Although computers may 'know' many facts, they 'understand' nothing. Whereas people actually know very little, but understand quite a lot. What does this mean? Will this ever change? - Only when computers develop the tools to 'understand' what they already 'know'.

Anything we claim to 'know' is meaningless unless it is known relative to something else. You cannot 'see' an object without seeing also its background. And a symbol is not the thing.

Computers; networks; the internet; they may imply many clever connections, but it is we humans that have the unique ability to translate all those words, images and symbols into 'meaning'. Converting the recipe into the omelette.

The basic requirements for 'knowing'

• language, math, symbol (indirect, referential)

And the requirements for 'understanding'

• form and behavior (direct, physical, experiential)
• feeling or emotion (will, values, goals)

Traditional computers are like the map, whereas our minds delve into the territory.

The foundation for all human knowledge is the direct experience with form and behavior. All our symbols, our language and our math, resolve down to real things and their behaviors.

The foundation of all computer knowledge is indirectly through symbols and the logical relationships between symbols.

This is why computers are so dumb. They have no foundation for their knowledge. No physical link turning knowledge into understanding. No experience. No wisdom.

• An intelligent entity, could create a microprocessor or a rocket engine without a single word being read or spoken.
• No symbols, no pictures, no math. No symbolic signs of intelligence whatsoever. Just the simple act of doing.

Computers are missing the critical jigsaw piece - the missing link between 'knowing' and 'understanding'.

Consider.......