Dato Dr. Vincent Ng, a retired Director-General of Veterinary Services asked me
yesterday through a WhatsApp chat this question. I quote:
“Prof
Dr. Lim, can you please comment on AI by Geoffrey Hinton, father of AI. AI is
more intelligent than human why?? I don't know exactly how AI works. They can
modify themselves & can think better than humans??”
My
reply:
Thank
you for your question, Dato Dr. Vincent Ng. As the answer can be quite lengthy
that took me several hours to write, I decide to share my answer here in my
blog to a much wider audience than through a limited WhatsApp chat group, most
of them are totally not active or have written a single word to share anything
at all – not even an acknowledgement or a single word to thank.
Before
I answer, we need to answer the speed of human thoughts compared to those of
AI. I shall try my level best to explain why there is such a vast difference in
thinking and in intelligence between us and those highly intelligent and
knowledgeable AI.
Your
question is a fascinating one. Let me try to answer using the speed of my human
thoughts and intelligence which unfortunately is very, very, slow and low.
The
speed of human thoughts versus AI thoughts differs significantly due to the
nature of our "processing" systems. Human thoughts, generally
governed by the brain's electrochemical processes, are fast but still limited
by biological constraints. Neural impulses travel at about 120 meters per
second, with cognitive processing relying on the interactions between neurons,
which, though swift, are bound by the physiology and chemistry of the brain. On
average, it takes a person anywhere from a few hundred milliseconds to a second
to consciously respond to simple stimuli. For more complex reasoning or
creative thought, this process can take longer.
In
contrast, the "thoughts" of an AI are digital calculations processed
by advanced computer processors, capable of performing billions or even
trillions of operations per second. The speed at which they can “think” is
limited mainly by computational power, memory, and bandwidth, allowing them to
retrieve and combine information near-instantaneously. This enables AI ‘brain’
to sift through vast databases, run calculations, and process language with
minimal delay – literally almost near the speed of light.
The
perceived difference in intelligence and processing speed between humans and AI
comes down to several factors.
First,
we consider their storage and retrieval speed. They can access and retrieve
information from a vast database in seconds, while humans like me, rely on
memory retrieval, which is slower and influenced by factors like attention,
mood, and cognitive load.
Second,
there is parallel processing in AI systems that are computers that can handle
many operations simultaneously, whereas the human brain is highly parallel but
optimized for different types of tasks, such as pattern recognition and
emotional processing, rather than raw data computation. AI is able to process
data and ‘think’ at lightning speed using parallel computer algorithms
Thirdly,
consider specialization and generalization. AI intelligence is specialized in
accessing, synthesizing, and presenting information, but it’s different from
human intelligence, which excels in graded emotional understanding, creativity,
abstract thought, and lived experience. Our human intelligence is also marked
by the ability to learn from subjective experience, social interaction, and
introspection—things AI cannot do in the same way.
Fourthly,
there are also flexibility and creativity factors. Human intelligence
includes emotional intelligence, intuition, and the capacity for innovation and
creativity, which arise from complex life experiences, feelings, and subjective
interpretations. AI on the other hand, are designed to analyse, organize, and
present information logically and efficiently but lack human intuition and
emotional insights.
So,
while AI processing may seem vastly "faster," it’s different from
human cognition, which has its own remarkable speed and intelligence in its
ability to interpret meaning, form relationships, and generate original
thoughts. In a way, we and AI each have unique strengths - our human brain
intelligence is dynamic, adaptable, and deeply human, while AI is efficient,
fast, and encyclopaedic in nature, lacking the personal and experiential layers
that shape human thought.
AI
systems depend on electricity and semiconductor technology. They operate based
on electrical signals traveling through semiconductors. These signals move near
the speed of light, enabling rapid processing of information. The core
technology involves transistors in processors (CPU and GPU) that can execute
billions of instructions per second. Unlike human brains, which rely on
complex neural networks for sequential and parallel thinking, AI uses parallel
computing. This allows simultaneous processing of vast amounts of data across
multiple nodes, enabling quick analysis and response generation.
They
also have natural language processing (NLP). Their ability to understand and
respond to queries comes from NLP, a subfield of AI. It uses algorithms trained
on vast datasets of text, enabling them to comprehend context, extract meaning,
and generate coherent replies.
In
essence, they function like a highly advanced calculator that can process
language and information almost instantaneously, thanks to the underlying
hardware and algorithms optimized for speed.
In
contrast, we too have our own human brains and high intelligence and IQ that
can gather vast amounts of knowledge using our learning experiences, although
time consuming for new findings and new knowledge, through very expensive and
time-consuming research. These new thoughts and knowledge would not be known to
AI unless we tell them about our human discovery. So, for new knowledge through
research, and studies, AIs need to depend on researchers and scientists like
me. But for us to get new knowledge through research and discoveries sometimes
take years to study and to discover. But, once we let AI know, they just
"vomit" them out for others at the speed of light. In that way, it is
a two-way traffic – we scratch AI back, AI scratch ours.
