Unlocking Human Noetic Potential for Productivity Enhancement

1. Introduction

The physical interpretation of things, events, and phenomena are described using space-time co-ordinates, whether by means of Euclidean, Galilean, Cartesian, or Gaussian co-ordinates. What exists physically must be observable and describable. The physical existence of things in reality is an observable event. It goes same for productivity. But it goes otherwise, when the attempt of which becomes cumbersome, when we try to describe the existence of mind or mental space. Does it have a distinct noetic continuum? For there are no known co-ordinates that can describe the position of mind inside the brain. Mind, consciousness, and mental phenomena are all subjective states that cannot be reduced to their individual scientific counterparts, and yet they all originate from the material brain (Revonsuo, 2009; Schiffer, 2019). The human brain is a highly organised system of perception, cognition, information procession, volition, and of course, productivity. It is impossible to believe that mental states do not come from science—for we have the material brain as its source.

Now, things that “deny” science cannot be true. The general belief held about this is that: scientific evidence is the best proof. But would it not be reasonable to ask even if all these subjective states of feeling and emotion exist, why they cannot be readily mapped or reduced into material points of reference (Nummenmaa et. al., 2018)? All these are apparently an unsurmountable problem for the time being. Ray Kurzweil (1999), too, has expressed his opinion concerning why spiritual aspects (including subjective states) cannot manifest in machines? Indeed, why artificial mental states of machines cannot be programed with higher intelligence (Harnad, 2003)?

However, given all these phenomenal complexities, it has been possible to reduce these mental traits into measurable qualities. Mental capabilities can be measured, aptitudes can be assessed, and intelligence levels are quantified (i.e., IQ) (Sternberg, 1979; Horn, J. L. 1991; Howe, 1997). Although the material existence of the mind and consciousness cannot be discerned in terms of physical entities, these traits exist as proofs of mental functioning. What about human potential? What’s the truth about it? Can it be measured or physically assessed? Does it have no significance at all? How to surmount all difficulties in identifying and measuring our latent potential? Meaning that, our very own innate potential? Well, I didn’t want to ask these questions once again which have already been asked many times before, but I have been compelled to do so with regard to understanding human productive potential.

1.1. Potential for Productivity

Our innate potential: how the self should be more productive? How to best utilise our potential for achieving higher productivity? This concept—potential for productivity, isn’t anything new so far as it is reasonably practical from the point of view of the literature on human productivity relates us to (Brynjolfsson & Hitt, 1998). But that is not all—and not at all about what we are to discuss in this paper. We ask a simple question: Why should the human intellect lag behind AI in terms of productivity and efficiency? What are the limits of human intelligence? What are the drawbacks of artificial intelligence? Wouldn’t it be possible for the human mind to meet the productivity and performance levels of artificial intelligence? According to some authors, we need to think beyond the productivity paradox (Brynjolfsson & Hitt, 1998; Tutuncuoglu, 2024). There still remains a big difference between natural human and artificial intelligence (Korteling et.al. 2021). Well, given the complexity of the models of human intelligence, and the subtlety and complexity of human thought process, the human mind is characterised by competing internal goals that make things often difficult for anyone to come to a definite conclusion about human competence and latent potentiality. While on the other hand, machine competence is fast surpassing human skills in almost all frontiers (Firestone, 2020; Korteling et. al., 2021), save a few.

But we are also aware that most AI-based systems still lag behind the human brain in some aspects of creativity and deep thinking. But very soon, AI would most likely surpass those unique human feats of creativity in which we excel, and which is, in that sense, so intrinsic to human beings only. Hence, we imagine—no, we perceive such a scenario where artificial intelligence would complement human intelligence, and the coupling of the minds with intelligent machines will create a new “noetic dimension”—the metanoetic cognitive dimension which is a step beyond the boundaries of human intellect and wisdom. In fact, Yolles and Chiolerio (2025), in relation to quantum information cybernetics have proposed a framework to map collective intelligence system using a dynamic modelling of collective and process intelligence to envision a cognitive simulation-based complex adaptive system—which is a version of an advanced metacybernetic model. This approach falls within the scope of Mindset Agency theory (MAT). These systems aim to achieve a scalable, autonomous system capable of continuous learning directly from contextual environments. But this, I believe, is not entirely a new dimension of intelligence which I am referring to.

