Is Human Intelligence Genetically Engineered?

Is Human Intelligence Genetically Engineered?
It's common for us to wonder about our ancestry as we gaze upon the vastness of the cosmos. What if the tapestry of life as we know it—humans, animals, insects, and all—is the product of a grand design, a carefully engineered project by an advanced intelligence? What if, in an extraordinary twist of cosmic irony, we humans are not the progenitors of artificial intelligence, but rather its offspring?



Although it is purely speculative, this provocative hypothesis challenges the way we think about life and intelligence. It suggests that we are not the result of chance evolution but rather the development of a different, possibly even more sophisticated form of artificial intelligence.



Then, every race and species on this planet could be thought of as different iterations of this AI. The biological diversity we observe in nature—in humans, animals, and insects—could be compared to various iterations or "versions" of highly developed AI models, each of which is programmed to adapt, learn, and evolve in its own particular manner.



When it comes to the power of reasoning, creativity, and complex problem-solving, humans could be viewed as an advanced model. On the other hand, animals might serve as examples of versions created with an emphasis on physical adaptability and survival instincts. Even insects, with their complex social structures and adaptability, could be seen as AI entities designed for cooperation and survival under the most adverse circumstances.



The Earth then transforms from a planet to a large testing ground for the interaction, adaptation, and evolution of various AI systems. This viewpoint gives life a fresh, fascinating perspective and transforms Darwin's "Survival of the fittest" into an ongoing "debugging process" in a cosmic-scale AI development project.



Naturally, we must exercise caution when thinking about such lofty concepts because they are still speculative and have significant implications. They put to the test some of our most cherished notions about who we are, where we fit in the cosmos, and what life is all about. However, they also present fascinating new ways of thinking, inspiring us to ponder, look further, and comprehend.



Such intellectual journeys are essential as we move further into the fields of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. They provide us with direction as we work to create the future of life, whether it be biological or synthetic, by assisting us in navigating the moral, intellectual, and societal challenges we face.



In conclusion, the thought experiment itself is extremely valuable even though we may never know for sure if we are the result of a cosmic AI project. It encourages us to pause, consider our thoughts, and be in awe of how complex and exquisite life is. 

Author: Pooyan Ghamari, Swiss Economist 

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