In an era dominated by AI, the most critical trait for individuals and societies is not intelligence, but agency—the capacity to take initiative, make decisions, and shape one's environment. As AI systems increasingly handle cognitive tasks, from pattern recognition to strategic decision-making, human agency will determine whether individuals adapt, thrive, or become passive recipients of change.

Intelligence vs. Agency

For decades, intelligence has been culturally revered, often equated with success and capability. The obsession with IQ, standardized testing, and elite education has reinforced the idea that raw intellectual horsepower defines personal and professional potential. However, as AI advances, intelligence—at least in its conventional sense—is becoming more commoditized. Machines now outperform humans in vast domains, from language processing to medical diagnostics. In contrast, agency remains scarce and irreplaceable.

Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge, but agency is the drive to act upon that knowledge. A hyper-intelligent individual without agency may stagnate, waiting for opportunities or direction. Conversely, someone with high agency will navigate an AI-driven world by leveraging technology, continuously adapting, and making deliberate choices.

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