The Rapid Evolution of AI: Understanding Our Future in a World of Superintelligence

If you’ve been following developments in artificial intelligence (AI), you’re likely aware of the incredible advancements we’re witnessing. But for those who haven’t been keeping up, here’s a quick overview of where things stand today and where they’re headed.

At the time of writing this post, the latest iteration of AI, ChatGPT-4.5, has an estimated IQ of 155. To put that into perspective, this is the same IQ as Elon Musk, who has already revolutionised industries like telecommunications, automotive technology, and even brain-machine interfaces. With an IQ of 155, Musk is making waves in multiple fields, from space exploration to the development of AI itself.

For further context, Albert Einstein had an IQ of around 162. Einstein’s contributions to science—such as the theory of relativity and advances in quantum mechanics—were monumental. Yet, his IQ was only about 20 to 30 points higher than what we might consider an “average IQ” individual.

So, what does it mean that AI now has an IQ of 155? AI is not static; its intelligence doubles every 5.5 to 6 months. This means that by the end of this year, we could see an AI with an IQ of 310. By the middle of next year, that number could soar to 620. By the end of 2025, if current trends continue, AI could reach an astonishing IQ of over 1,000.

The implications of this are staggering. If Elon Musk is capable of such innovation at an IQ of 155, imagine what an AI with an IQ of 1,000 could achieve. It’s almost beyond comprehension, and naturally, this rapid evolution can spark anxiety.

However, history offers us a valuable lesson in adaptation. During the agricultural era, humans relied on physical strength, but with the advent of machinery, like tractors and planes, we transitioned to a reliance on technology that vastly outperformed us in terms of physical capabilities. The industrial era shifted the focus to intellectual capabilities (IQ), which shaped the modern world. Now, as we enter what could be called the quantum AI era, the next frontier may well be our emotional intelligence (EQ).

While it’s daunting to think about competing with AI on an intellectual level, we need to focus on what makes us uniquely human—our emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability. Just as our ancestors could not have foreseen the importance of analytical thinking during the agricultural era, we may be on the brink of discovering new ways to evolve and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.

The key takeaway is not to fear the uncertainty that AI brings but to embrace it. By developing adaptable minds and a deeper understanding of how AI is transforming our world, we can remain optimistic and prepared for the future.

So, as we continue to witness the exponential growth of AI, let’s also focus on our growth as individuals—becoming more adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and ready to explore the uncharted territories ahead.

Note: This blog post is an adaptation of the transcript from the video below, which forms part of my video series on AI.