4 min read

·

Mar 8, 2025

The human brain has long been regarded as an example of intelligence, creativity, and adaptability. However, artificial intelligence (AI) has made astounding progress recently, even comparable to the human brain. Whilst AI can process vast amounts of data at superhuman speeds, the human brain possesses unique capabilities that AI has yet to replicate. So, what really sets them apart? Whilst the differences are various and long, we can make our lives easier by combining them into three parts.

Calling out the obvious first, AI and human brains operate on entirely different substrates. The human brain consists of approximately 86 billion neurons, forming intricate networks through synapses. This biological system is constantly changing, forming new connections through a process known as neuroplasticity.

AI, on the other hand, operates on artificial neural networks (ANNs), which are inspired by biological neurons but rely on mathematical computations and silicon-based processors. Unlike the human brain, which can rewire itself dynamically, AI models require retraining to improve performance.

Humans learn through experience, interaction, and emotions. Our learning process is holistic, allowing us to generalize knowledge across different domains (“fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me”). We also benefit from intuition and common sense, which play a crucial role in decision-making, and in basic survival.

AI learns through data ingestion and pattern recognition. Machine learning models require massive datasets to detect correlations and optimize their responses. However, AI can’t truly “understand” in the way humans do — it can recognize patterns but does not possess intrinsic comprehension or consciousness. An AI cannot tell that if it goes too close to the edge of a cliff, it will fall, unless trained to.

AI surpasses human cognitive speed in many ways. A supercomputer running an AI model can process billions of calculations per second, making it far superior in tasks like number crunching, large-scale data analysis, and pattern recognition.

However, the human brain, despite being slower in raw processing speed, excels in complexity. It operates with remarkable efficiency, using only about 20 watts of power, comparable to a dim lightbulb, whereas training an advanced AI model can consume thousands of kilowatts.

AI makes decisions based on data-driven logic and optimization functions. It can analyze large datasets and offer outcomes based on probability, making it highly effective in tasks requiring precision, such as medical diagnosis or financial predictions.

Humans, however, integrate emotions, ethics, and social context into their decisions. Emotional intelligence allows us to navigate complex social interactions, express empathy, and make value-driven choices, something AI struggles to grasp fully. While AI can technically get you the diagnosis, it doesn’t care about the fact that you have a life and varied commitments, and can’t be bedridden for the rest of your life.

One of the most significant differences between AI and the human brain is creativity. Humans can imagine, innovate, and generate novel ideas beyond existing knowledge. Our ability to dream, express emotions, and engage in abstract thinking remains unmatched by AI.

AI, while capable of generating text, images, and music, does so by analyzing existing data and recombining elements in novel ways. It lacks genuine inspiration or subjective experience, meaning its outputs are from existing human-created patterns rather than independent innovation.

Perhaps the most profound distinction is consciousness, little known but nevertheless profound. Humans possess self-awareness, emotions, and a subjective sense of existence. We reflect on our own thoughts, question our purpose, and experience life with depth and meaning. The question “what on earth am I doing with my life” is a question intrinsic to humans alone.

AI, no matter how advanced, remains a simulation of intelligence. It does not “think” or “feel” in the human sense. While it can mimic human-like responses, it lacks true consciousness or self-awareness. AI lacks the idea of culture, identity, or self-purpose. It doesn’t choose what it wants to be in life or what it can do in the world; it was given a set purpose and code, and its only job is to fulfil that without question.

Rather than viewing AI as a competitor to the human brain, it is more accurate to see it as a powerful tool that complements human intelligence. AI can assist in processing large amounts of information, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing decision-making in scientific and medical fields. However, human intuition, creativity, and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable.

As AI continues to evolve, its relationship with human intelligence will likely become more intertwined, but the essence of human cognition, our emotions, experiences, and conscious awareness, will always set us apart. The future lies in leveraging both AI and human intelligence in harmony, unlocking new possibilities while staying true to what makes us uniquely human.