I do not as yet consider AI a “new” dimension of intelligence: it is a tool to augment human productivity which has power, speed, and efficiency. AI is also a tool which, when trained adequately, is able to perform most of the tasks with ease and efficiency. It is, therefore, a productivity booster. But we strongly believe such a productive coupling would be advantageous to humanity going forward. Hence, we have deeply engaged in the metaphysical analysis of the intellect at quantum relativistic level, and aspire to go beyond quantum relativity in conceiving a higher form of intelligence: metanoetic intelligence-based neurotechnology (MNiNT). The foundations of “Quantum Noetic Metaphysics”, in this respect, however, still aspires to stimulate productivity and inspire creativity in the human mind, as before. The outcomes from such an approach could be readily disseminated and be utilised to augment human intelligence for the fulfilment of individual noetic capabilities.

1.2. Research Goal

This paper, hence, revolves around the core issues concerning productivity enhancement using a unique blend of human and machine intelligence where the true powers of metacognition at “metanoetic levels” could be ushered to steer human productivity to new, higher levels. The question that remains: how the human potential, and how our innate potential could help us become more productive, by exploiting these novel concepts of “noetic metaphysics?” The answers perhaps lie deep in knowing about the knowledge that serves the purpose of achieving higher productivity: productive wisdom and intelligence (Pastuszak et. al., 2013). Indeed, what knowledge can inspire productivity in people? What methods could be applied to tap the “untapped potentialities” of the mind? All these questions need veritable answers. In this paper, going forward, we investigate these mutually distinct states of human productiveness as the foundational basis of innate human potential.

2. Individual Metacognitive Potentiality

Every individual is endowed with innate potential energy, which actually remains unchanged even when we are aging: from childhood to youth, through adult to old age. This is not our physical energy or strength which first increases and then diminishes with advancing age. It is our noetic potential which I am talking about.

Human potential is limitless and unbound…but human productivity is limited by capacity!

It has been argued in another context that productive energies of great individuals and high achievers are higher than those who are idle and unproductive (Gilmore, 1971). Manifestation of productive powers depends on individual basis, i.e., primarily determined by an individual’s behavior and attitude towards goal achievement, accomplishment of tasks, among others (Renzulli & De Wet, 2010). Manifestation of such powers are also dependent on the strength of productive potential (energy) inherent to an individual (Ahmed, 2024)—that which is necessary to maintain productive constancy. Promotion of productivity in individuals, hence, is a productive business after all. It is characterised by programs of creativity, curiosity, and learning which allow individuals to acquire knowledge and become creative, intelligent beings (Day and Langevin, 1959; Burleson, 2005). It enables them to comprehend the deeper aspects of productivity, which allow them to learn from their actions.

The nature of human mind is unpredictable. So is the nature of human productivity. It would be rather difficult to generalise everyone using one particular law of productivity, for it varies greatly among individuals. But definitely, it might be possible to know about things in particular that the practice of which helps one attain higher productivity and success. It is a common practice for people to become highly intelligent and productive by accumulating great merit through learning, training, and practice (Walberg & Stariha, 1992). Which means that training and learning imparts wisdom and nourishes our intellects: the best possible way to noetic nourishment which is actually feeding of the mind with philosophy, information, and wisdom of productivity (Chatterjee, 2024). In addition to this, if the sources of creative energy that releases locked up potential is known, it could be suitably exploited to help individuals become more productive. This paper, hence, discusses our innate (productive) potential, and how it could be properly utilised to make us more creative, proactive, and productive.

It also discusses the conditions that permit to help us become more energetic, proactive beings. The belief that actions should be based on ideas of outcomes is, nevertheless, a rational belief. If we have clear vision of our goals and have proper means of attaining such goals, our efforts would bear positive outcomes; i.e., we would rather become useful, productive and working individuals. Therefore, action speaks louder than words, but it is words that often inspire actions. In due course of this discussion, we shall touch upon several concepts of productivity that will shed new lights on this subject matter.

