The Difference Between Intelligence and Thinking

Intelligence serves as an instrumental tool for organisms to achieve specific goals by interacting with their environment. It is a complex mechanism that aids in procuring resources essential for survival. This aspect of intelligence is universal across different life forms, from plants to animals and even bacteria, as it is intrinsically linked to the ability to navigate and respond to environmental challenges effectively. In contrast, thinking is characterized as an indeterminate state associated with existence itself, rather than a means to achieve specific ends. It emerges as a way of being in the world that transcends mere functionality or goal-oriented actions. Plant intelligence, while evident in their capacity to optimize growth for sunlight and nutrition, should not be conflated with thinking, which encompasses a deeper, more existential engagement with the world around them. Thus, while intelligence is fundamental to life, thinking represents a distinct aspect of existence that cannot be fully captured by utilitarian measures.