Primal Intelligence: Why Humans Outsmart AI in Uncertainty

Angus Fletcher, a distinguished professor of story science at Ohio State’s Project Narrative, whose research has garnered support from institutions like the National Science Foundation and commendation from the U.S. Army, offers compelling insights into the unique strengths of human intelligence. His extensive study of visionary thinkers and U.S. Army Special Operators reveals that the human mind possesses a remarkable capacity to thrive with limited information, outperforming artificial intelligence in environments marked by volatility and uncertainty. Fletcher’s work outlines a clear path for training the mind to leverage what he terms “primal intelligence.”

One crucial aspect of this intelligence is intuition, which, contrary to long-held beliefs by cognitive scientists like Herbert Simon and Daniel Kahneman, is not merely about pattern matching. Fletcher points out that young children, despite being less adept at pattern recognition, often display superior intuition. His research into Special Operators, renowned for their exceptional battlefield foresight, uncovered the secret: they train their brains to spot “exceptional information.” This refers to an anomaly, an instance that breaks an established rule – akin to a warm-blooded reptile or a rainbow appearing at night. Unlike patterns, exceptional information signifies a disruption, an unprecedented event. Children naturally excel at this, often identifying ten times more exceptions than the average adult. For those seeking to enhance their intuition, Fletcher suggests immersive experiences like travel, which disrupt daily routines and force the brain to perceive new patterns. Alternatively, engaging with literature, particularly works by authors like Shakespeare, can stimulate this capacity. Shakespeare’s characters, such as Hamlet, Cleopatra, and Falstaff, defy conventional archetypes, forcing the reader’s mind to embrace the unusual. This engagement, Fletcher argues, explains why historical figures like Nikola Tesla, Marie Curie, and Vincent van Gogh, all avid Shakespeare readers, were able to identify groundbreaking exceptions that reshaped technology, physics, and art.

Another element of primal intelligence is a robust form of optimism, often misunderstood and fragile in its common interpretation. Psychologists frequently advocate for optimism, yet its elusive nature suggests a deeper problem. Fletcher asserts that true optimism isn’t the belief that “this will succeed,” which he labels “magical thinking” – a concept popularized by self-help bestsellers. Instead, authentic optimism resides in the conviction that “this can succeed.” The distinction is profound: if one believes success is guaranteed and it doesn’t materialize, confidence shatters. But if one believes success is merely possible, failures become learning opportunities, and a single past success can sustain faith indefinitely. This “antifragile” form of optimism, as Special Operators describe it, is not built on visualizing future triumphs but on recalling a past achievement. This memory, grounded in reality, provides an enduring wellspring of resilience against pessimism.

Furthermore, the human brain demonstrates superior intelligence in volatile conditions where AI often falters. While computers excel at logic and data processing, their reliance on existing data limits their effectiveness in novel, data-scarce situations. Fletcher’s studies of Special Operators operating in such environments reveal a complementary mechanism of intelligence, which he terms “narrative cognition,” or simply, “thinking in story.” This capacity, evolved during the Cambrian Explosion when life forms were rapidly innovating, imbues the brain with imagination and wisdom. While it might be a liability in data-rich contexts, thinking in story enables humans to navigate and act intelligently in hazy, fast-changing ecosystems where reliable information is scarce. Special Operators, excelling in volatility, are found to be exceptionally adept at this narrative form of cognition.

This “thinking in story” extends to the realm of emotional well-being and practical intelligence. The increasing anxiety and anger observed in children, Fletcher contends, are not primarily due to technology or overcoddling. Instead, these emotions are physiological threat responses, and the logical school-based solution of removing threats often fails because it ignores the biological imperative to develop internal coping mechanisms. Special Operators, who actively confront threats without succumbing to anxiety, illustrate this principle. Their brains are trained to imagine solutions at the speed of life through role-playing exercises. Fletcher argues that similar benefits can be derived from arts and humanities education – theater, literature, and history – which encourage students to imagine themselves in diverse roles and situations. These activities, unlike passive technology-driven learning, actively exercise the brain’s imaginative muscles, empowering individuals to develop plans and deal with threats independently.

Finally, Fletcher challenges conventional leadership training, which often emphasizes probability – a quantitative approach based on past events, akin to how AI operates. True leadership, he argues, hinges not on probability but on “possibility.” Possibility refers to an event that has never occurred but does not violate fundamental rules, representing a fundamentally different mental process. The example of the airplane illustrates this perfectly: in 1902, the probability of flight was zero, yet the Wright Brothers, thinking in terms of possibility, recognized that it didn’t defy physics. This capacity for original thought, enterprise, and initiative, central to entrepreneurship and leadership, is fostered not by statistical analysis but by engaging the brain’s practical imagination. Just as the Wright Brothers found inspiration in creative novels, Fletcher suggests that reading stories set in the near future or unfamiliar cultures can stimulate the brain’s premotor cortex, expanding one’s sense of possibility and elevating leadership capabilities.