Core Insights - The article outlines five major breakthroughs in the evolution of intelligence, from the development of basic navigation in early organisms to the potential emergence of superintelligence in artificial entities [2][3][5][11]. Breakthroughs in Intelligence - **First Breakthrough: Turning** - Approximately 600 million years ago, early bilateral animals evolved a simple nervous system that allowed for basic navigation by distinguishing between positive and negative stimuli [2]. - **Second Breakthrough: Reinforcement** - Around 500 million years ago, the first vertebrates developed a brain structure that enabled learning from past experiences, establishing a foundation for emotional and cognitive traits [3]. - **Third Breakthrough: Simulation** - About 100 million years ago, early mammals developed the ability to mentally simulate actions and events, leading to advanced planning and fine motor skills [4]. - **Fourth Breakthrough: Mentalization** - Between 10 to 30 million years ago, early primates evolved the capacity to understand their own and others' mental states, enhancing social interactions and learning [5]. - **Fifth Breakthrough: Language** - Language emerged as a means to connect internal simulations, allowing for the accumulation of knowledge across generations [5]. Evolutionary Context - Human history can be divided into two main chapters: the evolutionary chapter, detailing the biological development of modern humans, and the cultural chapter, which encompasses the rapid advancements in civilization over the last 100,000 years [6][7]. - The article emphasizes the significance of the last 100,000 years in shaping human civilization, contrasting it with the extensive evolutionary timeline [6]. Future of Intelligence - The article posits that the next breakthrough may involve the emergence of superintelligence, where artificial entities surpass biological limitations, leading to unprecedented cognitive capabilities [9][10]. - It discusses the implications of this potential shift, including the redefinition of individuality and the evolution of intelligence beyond biological constraints [10][11]. Philosophical Considerations - The article raises critical questions about the goals of humanity as it approaches the sixth breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of values and choices in shaping the future of intelligence [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of the human brain and its implications for artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that understanding the brain's evolutionary breakthroughs may unlock new advancements in AI capabilities [2][7]. Summary by Sections Evolutionary Breakthroughs - The evolution of the brain is categorized into five significant breakthroughs that can be linked to AI development [8]. 1. **First Breakthrough - Reflex Action**: This initial function allowed primitive brains to distinguish between good and bad stimuli using a few hundred neurons [8]. 2. **Second Breakthrough - Reinforcement Learning**: This advanced the brain's ability to quantify the likelihood of achieving goals, enhancing AI's learning processes through rewards [8]. 3. **Third Breakthrough - Neocortex Development**: The emergence of the neocortex enabled mammals to plan and simulate actions mentally, akin to slow thinking in AI models [9]. 4. **Fourth Breakthrough - Theory of Mind**: This allowed primates to understand others' intentions and emotions, which is still a developing area for AI [10]. 5. **Fifth Breakthrough - Language**: Language as a learned social system has allowed humans to share complex knowledge, a capability that AI is beginning to grasp [11]. AI Development - Current AI systems have made strides in areas like language understanding but still lag in aspects such as emotional intelligence and self-planning [10][11]. - The article illustrates the potential future of AI through a hypothetical robot's evolution, showcasing how it could develop from simple reflex actions to complex emotional understanding and communication [13][14]. Historical Context - The narrative emphasizes that significant evolutionary changes often arise from unexpected events, suggesting that future breakthroughs in AI may similarly emerge from unforeseen circumstances [15][16].