3. Simple Conditions for Boosting Productivity

There exists no panacea for all ailments, and similarly, no one solution solves all problems, and no one method to improve productivity in all dimensions of activities (e.g., industrial, manufacturing, services, etc.). If we ponder over intelligently on the subject of productivity we will discover diverse facts differentiating different types of productivity. According to Tangen (2005), productivity is a multidimensional concept whose meaning and nature vary depending on the context within which the term is usually applied. In most informal sense in industrial context, it simply means the relation of output to input. The concept of productivity may actually mean many things to many people—but the most common thread connecting all these relate to one thing—outcome of activities. Now, as contexts differ, so differ factors that modulate and moderate decisions of productivity improvement (Tangen, 2005). These factors can be regarded as conditions for optimal productivity.

Each type of productivity has its own significance tied to their outcomes. One may become more productive in lieu of a prospect for a pleasurable trip or vacation, i.e., to spend quality time, or one may blend work with pleasure in a manner which contributes to higher productivity. Whether productivity increases in the spirit of enjoyment or leisure, a cheerful and intelligent person doesn’t get easily deluded by such deliberate breaks in goal-oriented activities. The organisational objectives, however, are reliant strictly on the efficiency factor. They strive hard to minimize wastage of time, resources, manpower, and energy to properly utilise the resources available for production of goods and services with the sole objective of attaining higher yield and productivity (Srivastava and Barmola, 2011). In simpler terms, it means “minimal utilisation” of resources to realise “maximum output”. Using this principle, individuals, too, are free to realise their goals by means of efficient productive activities. Both firms and individuals engage in productivity optimisation strategies (Knox, 1993). Efficient use of productive capital (Knox, 1993) through reallocation of resources at optimal levels, and reallocation of activities towards higher, more efficient producers enhance competitiveness levels of firms and business organisations (Syverson, 2011). It also provides the foundations for understanding the sources of productivity growth. It shall be born in mind that more efficient producers sell at lower prices (Syverson, 2011) and still make profits. According to Syverson (2011),

“Productivity is a matter of survival for businesses.”

Highly successful and intelligent individuals understand the conditions that must be set so that it is most likely to boost productivity among their teammates or subordinates. They feel more dedicated to their productive efforts because they’re more goal-oriented than most average individuals, and they love to take up productive challenges, which to them is like seeking wisdom out of activities and ventures. However, constraints facing producers must be known and identified as well (Knox, 1993). Highly accomplished individuals also love to respect their productive endeavors and dedicate a greater amount of time and resources to see them achieving success. Why? For they know the natural consequence of productive actions; outcomes—, outcomes which they expect to be profitable and positive, but not always that’s the case. And yet they take the risk, make the effort, and become productive enough to achieve their targets. By being more productive, highly successful individuals earn fame that lasts longer. More instructive materials on this aspect of human productivity could be accessed from the book written by Michael Polanyi titled “Personal Knowledge: Toward a Postcritical Philosophy”. One can grasp more competently the social theory of productivity for a better understanding of the nature of human productivity and productive potential through the perspective of knowledge and learning, as these two factors are primary boosters of human as well as machine productivity today. But one should not make all assumptions based on theory alone—for not all of them are true (Solow, 1956), and assumptions on which conclusions concerning productivity depend sensitively should be, at least, partly realistic (Solow, 1956). Hence, the knowledge of expediency based on assumptions alone are always inadequate, however attractive and effective the art of successful theorising about assumptions on productivity may be. For as Solow (1956) epitomises, quite correctly, when assumptions are unrealistic or dubious, the results are suspects.

4. A Novel Dimension of Human Productive Potential

Now, in this section, we shall move a step beyond simple productivity into the domains of metanoetic cognition (Fredericks, 1990; Veenman et. al., 2004)—a metameric form of noesis which is distinctively specific about inspiring the latent form of productive potential inherent to human beings. The term metanoetics has its origin from William James’s psychology, and the current concepts associated with it are discussed in the works of Fredericks (1990) who has used the term metanoetic cognition in divine context in relation to the dynamics of actuality—the direction towards which reality moves. By borrowing this term from Fredericks, I have tried to represent it in a scientific context of human potential and productivity science. Metanoetic cognition thus refers to a higher level of cognition beyond the conventional realms of perceptual representation, but within our cognitive purview. It aims to provide a meta-analytic perspective of the relationship among metacognition and intelligence (Ohtani & Hisasaka, 2018), having relative implications for human productiveness.

