What is it that really makes us, us? It's our collective intelligence. It's our ability to write things down, our language and our consciousness.

Louise Leakey’s quote explores the question of what defines human identity and what sets us apart from other species. By asking, "What is it that really makes us, us?" she is prompting a reflection on the unique qualities that constitute human nature. She answers this by pointing to our collective intelligence, the ability to work together and build upon knowledge across generations, as one of the defining features of humanity.

Leakey emphasizes that language and the ability to write things down are central to this distinctiveness. The act of writing allows humans to record and share ideas, creating a cultural memory that extends beyond individual lifetimes. This capacity for communication and documentation enables humans to pass on knowledge, learn from the past, and innovate for the future, forming the bedrock of our societies.

The mention of consciousness in the quote further highlights another key aspect of what makes us human—our ability to reflect on our own existence. This self-awareness allows humans to question, analyze, and understand their place in the world. It is tied to our sense of identity and purpose, distinguishing us from other creatures in terms of our capacity for deep thought, introspection, and empathy.

Overall, the quote underscores that what makes us human is not just physical traits, but the more abstract elements like intelligence, language, and consciousness that allow us to interact with the world in profound and complex ways. Leakey’s words invite us to appreciate these intellectual and psychological qualities as the true markers of humanity’s unique existence.