“It is not clear that intelligence has any long-term survival value.”
- January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018
- British
- Theoretical physicist, science writer
- Announced the black hole singularity theorem and Hawking radiation, and contributed to the popularization of science with his book “Talking about the Universe”
Quote
“It is not clear that intelligence has any long-term survival value.”
Explanation
In this quote, Stephen Hawking offers a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of intelligence and its role in the survival of species. While humans often equate intelligence with evolutionary advantage—seeing it as a key factor that has allowed us to dominate the planet—Hawking suggests that the connection between intelligence and long-term survival is not as clear-cut as we might think. From an evolutionary standpoint, many species have thrived for millions of years without the need for complex thought or advanced cognitive abilities. In fact, simpler organisms often demonstrate remarkable survival strategies that don’t require the level of intellectual sophistication seen in humans.
This statement also challenges the assumption that human intelligence will necessarily ensure our survival. Hawking was deeply concerned about the future of humanity, particularly in light of global challenges like nuclear war, climate change, and the rise of artificial intelligence. Intelligence, in Hawking’s view, does not guarantee that humans will make the right decisions or navigate these challenges in a way that ensures long-term survival. In fact, intelligence can be a double-edged sword—it allows us to understand and manipulate the environment, but it can also lead to the destruction of the very conditions that sustain life on Earth. The potential dangers of human technological advancement and the ethical dilemmas posed by AI were issues Hawking raised repeatedly in his later years, warning that our intelligence could be the very thing that brings about our downfall if misused.
Finally, this quote also speaks to the fragility of human civilization. While humans have developed incredible technological prowess and scientific understanding, these achievements do not necessarily guarantee a sustainable future. Survival, in the long term, may depend less on our intellectual capacity and more on our ability to live sustainably, to cooperate with one another, and to avoid the self-destructive impulses that intelligence can sometimes enable. Hawking’s words serve as a cautionary reminder that intelligence alone is not enough—wisdom, humility, and responsible decision-making are equally critical if we are to ensure that humanity survives and thrives in the future.
