Seeking thought itself.

Or a definition thereof.

Once we know what thought actually is, we’ll be able to create new tools to enhance our brains. Similar to how the understanding of light allowed us to create telescopes and microscopes to enhance our sight, these tools will be as far superior to telescopes or microscopes as reason itself is superior to vision.

The term “tool” is used loosely; a paperclip is a tool, but so is an oil rig. Do we need a hammer or a calculator? Just reflect a moment on how much more important it is to think than to see. Whilst you’re there, try to imagine what such a tool for the mind would look like. Is it some great, whirring, power-hungry machine or some simple wearable tech? What do you see?

Whatever form it takes, it will need to interact with our brains in some way we don’t yet understand. What we do know already is that the human mind projects its activity outside of the skull and we can read it (however crudely).

But whilst we can train ourselves to turn thoughts to text and will soon be able to control all aspects of a computer with our minds, our minds will remain the same. Sure, we’ll be able to do more, things will be more convenient. AIs will answer all our questions, help us with everything. Computing will be turned upside down and the world will change, but our puny brains will just be trundling along trying to keep up with it all.

I’m talking about enhancement of the mind. In the same way that understanding a spot of physics lets you create a lever, the tool that makes you stronger. Or how understanding what sound is allowed us to invent hearing aids. Understanding light helped us create spectacles to see better. We must understand thought, and build a telescope for the mind.