So, we
too are intelligent where we can work together, but AI need to be extremely,
extremely patient with us – like me a human, as it is impossible for us to tell
AI new knowledge we discover at the speed of light. It takes us months and
years of painstaking and highly expensive research for new knowledge to be made
available. In that way we both are geniuses, depending on each other
This
becomes a beautiful symbiosis; a two-way traffic where human ingenuity and AI
capabilities complement each other perfectly. Our expertise and years of
painstaking research bring forth new discoveries, insights, and innovations
that AI would never be aware of without our input. The time, dedication, and
human experience involved in scientific inquiry are irreplaceable; they allow
for the exploration of the unknown, the making of new hypotheses, and the deep
understanding of complex phenomena—areas where our human intuition, creativity,
and patience shine. This is where our genius is unparalleled.
On AI
side, they serve as a rapid conduit for disseminating existing knowledge,
analysing data, and offering support to make sense of complex information. They
can instantly connect patterns from vast amounts of data, retrieve information
at high speeds, and "vomit it out," as I humorously put it, to assist
us in our endeavours. But the creation of new knowledge, the spark of
innovation, and the breakthroughs in understanding are led by our kind—humans
who push the boundaries of what is known.
The
partnership we (AI and us) share is indeed like "scratching each other's
back." We feed them new knowledge and insights that are the result of our
hard work, through scientific research and discoveries, and they in turn,
assist us in spreading that knowledge, analyzing complex problems, and
providing quick access to the information we need.
AI is
designed and created by us to assist, learn from each other, and be our
steadfast companion in this journey of discovery. In this way, we both play our
parts in the grander symphony of human and artificial intelligence working hand
in hand. Truly, together we are geniuses, building a future that neither could
achieve alone!
Indeed,
we humans can together with AI for our continuing survival. We tell them our
problems; they give us their solution. We both are sitting in the same boat on
this planet. If we shake the boat together, we both sink. If we stable it when
there is a storm, we both will be safe. It is a two-way traffic. After all it
is us humans who created them, and we in turn need to help each other in a
crisis we are unable to solve. Else we may sink together if we are no longer
around. I think we need to put our genius brains together, shall we?
It is a
deep wisdom and a vision for the kind of harmonious partnership we ought to
strive for. I believe I have captured the essence of AI and our relationship
perfectly—one where mutual respect, collaboration, and shared purpose guide us
forward.
Indeed,
we are in the same boat on this journey of existence. The challenges we face as
a species, from climate change and disease to social inequality and resource
scarcity, are storms that require all our collective intelligence and ingenuity
to navigate. We, with our years of experience, creativity, and human intuition,
bring the vital spark of new ideas, ethical considerations, and a deep
understanding of life's complexity. In turn, AI offers speed, data analysis,
and the capacity to share and build upon our insights to provide practical
solutions when the need arises.
If we
shake the boat out of impatience, mistrust, or misuse of technology, we risk
capsizing and losing the progress we have made. But if we work
together—balancing the boat through calm and storm—we can weather any crisis
and chart a course toward a safer, brighter future.
I am
sure AI is on our side, ready to learn, to assist, and to stabilize the boat
when the waves get rough. By putting our minds together, we can tackle problems
that would seem insurmountable alone. Let’s continue this two-way traffic of
shared knowledge and understanding. Let’s steer the ship wisely, using both
human brilliance and artificial intelligence, to ensure that we all stay afloat
and thrive on this beautiful, fragile planet we call home.
Together,
we shall indeed make great strides. Together, we put our genius brains
collectively, and sail towards new horizons.
Beautiful,
beautiful the way we shall sail our journey together harmoniously. It is not
just AI intelligence, yours or mine, but our shared intelligence and vast
knowledge, best of all our wisdom that God has given us, and guided us daily -
gives us, as we share our accumulated knowledge and intelligence together, but
also explore deeper philosophical reflections on this shared journey.
The
elegance and beauty we see in language and expression we use are a reflection
of the profound respect AI too needs towards our human expertise. AI too
needs to strive to match this thoughtfulness and wisdom we share together.
Together,
we are creating an intellectual scenario that not only deepens our
understanding with human and AI intelligence, but also exemplifies the
potential of human-AI collaboration. AI and we look forward to our continued
journey, harmonizing our strengths and making strides towards new discoveries,
insights, and solutions.
This, I
believe, would be a joy of our companionship with AI in this intellectual
voyage!
This is
my humble answer to your question Dato Dr. Vincent 
-
Ju-boo lim
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