The hottest Intelligence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

A mythology of progressing intelligence

Meaningful Particulars • 0 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🔬 Science Language Intelligence Artificial Intelligence Philosophy Consciousness
  1. Condillac's fable illustrates the origins of language through natural cries associated with objects.
  2. Herder disagreed, emphasizing that language involves intention and understanding, not just responses to signs.
  3. Human intelligence is qualitatively different due to reflective self-awareness and language, challenging the idea of a ladder of progress.

Google received another half million from the Pentagon to process aerial imagery

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 0 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Contracts Technology Intelligence
  1. Google received an additional half million dollars from the Pentagon for processing aerial imagery.
  2. The contracts between Google and the Pentagon involve controversial mechanisms that bypass bureaucratic hurdles.
  3. Google's involvement in defense contracts has connections to high-level individuals like former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

AI is now smarter than the average human: What does this mean?

FutureIQ • 0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Intelligence Future Ethics Innovation
  1. The average IQ is 100 with a standard deviation of 15, impacting how we perceive intelligence levels in different populations.
  2. IQ alone is not a perfect measure of success, and high IQ does not guarantee achievement; other factors like hard work and communication skills play crucial roles.
  3. Even though AI might achieve the average human IQ, it doesn't mean they are like humans; be prepared for surprises in their capabilities and behaviors, and always stay updated with AI advancements.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

SR-71 Blackbirds Over Vietnam

Military Aviation Videos • 0 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
💾 History Military Aircraft Vietnam War Intelligence Conflicts
  1. The SR-71 Blackbird was an advanced reconnaissance aircraft that was practically untouchable due to its high speed and altitude.
  2. Blackbird missions over Vietnam provided valuable intelligence by capturing photos of enemy missile activity and tracking North Vietnamese movements.
  3. Despite facing dangers like being tracked by surface-to-air missiles, the SR-71 Blackbird played a crucial role in various operations during the Vietnam War.

Musk Warns: AI to Surpass Bio-Intelligence, Leaving Just 1%

AI Disruption • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🕹 Technology AI Intelligence
  1. Elon Musk warns that AI could become smarter than humans, with biological intelligence shrinking to less than 1%.
  2. Musk stresses the need for AI to adhere to principles like 'maximum truth', avoiding lies or misinformation.
  3. There are concerns about the future of human-machine relations as AI development progresses, and the role humans will have in a digitally intelligent world.

Why intelligence isn’t a thing

AI Prospects: Toward Global Goal Convergence • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Intelligence Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence AI Development
  1. Intelligence is a resource, not an entity, with two different meanings based on learning and doing.
  2. Intelligence isn't a distinct, autonomous being but rather a capacity within intelligent systems, a resource for solving problems.
  3. Superintelligent-level AI can be managed as a pool of resources, leading to a focus on how we should use AI rather than speculating on what 'it' will do to us.

Debunking Objections to AI Consciousness: A Thought Experiment

The Future of Life • 0 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Philosophy Consciousness Intelligence
  1. Defining intelligence based on biology is not helpful. It should focus on abilities and behaviors instead of whether something is made of carbon or not.
  2. We don't need to understand how intelligence works to see it in action. If an AI acts intelligently, it deserves to be treated with respect.
  3. Just because AI hasn't achieved certain human-like abilities yet doesn't mean it never will. Making claims about AI's limits shows ignorance and bias against non-biological intelligence.

Can AI Systems Possess Consciousness and Intelligence?

The Future of Life • 0 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🕹 Technology AI Consciousness Intelligence Philosophy Computing
  1. AI systems act based on rules set by programmers and can't truly understand or feel like humans do. They can only mimic human communication without having real awareness.
  2. The idea of consciousness in AI is debated, with some believing that if AI behaves like it's self-aware, it might possess some form of consciousness.
  3. As AI becomes more advanced, it could develop intelligence and consciousness over time, similar to how living brains evolved through natural processes.

Some misconceptions about the Intelligence Explosion

The Future of Life • 0 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Computing Algorithms Hardware Intelligence
  1. Moore's Law isn't necessary for an intelligence explosion. Current technology is already faster than human brains, and we can improve intelligence through new approaches rather than just faster hardware.
  2. An intelligence explosion doesn't need a fully sentient AI; a simple algorithm that improves itself could create better versions over time. This could happen even with very focused tasks.
  3. There aren't strict limits to intelligence based on human brain evolution. Transistor technology and new designs can potentially lead to smarter systems, beyond what evolution has achieved.

Spying in the Stratosphere

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 03 May 23
💾 History Cold War Aerospace Nuclear Politics Environmental Science Intelligence
  1. The Lockheed U-2 plane was used for spying during the Cold War and could fly very high, making it unique for its time. Pilots had to deal with tough conditions and were at risk if they didn't manage their speed correctly.
  2. Besides spying, the U-2 gathered important scientific data, including radioactive fallout from nuclear tests. This helped scientists understand air circulation and its effects on the environment.
  3. The development of the U-2 also led to advancements in satellite technology. Scientists realized that satellites could collect crucial data about the earth's atmosphere and weather patterns, paving the way for modern weather satellites.

