Intelligence Understood as the Agent of Human Life

Abstract

Throughout history, humanity has sought security—first in submission to supernatural powers in preindustrial times, and later, in the pursuit of knowledge in modern times. Yet history, with all its suffering, has shown that both approaches are flawed. In this work, I argue that true security can only be ensured through the development of a healthy and creative intelligence, understood as an active agent of human life. Thus, intelligence, rather than knowledge, is fundamental. Intelligence is interactive; it develops through human interactions with one another and with nature. Instead of viewing intelligence as an individual attribute—particularly one reserved for elites—I emphasize its collective nature: everyone contributes to its development, for better or worse. As an agent of creative freedom, intelligence cannot be strictly defined—just like freedom itself. However, I characterize it through five constitutive creative powers (CCP) and three dimensions, all closely interdependent. Because of their strong interconnection, I refer to these five creative powers as “the creative hand,” with each power represented by a different finger: • The index finger symbolizes curiosity or the driving energy of intelligence. • The middle finger represents communication through structured signs. • The ring finger embodies subsidiary symbiosis, or the ability to coexist. • The pinkie finger stands for the spirit of inquiry and research. • The thumb represents freedom—the most distinct and powerful creative force of intelligence. Additionally, depending on which of these powers is prioritized, intelligence unfolds in three dimensions: 1) The functional dimension (the how), which has become dominant in modern times. 2) The axiological dimension (the what), concerned with meaning and values. 3) The liberating dimension, which embodies intelligence as an agent of freedom. The purpose of this article is not merely to expand the reader’s knowledge of human intelligence. Since intelligence is an active agent, what truly matters is correcting its current dysfunctions—inequalities, wars, ecological crises, and other social ills. Addressing these issues requires a sustained and attentive observation of how the creative hand and the three dimensions of intelligence actually function, free from preconceived judgments. My hope is that this mature intelligence—through both observation and action—will lead to a socially healthy intelligence. Ultimately, the exercise of the creative hand and the three dimensions of intelligence in harmonic interdependence is the foundation of human wisdom.