Duration : 02:44:47
In a conversation with historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, the topic of intelligent alien civilizations and their rarity is discussed. Harari suggests that intelligence may be overvalued and self-destructive, pointing out that humans, the most intelligent species on Earth, are not necessarily happy or successful. He also differentiates between intelligence and consciousness, emphasizing that the two are often confused but are not necessarily linked. While highly intelligent entities like computers may lack consciousness, Harari believes consciousness is more important and valuable than intelligence. The discussion delves into the possibility of consciousness and intelligence existing separately and whether organic biochemistry or carbon-based life forms are necessary for consciousness. The conversation concludes with speculation on whether humans would be able to detect other conscious beings or if they are already present but unseen.