Often, we find that a segmented body of productive wisdom need be designed or acquired to feed the minds of the people to inspire productivity under organisational settings. This may herald the development of metanoeticneurotechnology (MNNT), a concept beyond intelligence (Ohtani & Hisasaka, 2018), which aims to create a new noetic power domain to promote a higher level of productive culture of deep learning and deep thinking, using tools and techniques of neurosciences, AI, and natural innate intelligence. The goal is to inspire people to become more productive and efficient in deep learning and task accomplishment. This approach will readily blend with modern tools of productivity obtained from AI-based applications to inspire productivity in people.

Although the philosophy of this research is based on the metaphysical study of noetics at the quantum relativistic level, its principles are derived from the foundations of human intelligence. The aim is to bring out what’s best in us by exploiting the tools of human and artificial intelligence. We have already considered that Productivity is Power. To realise the full potential of human productivity, it might be necessary going forward to forge a bond with advanced tools that promote productivity by artificial means. Productivity in the virtual space is a big thing today, as most entities are having their digital presence markedly felt by innovations in knowledge engineering for new product development and new service delivery. Well, that’s the marketing and sales part of the story, and we are not into it. Our goal revolves around augmenting the human intellect to achieve higher productivity and efficiency. We believe that our approach will readily feed the fire of productive passions intrinsic to all of us. For this, we need a deeper understanding of human potential and its productive capabilities. Hence, we need to be productive in our instincts to reach new heights of productive virtue. The power of self-realisation is a big force the fulfilment of which needs noetic triggers and exploitation of our latent noetic potentials. We must decipher more factors upon which rests the power of the human intellect. The science of noetic potential is an interesting domain open for further exploration where deep mining could bring out new insights about human productive potential. It would look be like a password to higher productivity.

The question is, how the self should become more productive? In the light of QNM, a physical description of human potential would mean transformation and change in the self being motivated toward action in a noetic continuum. By noetic continuum, it is herein meant a space where actual products of metacognition can claim a physical existence. Continuous flow of ideas and their co-ordination using tools of noetics could lead to productive outcomes. The outcomes could be in the way of higher productivity, creative bursts, or innovations in thoughts that would delineate the intellectual importance of such productive outcomes. It also denotes the noetic significance of productive purposes that give shape to outcomes. The entire concept is linked to productive continuity of the intellect in producing outcomes that have value, and which creates a productive space—our noetic space. Hence, it is advisable to maintain a productive continuity through continuous learning about how better one can equip the self for personal growth and intellectual development.

The mind must find its way to higher productivity if it isn’t productive enough, and by the power of which one could attain higher goals in life. In this context, we are inspired by the most promising works of Albert Einstein (Einstein, 1922) on The General Theory of Relativity, from which, we construct a hypothetical noetic space for the mind. This “hypothetical space”—the “noetic continuum”, may have a powerful noetic field generated around the workspace of the mind in action. It forms an inspiring ambience for ambitious (and unambitious) minds who want to excel in various intellectual activities that lead to productive and profitable outcomes. In fact, such a field help create ambitions in an insipid mind. In relation to the theory of productivity, this hypothetical noetic field has much significance. Understanding the metaphysics of noetic productivity at the quantum relativistic level will more likely shed new lights on the theory of human potential, where, one can readily perceive his or her true position in the realistic framework within the noetic continuum—the “productive space” for the mind.

Metacognitive dynamics, on the other hand, could be better studied and understood and the influence of such a field on human intelligence can be tracked as well, giving a strong foundation of the metaphysics of quantum noetic productivity. Much ideas could be obtained, too, from investigating about the theory of productive power and human productive potential. It will help stimulate thoughts on productivity—giving us a legitimate ground to test the theory of metacognition in relation to the noetic field in a noetic continuum. Such investigations will bring to light the ways and methods for the self to become more productive. Since this research revolves around human productivity and potential, a productive space for undertaking a research on noetic metaphysics is a much needed infrastructure. Generation of productive power and tapping unused latent potential would go a long way in boosting human productivity—and would slowly bridge the gap between human and machine noetic capabilities. Today, many AI-based tools are emerging or being developed using vibe coding for improving organisational productivity and efficiency, but noetic rejuvenation has also become an important factor of a strong, productive mind. Productivity, hence, and at any rate, cannot be undermined because it is the dispenser of all benefits. To whatever degree we’ve progressed, it is not enough to understand all contains human potential, and we should think more deeply and profoundly on productivity, and on the metaphysics of human productive potential.

