3.0 Introduction

So far, we’ve explored intelligence as if it were mostly — or only — human. But if we want to dig deeper, we need to widen our perspective and let go of a bit of anthropocentrism. We humans are not the only intelligent beings on this planet — and recognising this doesn’t diminish our intelligence: it allows us to see it as part of a much larger story.

So: when did the first traces of intelligence appear on Earth? And the first brains? And what role does consciousness play in this picture?

These questions will help us gather new clues — and connect new threads on our investigation board.