The intelligence of the lower forms of animal life, like a great deal of human intelligence, does not involve a self.

In this quote, George Herbert Mead, an influential American philosopher and sociologist, explores the concept of intelligence in both animals and humans, specifically highlighting the distinction between different types of cognitive abilities. Mead suggests that the intelligence of lower forms of animal life—like instinctual or adaptive behaviors—does not involve a self or self-awareness. These forms of intelligence are often reactive, geared toward survival, and do not require reflection or introspection. Similarly, Mead points out that much of human intelligence can also lack self-awareness in certain contexts, especially when it is driven by immediate, instinctual responses.

Mead’s statement touches on the idea that intelligence can be categorized into different levels, with the more complex, human form involving higher-order cognitive processes such as self-reflection and consciousness. He suggests that lower-level intelligence, seen in animals or in certain human behaviors, is often not tied to a sense of the self—it’s automatic and doesn’t require an understanding of one's identity or existence. In contrast, higher-order intelligence is linked to the ability to reflect, analyze, and understand one's own place in the world.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Mead's work in symbolic interactionism, a sociological theory that examines how humans create meanings through social interactions and self-awareness. As a key figure in the development of social psychology, Mead was particularly interested in how individuals form a sense of self through communication and social exchange. His ideas on self and intelligence have had a lasting influence on how we think about human cognition, especially in relation to social context and personal identity.

Ultimately, Mead’s quote highlights the complexity of intelligence as it relates to self-awareness. While animals may exhibit sophisticated behaviors driven by instinct or adaptation, these actions are not tied to an awareness of the self. Human intelligence, however, is often marked by the ability to reflect on and understand the self, making it a more complex and dynamic form of intelligence.