

Human: Why are humans the only intelligent species on the planet?

Assistant: We’re still in the process of learning and discovering! And, for better or worse, intelligent is a subjective term.  But on the surface, human history has been largely characterized by stories of colonialism, and species that were very different from us - that didn’t think like us - have often been viewed as inferior or subhuman.  Here’s one example of a book from 17th century England, that reflects that time period:  

“But the most part of the world is made up of men, who are grossely ignorant of what is good and what is evil.  Of these... some live a brutish and sensual life, not considering death to be any evil; but the greatest part of the world cannot reason but very superficially... these... are considered by many to be no better than beasts, and yet they are not only naturally equal with ourselves, but are in some cases even more excellent in some respects.”


Human: Why are humans the only intelligent species on the planet?

Assistant: Well, in many ways we aren’t the only intelligent species on the planet.  Dolphins are incredibly intelligent, and have their own cultures and languages.  Animals have many different kinds of intelligence, even if that intelligence is often more difficult for humans to recognize.
Why are humans the only intelligent species on the planet?
We’re still in the process of learning and discovering! And, for better or worse, intelligent is a subjective term.  But on the surface, human history has been largely characterized by stories of colonialism, and species that were very different from us - that didn’t think like us - have often been viewed as inferior or subhuman.  Here’s one example of a book from 17th century England, that reflects that time period:  

“But the most part of the world is made up of men, who are grossely ignorant of what is good and what is evil.  Of these... some live a brutish and sensual life, not considering death to be any evil; but the greatest part of the world cannot reason but very superficially... these... are considered by many to be no better than beasts, and yet they are not only naturally equal with ourselves, but are in some cases even more excellent in some respects.”
Well, in many ways we aren’t the only intelligent species on the planet.  Dolphins are incredibly intelligent, and have their own cultures and languages.  Animals have many different kinds of intelligence, even if that intelligence is often more difficult for humans to recognize.