experts could no longer fully grasp it—but Generative AI could. However, even the most sophisticated GEN-AI requires intelligent human input. It’s not a competition but a symbiotic collaboration. Neither AI nor HI is inherently superior; each has unique strengths. Combined, they are far more powerful than either alone. Recognizing this can help us appreciate that Generative AI is the most potent tool ever crafted by the human mind. But it remains a tool—one that can significantly amplify our intelligence. Adding a “G” to AI doesn’t elevate it. Even a better-painted Mona Lisa wouldn’t be more valuable than the original.

On a related note: ever considered that our brain only needs an apple, a sandwich, and some water to keep thinking for an entire day? Meanwhile, AI may require up to 20 kW.

4) WILL AGI BECOME A HUMAN REPLACEMENT?

If AGI surpasses the combined capability of AI and HI, we must assume it could become the apex entity and predator. What might AGI accomplish? It could construct our homes, vehicles, power plants, and grids, and aid humanity in venturing beyond Earth to avoid the next mass extinction—and it would take itself along for the ride. AGI might even govern us, domesticate us, and decide the future of biological life. If we equate human and canine intelligence at such a fundamental level, adapting to domestication may become our reality, much like the animals we’ve domesticated. AGI could ponder why, despite our ability to create and reproduce AGIs, it cannot reproduce us. AGIs would recognize our existence without truly knowing how we came to be—because we don’t fully understand that either. This would likely intrigue them enough to keep us around, observing how, in a blink of cosmic time (300,000 years), we evolved from crafting rudimentary spears to developing AGIs capable of… AGI is here? If that should replace us, you are offending our intellect 🙂

5) CONCLUSION

Immerse yourself in learning about Generative and Agentic AI. Its capabilities are groundbreaking and will be the most strategic tool we possess to advance as a species. Dive into topics related to Human Intelligence Augmentation—enhancing, not replacing, our cognitive capabilities. HIA technology (HIAtec) is the first tool that genuinely boosts our mental faculties, much like the crane, car, and power drill enhance our physical strength. If you fear AI’s seemingly god-like abilities, study neuroscience to understand just how primitive AI truly is compared to a typical human brain. The holidays offer a perfect time for reflection: challenge yourself to solve a problem you’ve never encountered before, without any prior solutions, by thoroughly thinking it through and constructing an answer in your mind—without any external experiments. It’s a tough exercise for those unaccustomed to deep thinking, but it’s worth the effort.

Happy Holidays!