The digital age, with its social media algorithms, interconnected lives, and the challenges of a post-truth era, has sparked a renewed interest in human cognitive resources. Faced with information manipulation and a sense of disorientation, there’s a growing need for authentic human connection and grounded understanding. Our inherent capacity for deliberate thought, meaningful dialogue, and embodied experience, offers a vital counterpoint, a path towards reclaiming cognitive autonomy and fostering genuine human resonance. To make this realisation tangible, we have coined it a term Natural Intelligence.
The term draws inspiration from Dr. Howard Gardner (1999), who argued that naturalistic intelligence is one of multiple distinct human intelligences. It involves the capacity to recognize and classify patterns in nature, such as flora, fauna, and environmental systems. Gardner also proposed that individuals with strong naturalistic intelligence are adept at observing, understanding, and interacting with the natural world. (Gardner, 1999)
Serendipitous Conversations
At its core, the idea of Natural Intelligence emphasizes the holistic nature of human cognition, transcending the binary logic of machines. It recognize that intelligence is not solely about processing vast amounts of data but also about contextual awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate the complexities of social interactions (Goleman, 1995). Natural Intelligence thrives on the art of conversation, where ideas are exchanged, perspectives are challenged, and collective wisdom is forged. It values the tactile experience of creating and manipulating knowledge by hand, fostering a deeper connection to the material world and enhancing our cognitive abilities (Crawford, 2009).
In an era dominated by digital distractions and instant gratification, Natural Intelligence advocates for a return to slowness, contemplation, and mindful presence. It encourages us to cultivate deep listening, to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to appreciate the subtle nuances of human communication (Turkle, 2011). Natural Intelligence recognizes that true innovation often arises from serendipitous encounters, spontaneous conversations, and the cross-pollination of ideas from diverse fields of knowledge (Johnson, 2010).
The pursuit of Natural Intelligence is not about rejecting technology but rather about harnessing its potential to augment our human capabilities. It’s about creating a symbiotic relationship where AI serves as a tool to enhance our cognitive abilities, rather than replacing them altogether (Brynjolfsson & McAfee, 2014). It’s about fostering a culture that values critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning, ensuring that technology remains a force for good in the world (Floridi, 2014).
Feeling the Perspectives
Natural Intelligence also recognizes the importance of embodied cognition, the idea that our thoughts are shaped by our physical experiences and interactions with the environment (Wilson, 2002). This perspective highlights the significance of hands-on learning, experiential education, and the cultivation of bodily awareness. It underscores the notion that true understanding often emerges from doing, from actively engaging with the world around us.
Furthermore, Natural Intelligence emphasizes the significance of collective intelligence, the idea that groups of individuals can achieve greater cognitive feats than any single person alone (Surowiecki, 2004). This perspective highlights the importance of fostering collaborative environments, promoting diverse perspectives, and valuing the wisdom of crowds. It recognizes that true innovation often arises from the collective efforts of individuals working together towards a common goal.
In conclusion, Natural Intelligence is not about nostalgic yearning for a bygone era but a forward-thinking approaches to navigating the complexities of the 21st century. It’s a call to reclaim our humanity, to cultivate our innate cognitive abilities, and to create a future where technology serves to enhance, rather than diminish, our human potential. By embracing the principles of Natural Intelligence, we can ensure that we remain the architects of our own destiny, rather than passive recipients of technological change.
Natural Intelligence in Savotta
In Savotta, Natural Intelligence will be one of the core themes of the week, and explored deeper in the sessions of Day 3. During the sessions, we will discuss the principles described in this article, test practical techniques, and engage in activities designed to enhance mindful presence, foster genuine human connection, and deepen self-awareness.
The key elements for this theme include:
- Mindful Dialogue: Structured conversations fostering active listening and empathy.
- Embodied Movement: Activities connecting physical experience to cognitive awareness.
- Sensory Awareness: Exercises enhancing perception and presence.
- Creative Hands-On Projects: Tactile creation fostering problem-solving and innovation.
- Guided Contemplation: reflection for improved focus and self-awareness.
- Collaborative Storytelling: Sharing narratives to build empathy and connection.
- Digital Detox: Creating a space free from digital distractions.
- Reflective Journaling: Processing experiences and insights through writing, drawing and handcrafting.
- Group Reflection: Shared time to reflect on the workshop experiences.
- Increased Social Connection: Fostering authentic human interaction and community.
See you in Savotta!
References
Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2014). The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies. W.W. Norton & Company.
Crawford, M. B. (2009). Shop class as soulcraft: An inquiry into the value of work. Penguin Press.
Floridi, L. (2014). The fourth revolution: How the infosphere is reshaping human reality. Oxford University Press.
Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence reframed: Multiple intelligences for the 21st century. Basic Books.
Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
Johnson, S. (2010). Where good ideas come from: The natural history of innovation. Riverhead Books.
Surowiecki, J. (2004). The wisdom of crowds. Doubleday.
Turkle, S. (2011). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. Basic Books.
Wilson, M. (2002). Six views of embodied cognition. Psychonomic bulletin & review, 9(4), 625-636.
About the Author
Reima Kallinen is the Safety Officer at Häme University of Applied Sciences. He is part of HAMK Human Resource Services Team and holds an MBA in Safety and Security Management.