I agree completely. I initially wrote that with a frame of “epitome of intelligence as we define/know it”, but felt that nuance wouldn’t sit well with most people or even register. Humans are extremely anthropocentric in their understanding of intelligence. A lot of my comments on HN actually pertain to this; I think animals are far more capable, competent, and intelligent than we give credit.

I see a sort of irony in that we’re often not intelligent enough to recognize intelligence in others, even within our own species.

But thanks for adding that. It’s a really important thing to consider. It actually feeds into the “smallness”, as well.