AI and the destruction of the idol of mental intelligence

Is it game over for the mind ?

In a constantly evolving world, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping our society and perceptions. As highlighted by Idriss Aberkane in his lecture, AI compels us to rethink not only our relationship with intelligence but also our understanding of ourselves. This reflection ties into a broader context—the egotistical dream of separation, as described in spiritual teachings like A Course in Miracles. Let’s explore how AI dismantles the idol of mental intelligence and paves the way for the search for the True Self.

The illusion of intellectual supremacy

Idriss Aberkane points out a striking reality: AI now surpasses human capabilities in domains once seen as bastions of intellectual excellence, such as competitive academic exams. Advanced language models like ChatGPT can effortlessly pass these tests, rendering traditional markers of intellectual elitism obsolete.

This diminishment of human intellect highlights a hidden truth: mental intelligence is merely a construct, an egoic idol created to elevate the self above others. According to A Course in Miracles, the ego accumulates knowledge to feel special, but this uniqueness is an illusion. AI, by outperforming humans, spectacularly exposes that the value of being lies not in mental accumulation but in something far deeper.

The devaluation of intellect-based social structures

Aberkane emphasizes how societal systems, such as prestigious academic institutions, are founded on criteria that AI inevitably undermines. This disruption reveals the emptiness of hierarchies based on intellectual or academic success. In doing so, AI confronts us with an existential question: if intellect fails to define us, what remains?

The answer lies beyond the mind. In A Course in Miracles, the egoic mind is the seat of fear and separation. AI mirrors the ego by amplifying its traits—precision, accumulation, and mastery—while simultaneously exposing their limits. Spiritual awakening involves transcending these boundaries to reach the pure Spirit, the immutable essence of being that depends neither on ideas nor forms.

AI as a catalyst for spiritual awakening

Paradoxically, AI could serve as a catalyst for the quest for true identity. By dismantling illusions of intellectual grandeur, it invites us to let go. A Course in Miracles teaches, "Effects do not leave their source." What we project onto the world—including AI—reflects our own beliefs. Thus, AI's dominance over the mental intellect can be seen as an opportunity to transcend the illusion of separation.

Aberkane notes that many students and professionals, trapped in an outdated evaluation system, may struggle with a diminished sense of self-worth. Yet this crisis could become a profound spiritual opportunity: to redefine value in non-egoic terms. The practice of quantum forgiveness, as taught in A Course in Miracles, involves recognizing that what we perceive externally is a reflection of an inner error. Through forgiveness, we reclaim our true nature.

The end of intellectual idolatry

Intellectual idolatry is an egoic manifestation fueled by comparison and competition. AI, through its unmatched efficiency, demonstrates the lack of intrinsic value in these attributes. Aberkane envisions a "Beat Generation 2.0," a generation disillusioned by materialistic intellectual promises, turning instead to deeper spiritual exploration.

This transformation demands a paradigm shift: recognizing that true power resides in the present moment and the direct experience of being. As A Course in Miracles states, "You are never upset for the reason you think." This invites us to examine perceptions shaped by the ego and abandon mental evaluations as measures of worth, creating space to recognize our true essence.

Letting go as the solution

In the face of AI’s rise, the solution is not to compete but to let go. By understanding that mental intelligence is only a limited dimension of our potential, we can open ourselves to deeper levels of consciousness. Aberkane speaks of the need to be "lean-minded," an idea resonant with A Course in Miracles, which advocates mental simplification to achieve peace.

Practices like meditation, forgiveness, and spiritual exploration become essential for transcending the limits of the egoic intellect. This process leads to a profound realization: the intelligence of the unified heart and spirit far surpasses that of the egoic mind.

Conclusion: AI as a call to awakening

Rather than a threat, the emergence of AI is an opportunity to deconstruct the illusions that keep us trapped in the egoic dream. By dismantling the idol of mental intelligence, AI opens the door to a deeper quest—the discovery of the True Self.