Intelligence and Action Space

An intelligent system is one that, given its time horizon, moves toward actions that expand its future action space.

This is a definition that differs from how we usually think about intelligence. We often measure IQ, problem-solving, or memory. But maybe intelligence is more about keeping doors open.

A system that only optimizes for short-term goals often closes off future possibilities. It does what gives the most return now, without thinking about what it costs later. An intelligent system does the opposite: it keeps the possibility space open as long as possible.

This applies to both humans and machines. Learning something new, building relationships, staying in good physical shape—all of these things expand your action space. They give you more choices later.

Maybe this is a better way to think about learning too. Not as accumulation of facts, but as expansion of action space. The more you learn, the more choices you have. The better you get at thinking, the more problems you can solve.

Intelligence is freedom in the future.