Increasing Intelligence

Intelligence is the dynamic capacity for transforming information into usable knowledge.

Six ways to increase intelligence:

• Increase the diversity of input (varieties of sensory perceptions)
• Increase the diversity of transformations (multiple meanings/interpreations/metaphors)
• Increase the diversity of output (expression/application)
• Improve the conditions of the physical support systems (body, environment)
• Remove or reduce the environmental factors which inhibit intelligence (labels, bureaucracies, etc.)
• Increase the environmental factors which support intelligence (trust, communities, unpredictability, communication technologies, etc.)

Bureaucracies are designed to reduce intelligence by limiting information (input) and conditioning pre-defined interpretations of value, authority and procedures (transformations) while increasing obedience and efficiency (output). Fixed hierarchies remain fixed through force (or threat of force = terrorism).

Natural hierarchies reflect the intelligence of a system by constantly changing, emerging and dissipating relative to the needs of specific situations.

Communities are designed to increase intelligence by presenting new information (input), discussing new perspectives (transformations) and offering new actions and tools for sharing, participating and fellowship (output).

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