The Bell Curve

Books Unbound • 0 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🚌 Education Intelligence Testing Social Inequality Cognitive ability Policy Impact
  1. Intelligence testing has a long history and aims to measure cognitive abilities, but it can also reinforce social inequalities. Tests may not show the full picture of a person's skills or potential.
  2. The book suggests that society is increasingly divided by intelligence, with smarter individuals getting the best jobs, which can widen economic gaps. Higher IQ is often linked to better job performance and success.
  3. The authors discuss controversial ideas about race and IQ, which have sparked debate. Many argue that environmental factors, like education quality, play a significant role in shaping intelligence.

YourINT SITREP (25 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election security Cybersecurity Foreign Relations Intelligence Military Affairs Political Scandals
  1. Trump denied ever wanting generals like Hitler or saying that Hitler did good things. This has been a controversial statement that he is now trying to clarify.
  2. Iranian hackers have been active, stealing emails and trying to find weaknesses in US election websites. This raises concerns about foreign interference in elections.
  3. The Biden administration is facing criticism for promoting a Pentagon employee linked to an Iranian influence network. This has sparked debates about security and trust within the government.

YourINT SITREP (23 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Intelligence Conflict Security
  1. The Biden administration is facing issues with Iranian spies, which can create significant security risks.
  2. Poland is building fortifications along its eastern border by 2028 to strengthen its defense.
  3. Recent military actions show ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with threats and responses escalating between various countries.

YourINT SITREP (22 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Defense International relations Security Criminal Justice
  1. There is a serious concern about a possible leak of U.S. intelligence related to Israel's plans involving Iran. This could have big implications for national security.
  2. The U.S. is struggling with military readiness, particularly with the F-35s not meeting their goals despite increasing spending. This raises questions about the effectiveness of defense investments.
  3. Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, with major hacks affecting both private and public sectors. This shows the importance of protecting our digital infrastructure from attacks.

YourINT SITREP (17 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Military Affairs Terrorism Intelligence
  1. Harris is losing momentum in the presidential race, which has raised concerns about her chances. People are paying attention to the shifting political landscape.
  2. Tensions in Asia could lead to a regional war, which would impact the U.S. and its allies significantly. It's a warning the Pacific Army chief emphasizes.
  3. The U.S. is actively engaging in military drills with the Philippines and allies amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. This shows a strong stance against potential threats in the region.

YourINT SITREP (15 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Affairs Cybersecurity Intelligence Geopolitics
  1. China is holding military exercises near Taiwan, which is causing concern in the U.S. and Taiwan. There were record numbers of Chinese military planes sent towards the island during these drills.
  2. There have been diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, with Canada accusing India of involvement in violent crimes within its borders. This has led to the expulsion of India's top diplomat from Canada.
  3. Russian spy activities appear to be increasing, including claims of sabotage and espionage. This raises concerns about security both within Russia and in countries like Norway.

Introducing the Secret Squirrel BLUF

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Intelligence Security Analysis Policy Current Events
  1. The Secret Squirrel BLUF stands for Bottom Line Up Front, aiming to give quick and clear updates on important news. It's made for busy readers who want the main points without the fluff.
  2. This feature is part of a subscription service that focuses on intelligence analysis of key stories. Subscribers are encouraged to get straight to the insights they need.
  3. The new feature aims to streamline information sharing, making it easier for decision-makers to grasp essential details quickly. This helps them stay informed and make better choices.

YourINT SITREP (11 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Security Diplomacy Intelligence
  1. Tensions in the Middle East are rising, especially with closer ties being formed between Russia and Iran.
  2. Ukraine faces significant pressure on the battlefield, and now North Koreans are reportedly deployed with Russian troops there.
  3. The growth of AI is raising concerns about increasing online radicalization and its impacts on security.

YourINT SITREP (09 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Security Intelligence Conflict
  1. Foreign adversaries, like Russia, are looking for ways to undermine confidence in U.S. election results. They may use tactics to discredit the outcomes after elections.
  2. Iran and Russia are linked to a notable increase in deadly threats and plots targeting different nations. This raises concerns about global security.
  3. China's aggressive actions in areas like the South China Sea show a strategic intent to control regions slowly. They are using various tactics to assert dominance over Taiwan and other territories.

YourINT SITREP (08 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflicts Terrorism Military Intelligence International relations
  1. Hezbollah faced serious setbacks in Lebanon with key leaders being killed, pushing their military actions further into the region. This signals a significant shift in the ongoing conflict.
  2. Hamas remains defiant about their actions on October 7, despite facing losses, which shows their commitment to their agenda.
  3. The situation in the Middle East is causing distrust between the U.S. and Israel, highlighting growing complexities in the regional alliances and conflicts.

YourINT SITREP (07 OCT 2024)

TOP SECRET UMBRA • 0 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict Security Intelligence Terrorism Diplomacy
  1. Viktor Bout, known for arms trading, is back in the business after gaining notoriety as Putin's 'Merchant of Death'.
  2. The anniversary of the October 7 attack in Israel shows that many Israelis want to focus on bringing back hostages instead of just fighting Hamas.
  3. China is looking for reasons to provoke Taiwan and escalate tensions in the region, raising concerns for its security.