THE HUMAN INTELLIGENCE

                   By nature, humans are both sentient (able to perceive or feel things) and intelligent. Their sentient nature is similar to that of other animals, however, human intelligence is distinctive. Some other specific distinctive features in humans compared to other animals include:

• Besides sensitive knowledge, man also has an intelligence through which he can form conceptions of realities not perceptible to the senses.
• Besides having emotions, man also has the capacity to be attracted or repelled by realities known to his intelligence. Among other things, this allows man to act in view of future objectives which being future, cannot be perceived by the senses.
• Besides having sensitive knowledge of specific objects present to him (as other animals have), man is able to identify constant properties in classes of objects not earlier known to him.

In general, human beings by contrast with other animals can understand abstract, universal ideas, non-material realities, non-existing beings, and even negative concepts.

Also, human intelligence way supersedes that of a computer in the sense that:

• Computers cannot make decisions based on incomplete information and this calls for common sense.
• Another distinctive factor is that, computers do not have acts of insight, which mean that, they are bound to operate based on what was programmed in them.

Basically, there are two aspects of human intelligence and these are:

1. Crystallized intelligence. This refers to human’s vocabulary, knowledge, and skills.
2. Fluid intelligence. Also known as fluid reasoning. Fluid intelligence is one’s ability to reason and think abstractly.

Having established the fact that humans are intelligent beings, why then does it appear as though computers were more intelligent? This is because, humans, have actually believed over the years that, computers were designed to be smarter. Another important reason is that humans have failed to actually put in the conscious work needed to develop themselves and improve their level of intelligence. How then can we improve our level of intelligence?

• Continuous Learning:

Continuous learning is a very important factor. We must open up our minds to learn new things every day. Never stop learning! Continuous learning improves your cognitive function and also enhances your brain. To learn, don’t restrict yourself to your field of expertise, instead, read new books on different subjects, learn new languages, listen to podcasts, watch TED talks, attend lectures or workshops, etc. Challenge yourself

• Meditation:

Another way to improve your level of intelligence is to practice meditation. In an older 2010 study, meditation was associated with better executive functioning and working memory. Take out time every day to meditate. Some of the aids of meditation include meditation apps, guided meditation videos, and meditation classes.

• Get enough sleep:

Sleep is also essential for supporting optimal cognitive function. When you sleep, your brain consolidates memories you created throughout the day. It also enhances your brain’s ability to learn new information when you wake up. Get enough sleep!

• Exercise Regularly:

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to improve brain functioning. Light exercise promotes activity in the hippocampus, which is involved in memory. It also enhances the connection between the hippocampus and other brain regions that regulate memory. To enjoy the cognitive benefits of exercise, it’s important to do it regularly. The good news is that you don’t have to exercise vigorously to reap the benefits. Simple exercises like walking, yoga, hiking and bodyweight workouts can go a long way.