In our current society, being “smart” is often equated with the ability to memorize and recall information. We marvel at individuals who can spell complex words flawlessly in spelling bees or recall obscure facts in quiz shows. This kind of intelligence, focused on memorization, looks impressive on the surface. However, the ability to memorize vast amounts of information does not necessarily translate into the ability to use that information creatively or for personal gain. People who excel in these contests are often celebrated, but who do they really serve?
Memorization skills serve the interests of systems that prioritize control and predictability. In education, students are rewarded for their ability to memorize facts and regurgitate them on tests. This narrow definition of intelligence fits neatly into a framework where success can be easily measured and managed. However, the skills required to start a new business, innovate, or rise from the bottom to the top of an industry often require a different kind of intelligence — one that involves creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to see the big picture.
This form of intelligence, which we might call creative or entrepreneurial intelligence, is not easily quantifiable. It involves synthesizing information, taking risks, and thinking outside the box. Unlike memorization, it cannot be directly controlled or predicted, which makes it less valued in our current systems. However, this is the type of intelligence that drives real progress and innovation. The richest and most successful people often possess this kind of intelligence, not because they can memorize vast amounts of information, but because they can use information in novel ways to create value and solve problems.
The Cognitive Emphasis
Our systems are built to value cognitive giftedness in specific domains because it is predictable and directable. This small picture focus allows for easier management and evaluation, reinforcing existing power structures and maintaining control. Schools prioritize standardized testing and rote memorization, measuring success in narrow cognitive terms and neglecting the broader spectrum of human intelligence. Professional environments reward those who can optimize within predefined boundaries, stifling creativity and holistic thinking.
This cognitive emphasis is a deliberate choice, designed to create a workforce that is easy to control and manage. By defining intelligence in terms of cognitive skills that can be easily measured, those in power ensure that the systems they have created remain unchallenged. This manipulation of what it means to be “smart” serves to reinforce their position, while marginalizing those who do not fit the narrow mold.
The Pathology of Sensitivity
Sensitive individuals, those who perceive the world with heightened awareness and emotional depth, are often pathologized in our society. Their sensitivity is seen as a weakness rather than a strength, leading to a host of mental health issues. The pressure to conform to cognitive norms can result in anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. These individuals are forced to suppress their natural abilities and adapt to a world that does not value their unique perspectives, leading to a deep sense of alienation and suffering.
This marginalization is not accidental. By pathologizing sensitivity, those in power can maintain control over the definition of intelligence and ensure that the systems they have created remain unchallenged. Sensitive individuals, with their ability to see beyond the immediate and the obvious, represent a threat to the status quo. By labeling them as weak or mentally ill, the powerful can dismiss their insights and maintain their grip on power.
Destruction of Land and Peoples
The cognitive trap extends beyond individuals to our environment. By focusing on short-term, incremental improvements, we have ignored the long-term consequences of our actions on the natural world. The destruction of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and environmental degradation are direct results of a system that prioritizes immediate gains over sustainable practices. This cognitive enslavement, where nature is exploited for its resources without regard for future generations, is a testament to our failure to think holistically.
This destruction is not just a byproduct of the cognitive emphasis; it is a deliberate strategy to maintain control. By exploiting the land for short-term gains, those in power can ensure their continued dominance, while the long-term consequences are borne by future generations. This shortsighted approach allows the powerful to reap the benefits while avoiding responsibility for the damage they cause.
Abuse in Families and Native Populations
Families that do not conform to the favored type of intelligence often struggle. Children who are somatically gifted or highly sensitive are misunderstood and mistreated, their talents ignored in favor of cognitive abilities that can be measured and controlled. This abuse is not always physical; it can be emotional and psychological, as these children are forced to suppress their true selves to fit societal expectations.
Native populations, with their deep connection to land and holistic understanding of life, have suffered greatly under systems that value cognitive over somatic intelligence. Colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural erasure are manifestations of this systemic bias. These communities, which possess invaluable knowledge about sustainable living and environmental stewardship, have been marginalized and oppressed, their wisdom dismissed as primitive or irrelevant.
This marginalization serves the interests of the powerful. By destroying the cultures and knowledge systems of native populations, those in power can maintain control over the definition of intelligence and ensure that their systems remain unchallenged. The abuse of children in families that do not conform to cognitive norms is part of the same strategy, ensuring that future generations continue to fit the narrow mold defined by the powerful.
A Dangerous Swing
One again we find ourselves on the cusp of a new era, where artificial intelligence combined with human creativity are becoming increasingly valuable. But there is a risk of swinging to the opposite extreme. In this new paradigm, somatic intelligence and creative thinking may become highly desirable, potentially leading to a new form of exploitation. The same systems that once suppressed these forms of intelligence may now seek to control and commodify them, valuing them only for their utility rather than their intrinsic worth.
This shift could give rise to a new form of sociopathy, where the exploitation of creativity and somatic intelligence becomes the norm. In a world where AI can amplify human capabilities, the risk is that we may once again prioritize control and predictability, leading to a new kind of cognitive enslavement. The very traits that make us human — our sensitivity, creativity, and holistic thinking — could be manipulated and exploited for profit, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and destruction.
To avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, we must strive for balance. We need systems that value all forms of intelligence — cognitive, somatic, and emotional — equally. This requires a fundamental shift in how we educate our children, how we evaluate success, and how we interact with our environment. We must create spaces where diverse forms of intelligence are nurtured and celebrated, where individuals are free to explore their unique gifts without fear of judgment or suppression.
We also need to recognize the importance of indigenous wisdom and sustainable practices, integrating these insights into our modern world. By valuing the holistic, interconnected perspectives of native populations, we can learn to live in harmony with nature and each other.
The manipulation of intelligence to serve the interests of the powerful has led to significant harm, both to individuals and to the planet. As we move into a new era where creativity and somatic intelligence are increasingly valued, we must be vigilant to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. By striving for balance and recognizing the intrinsic worth of all forms of intelligence, we can create a more just, sustainable, and humane world. It is only by embracing the full spectrum of human potential that we can hope to navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world and build a future that honors and respects all forms of life.
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