From the earth to the brain

Here I briefly discuss an agenda for increasing our current knowledge regarding human intelligence. This psychological trait is of paramount relevance for understanding behavior in a wide variety of settings. The brain captures the interactions between genes and the environment, and observed individual differences in intelligence result from the way these complex relationships are implemented in this organ. We made some progress in the last decades, but I suggest that we need a strategic change for making a substantial advance. We strongly require an ‘Intelligence Program’ inspired by past efforts such as the ‘Apollo Program’. Scientists interested in human intelligence must make a voyage from the earth to the brain. I suggest this is the only way for moving beyond small steps and for achieving the required giant leap forward.