How Did Humans Get Smart?

How Did Humans Get Smart?

In observing other people's actions and registered thoughts, we learn from the environment we're inserted in. What you hear, what you read, the things you go through... they all shape your future decisions, as well as what you choose to do with the information you receive. Humans are smart, but they can get smarter if they wish. The bottom line is: each person responds differently to situations depending on how their brain is wired. That's why we all have different opinions and beliefs.

Humans need different upbringings and experiences to keep the knowledge wheels turning. Besides, humans need to keep looking up to other humans. Again, human intelligence has never improved on its own, and it never will. Through the ages, humans got smarter not only by observing other humans, but by refuting them, agreeing with them, and reaching their own conclusions based on a number of factors. Those include their upbringing and the situations they've encountered throughout their lives.

Early Work

A key aspect of embracing new ideas is to view them as challenges to our imagination. Instead of simply lowering the bar, we should completely reverse the polarity. That means, rather than listing reasons why an idea won't work, we should list reasons why it will work. This is what I do when I encounter someone with a new idea. People often dismiss new ideas for darker reasons. When they see someone working on an ambitious project, whether consciously or unconsciously, they expect it to fail. After all, if that person succeeds in their ambitious endeavor, they will surpass the expectations of those around them. It's not about being "humble," but rather about doing great work. For example, a professor's first task, regardless of the subject, is to slightly exaggerate the importance of their topic and their own significance within it. As Hardy said, a little overconfidence can be beneficial. In many fields, I have noticed that the most successful individuals are slightly overconfident. Another way to navigate the awkward phase of ambitious projects is to surround yourself with the right people. Create a counterflow against the headwinds of society. But it's not enough to simply gather people who encourage you. That will only lead to hearing the encouragement with discounted value. You need colleagues who will clearly tell you when you're producing subpar work. Learning about the history of the great works created by those who came before us can be helpful. What were they thinking when they were starting out? What did they do first? Finding the answers to these questions can be difficult. People often feel embarrassed by their early works and are reluctant to make them public. (Even they made mistakes in judgment.) However, if we can clearly see the first steps on the path to someone's great work, it can be surprisingly weak.

Connecting the Dots

When we connect these different ideas, a common thread emerges. The path to human intelligence and growth lies in our interactions with others, the ideas we encounter, and the challenges we face. The environment we are exposed to, the people we observe, and the experiences we go through all shape our future decisions and contribute to our overall intelligence. By learning from others, refuting and agreeing with their ideas, and reaching our own conclusions, we continue to expand our knowledge and become smarter individuals.

Actionable Advice

1. Embrace new ideas as challenges to your imagination. Instead of focusing on the reasons why they won't work, shift your mindset to highlight the reasons why they will work. This will help you overcome any initial resistance and open yourself up to new possibilities.

2. Surround yourself with the right people who will challenge and critique your work. It's important to have colleagues who will provide honest feedback and push you to improve. Don't just seek out those who will constantly encourage you, but also those who will point out any flaws and help you grow.

3. Study the history of great works and learn from those who came before you. Understanding the thought processes and early works of successful individuals can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Don't be afraid to learn from their mistakes and apply those lessons to your own journey of growth and intelligence.

Conclusion

Human intelligence is not a solitary endeavor. It is shaped by our interactions with others, the ideas we encounter, and the challenges we face. By embracing new ideas, surrounding ourselves with the right people, and learning from those who came before us, we can continue to expand our knowledge and become smarter individuals. So, let's continue to observe, learn, and grow, because getting smarter is a lifelong journey.