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Another central premise of the theory suggests that the way intelligence manifests itself relative to material existence has evolved exponentially over time and will continue to do so hereafter, even though cultural evolution has modified or even impeded those factors which have traditionally helped to select out the more intelligent. Evidence will be cited which supports the viewpoint that intelligence is continually achieving levels of greater complexity, thus resulting in the attainment of higher states of consciousness (i.e., peak experience). Twenty-four properties of intelligence are postulated and examined in the light of current scientific understanding. This represents the major part of the text. The evolution of intelligence and consciousness will be related to the entropic process of matter-energy and the expansion of space-time, all of which are interdependent and occurring exponentially. It is suggested that consciousness is the single most important basic property of intelligence, although there are many who would argue that it should be the other way around and that intelligence is actually a function of consciousness. This is meaningless, however, since the essence of our existence has both consciousness and intelligence, and at least at the human level of experience one cannot exist without the other. Mind cannot be conscious without being intelligent and likewise it cannot be intelligent without being conscious. It is like trying to decide whether a photon is a particle or wave. This text could have been entitled the "Integrated Theory of Consciousness" and written in such a way that intelligence is defined in terms of consciousness. An arbitrary choice was required. Consciousness is examined as it exists in both its most common ordinary state as well as in other altered states. It is also argued that states of supraconsciousness are potentially obtainable by almost anyone, which can lead to the creation of higher-order concepts and a greater understanding of reality. This in turn can result in greater happiness and serenity as well as the loss of neurotic symptoms when present. The book attempts to illustrate how original concepts are generated in our intuitive unconscious mind to then be processed by our logical, analytical, conscious mind. Both processes are essential to the gaining and understanding of new truths. Although the book does not directly address the spiritual aspect of our existence, it attempts to lay the groundwork for those individuals who require scientific validation of their spiritual beliefs. The final chapter discusses the implication of what the continued evolution of intelligence and consciousness means to humankind and how it will impact our future. Suggestions will be presented to show how a formal organization might evolve incorporating the "Aquarian Conspirators" or Maslow's "growing tip," which in time could dramatically affect humankind.
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