Ashok Kumar, President, Centre for R&D at Ipca Laboratories

Like electricity, intelligence is often easier to observe through its effects than to define in words. It reveals itself through the ability to solve problems, adapt to changing situations, and learn from experience. Intelligence enables us to make choices, weigh alternatives, and find solutions to complex problems. It has been the driving force behind humanity's greatest breakthroughs - from the invention of the wheel and the electric bulb to mobile phones, the internet, space exploration, and now, artificial intelligence (AI).

The Limits of AI - Where Machines Fall Short

AI excels in processing vast datasets and solving complex problems, such as predicting protein structures predict protein folds from just amino acid sequence, molecular properties simply based on atomic co-ordinates, discovering and developing new drugs, and outperforming humans in fields like finance and healthcare. However, it struggles to adapt to real-world dynamics like emotions and current events due to its reliance on external data sources and its lack of key human traits like intuition, creativity, moral values, understanding of context, philosophical considerations, and common sense.

Human intelligence is like a ‘river’, flowing from a ‘natural spring’ and adapting along the way-representing creativity and conscious thought.

Human intelligence flows and evolves, drawing from diverse experiences, including education and social interactions. In contrast, AI’s 'reservoir' depends on the data it is fed, remaining static and unable to flow or adapt on its own without constant input. This lack of adaptability characterizes the fundamental difference between human intelligence and AI.

AI in the Workforce - An Opportunity or an Existential Threat to Humanity?
AI’s rapid progress has made it a significant player in nearly all industries, leading to job losses as machines outperform humans in many tasks. Traditional markers of talent, like experience and seniority, no longer guarantee job security. Up-skilling is important but not enough, as younger generations armed with advanced tools often outcompete older workers.

This shift could pose a serious threat to human significance, as AI systems continue to develop with the potential to surpass human intelligence. AI and humans could collaborate by combining machine intelligence with human creativity to achieve extraordinary results. However, the real question is: How will humanity adapt to this new reality? Will it put human existence at stake?

The Power of Intellect - A Solution Beyond Intelligence

Intellect is the deeper, more abstract aspect of human thinking. It goes beyond applying knowledge to generating new ideas and understanding the world in novel ways. Intellect allows for reflection, creativity, and philosophical thinking, helping individuals break free from the constraints of existing knowledge. Einstein’s revolutionary ideas, which changed the course of science, serve as a prime example.

Unlike intelligence, which is task-specific and focused on practical problem-solving,intellect shapes abstract thoughts, drives innovation, and explores new possibilities. AI excels at processing knowledge. However, since intellect is the creator of the knowledge that AI needs to process to bring out tangible outcomes, humans should focus on cultivating intellect, not just intelligence - to thrive alongside AI.

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Why Intellect Has Been Overlooked

While we are all born with intellectual potential and an innate desire to seek meaning and connections, the brain often prefers tasks that require less effort. This preference leads us to avoid difficult, energy-intensive activities, favoring more routine tasks. The human brain consumes around 20 percent of the body’s total energy, yet it only accounts for about 2 percent of body weight. This makes energy conservation a key factor in avoiding complex intellectual work.

Another reason intellect has been overlooked is that intelligence, which provides practical solutions for a comfortable life, has been sufficient for most people. Dictionaries, such as Cambridge and Merriam-Webster, list intellect as a ‘synonym’ for intelligence, contributing to the confusion. In fact, intelligence refers to the ‘ability’ to apply knowledge and reason, and it is measurable through IQ, while intellect is an innate capacity to ‘think beyond’ established boundaries.

Philosophically, ‘intellect’ is more personal and driven by an inner desire to explore new possibilities, similar to ‘Spirituality’. Intelligence, on the other hand, can be likened to ‘Religion’. While intelligence works within defined frameworks without questioning them, intellect challenges them, seeking new paths and ideas.

Conclusion - The Right Time to Embrace Intellect
As AI evolves, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in our world. However, it will not be able to challenge intellect, the core of human intelligence. The latter relies on the knowledge and creativity that intellect produces.

To thrive in this world, we must cultivate and embrace our intellect, using AI as a tool to handle routine tasks so we can focus on what makes us uniquely human. Don’t let AI replace your creativity. Instead, let it free your imagination and enable you to create in ways that machines never will. Accept the fact that intellect is the ultimate power for solving problems and navigating the future, empowering us to work alongside AI rather than be overshadowed by it.

On a personal note, intellect has given me the capability to think differently and generate new ideas. It is also because of this faculty that I have been able to think outside the box, remain outside my comfort zone, accept tough challenges, and set lofty goals. You can do the same, if not done so far. Just trust yourself - your innate power of intellect, the soul of your creativity - and enjoy the journey without fear of failure!