Meaning: This quote by Henri Bergson, a renowned philosopher and scientist, delves into the distinctions between instinct and intelligence, highlighting their respective roles in the use and creation of tools. Henri Bergson was a French philosopher who significantly influenced the fields of philosophy, biology, and psychology with his ideas on intuition, time, and evolution. In this quote, he draws attention to the evolutionary and cognitive aspects of both instinct and intelligence, shedding light on their complementary yet distinct functions in human behavior and development.

Instinct, as Bergson suggests, can be perfected to the point where it enables individuals to use and even create organized instruments. This implies that through the refinement and honing of instinctual tendencies, humans and other organisms can develop a heightened ability to interact with and manipulate tools and objects in their environment. This aligns with the notion of instinct as an inherent, pre-existing behavior or skill that is refined and perfected through experience and adaptation.

On the other hand, Bergson emphasizes that intelligence, when perfected, enables individuals to create and utilize unorganized instruments. This distinction is crucial as it underscores the cognitive and problem-solving capacities of intelligence. Unlike instinct, which may rely on pre-existing patterns and responses, intelligence involves the capacity to reason, analyze, and innovate, leading to the creation and utilization of tools that may not be inherently structured or organized.

Bergson's comparison of instinct and intelligence in relation to the creation and use of tools provides valuable insights into the evolution of human cognition and behavior. It suggests that while instinct may have played a significant role in early human development, intelligence has allowed for the advancement and innovation of tool-making and utilization. The quote also implies that as intelligence evolved, humans gained the ability to manipulate and adapt their environment to a greater extent, leading to the development of more complex and diverse tools and technologies.

From an evolutionary standpoint, Bergson's quote can be interpreted as highlighting the adaptive nature of both instinct and intelligence. While instinct may have initially guided early human behaviors and tool usage, the development of intelligence allowed for the refinement and expansion of tool-making capabilities. This aligns with the concept of cognitive evolution, where the refinement of intelligence over time has led to the development of increasingly sophisticated tools and technologies, ultimately shaping human civilization and progress.

In the context of modern society, Bergson's insights into instinct and intelligence can also be applied to various aspects of human behavior and technological advancement. The quote prompts us to consider the interplay between innate, instinctual behaviors and the cognitive processes that drive innovation and problem-solving. It serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between instinct and intelligence in shaping human interactions with the environment and the tools we create to manipulate it.

In conclusion, Henri Bergson's quote offers a thought-provoking examination of the roles of instinct and intelligence in the creation and use of tools. By distinguishing between the faculties of using and constructing organized instruments associated with instinct, and the faculties of making and using unorganized instruments linked to intelligence, Bergson provides valuable insights into the evolutionary and cognitive dimensions of human tool-making and adaptation. His words prompt us to consider the interwoven nature of instinct and intelligence in shaping human behavior and technological progress, shedding light on the intricate relationship between innate behaviors and cognitive abilities.