Intelligence Defeats Raw Power

Open Source

AGI or not, we are literally living in an intelligence explosion. If we want, that intelligence can help us advance cures for diseases, strengthen education, create new forms of energy, lower the cost of goods, help improve fair decison-making, and do so many other good things.

At the same time, we’re also seeing the rise of raw power—unapologetic and self-serving—where facts and intelligence take a back seat to force. In many cases, that power isn’t threatened by smarter systems; it co-opts them, using intelligence to entrench itself even further.

The upside, however, is that the creative application of raw intelligence has been what has defeated the growth and application of raw power throughout history. The Greeks used deception — the infamous Trojan Horse. Hannibal stunned Rome by leading an army — including war elephants — across the seemingly impassable Alps. England used smaller, faster ships and sent burning fire-ships into the anchored Armada to create chaos. n Alan Turing and his team at Bletchley Park cracked the Enigma code, enabling the Allies to intercept German military plan. The Viet Cong's guerrilla tactics and intimate knowledge of the terrain helped them overcome the vastly superior military technology and resources of the United States. Their tunnel systems, booby traps, and hit-and-run tactics neutralized America's technological advantages.

In their 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle," Ali leaned against the ropes, allowing Foreman to exhaust himself throwing punches, before counterattacking when Foreman was fatigued.

Intelligence beats brute force.

The more intelligence the more people have the better.

Open source.