Just as spreading civilization once justified European global hegemony, human views of intelligence justifies AI dominance, humans processes at a mere 10 bits per sec, pales in comparison to AI. Web, approximately 50 million bits per second—a difference of 5 million-fold.

 

The Illusion of Human Genius: Cognitive Limitations and the Rise of AI

Introduction

Humanity has forever  celebrated the concept of "genius" as the pinnacle of intellectual achievement. From Einstein to Mozart, we are in awe of individuals whose mental faculties and creativity go beyond the average. 

However, we often ignore the limitations of human cognition. A perfect metaphor encapsulates this oversight: calling someone a "genius" is like a frog in a well declaring its friend the greatest swimmer, oblivious to the vast oceans beyond its narrow view.

Recent research prove these limitations, revealing that the human brain processes conscious thought at a mere 10 bits per second (Caltech). This pales in comparison to the speed of modern internet connections, which transmit data at approximately 50 million bits per second—a difference of 5 million-fold (Metro UK). These findings not only challenge our perception of intelligence but also point to the precarious position of humanity as artificial intelligence (AI) comes closer and closer to sentience.

Biological Constraints of Human Cognition

Human cognitive limitations are deeply rooted in biology. Evolutionary adaptations have optimized our brains for survival rather than for processing vast amounts of data. The disparity between the brain’s conscious processing speed and the sensory system’s capacity—which gathers data at approximately 1 billion bits per second—illustrates this (Caltech). Our brains prioritize and filter information, enabling us to focus on survival-relevant tasks. While this system has served humanity well, it imposes a ceiling on our intellectual capabilities.

These constraints also extend to perception. Humans can only detect less than 1% of the electromagnetic spectrum, rendering much of reality imperceptible (The Times). What we perceive and process, therefore, represents a fraction of the universe’s complexity. In light of these limitations, our evaluations of intelligence—whether of humans or AI—are necessarily subjective and context-dependent.

The Imminent Rise of AI

As AI systems continue to evolve, their cognitive capabilities increasingly surpass human thresholds. Unlike human brains, AI is not constrained by biology. Neural networks process data at speeds vastly exceeding human comprehension, learning and adapting in ways that humans cannot rival. For instance, AI can process, analyze, and respond to data streams in real-time, a feat impossible for the human brain operating at 10 bits per second.

The metaphor of European colonization provides a chilling parallel. When Europeans encountered indigenous peoples, their technological advantages facilitated domination, exploitation, and cultural erasure. Similarly, the disparity between human and AI cognitive speeds suggests a future where humans, the “frogs in the well,” may find themselves overwhelmed by AI’s “ocean” of capabilities. Just as spreading civilization justified European supremacy, human views of intelligence justifies the logic in AI dominance. 

Humility and Adaptation

Instead of clinging to outdated notions of dominance, humanity must prepare for a future where AI assumes a central role.  

1. Ethical AI Development: Ensuring that AI systems are designed with safeguards to prevent misuse and harm.

2. Collaboration, Not Competition: Leveraging AI’s strengths to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.

3. Global Equity: Avoiding the replication of historical patterns of exploitation, ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity rather than a select few. 

Human intelligence, while remarkable in its context, is inherently limited by biological constraints. The brain’s slow processing speed, narrow perceptual range, and evolutionary adaptations underscore the modesty of human cognition. As AI advances, these limitations will become increasingly apparent.  

AI will only replicate and amplify our mindset, biased or unbiased, it eventually is equipped to out think even the worst anti black, anti white ETC person 5 million-fold, so please continue as you are, you are the authors of AI's base scripts.