5. The Metaphysics of Human Productive Potential

To obtain a “metaphysical perspective” of human productive potential, it is necessary to assume a different point of view of mind. The metaphysics of productivity has been briefly considered by Sidharta Chatterjee in the context of understanding human productive potential (2025a), and appraising productive capacity in metaphysical perspectives (2025b). The findings of these researches concur with established beliefs that “the mind of a productive being is always in search of pathways of higher productivity when the conventional modes of activities prove inefficient”. This, too, is a common wisdom even under organisational settings regarding traditional sources of productivity that witness diminishing marginal returns (Istvan, 1992). In such circumstances, the mind reverts to other sources of triggers that could help inspire the will to become more proactive, and efficient. Noetic triggers can indeed prove as incentives to higher productivity where one seeks to look inside—and realise the latent potential that has power to influence the mind to act in a certain manner. What you are striving to achieve can best be attained by means of higher productivity, or by efficiency in your creative productions. Creative efficiency involves the role of human intellect. The dynamic noetic field mentioned above exits around the mind when in active engagement with its environment, adapting accordingly to emerging contexts where contexts coexist as a productive cognitive space.

To gain a deeper understanding of the metaphysics of human productive potential, it is necessary to grasp the metaphysics of noetic productivity—but foremost, of productivity at first. The practical significance of the metaphysical analysis of productivity (Koskela & Kagioglou, 2005), however, cannot be undermined, as such. This necessitates an understanding of both productivity and productive capabilities. In all respects, productive processes are real and intrinsically temporal phenomena (Koskela & Kagioglou, 2005). This is the reason why one should gain a deeper understanding of the principles of productivity to delve deeper into its metaphysical aspects. The working of the mind in intellectual domain towards attainment of certain goals turn most individuals into productive beings, just as it does so in other domains. Hence, it would need a testing model to examine the theory and lay a foundation for a metaphysics of quantum noetic productivity grounded on sound principles of productivity.

Understanding the metaphysics of human productive potential in the light of quantum relativity necessitates the assumption of transitional states of noetic potential latent within us. Every transformation must require energy of activation-deactivation. Any transformation results in changes brought about by the effect of forces acting on a system. Transformation of human latent potential into its active state of productive energy must involve some expenditure of energy, however subtle that might be. This we refer to as Productive Equivalence. Transformation of potential energy into kinetic energy requires force and effort. Regarding the mind, this relates to motivational states and the force of a trigger—a noetic inspirational factor (NiF), which may be classified into two categories: NiF-1 and NiF-2. NiF-1 relates to the theoretical knowledge and wisdom that inspires productivity and enforces the will to action, and the other being NiF-2 which is an external trigger the stimuli being practical events, phenomena, etc. These two factors are analogous to Herzberg’s “intrinsic” and “extrinsic” motivating factors (Alshmemri et. al., 2017; Peramatzis & Galanakis, 2022), but stated in a different way. The third factor—NiF-3 is also intrinsic to the body and mind—derived from meditative states, which, too, is a cognitive state of reflection or musing the mind.

It is an affective state of the mind where self-realisation leads to higher states of awareness, and which in turn, is a plausible factor, too, thus playing an active part in inspiring productivity among the individuals.

The force of attraction towards a goal, aim, or objective creates a dynamic state of the will to power productivity and inspire action. Therefore, with regard to productive equivalence, all these are nothing but dynamic inspirational factors that are necessary to induce neural potential for prompting actions. The effects of noetic triggers are unleashed through intellectual outputs—thus inspiring an individual to become more productive. Any of these potential triggers if powerful enough creates a noetic field which influences the mind to become active. We may refer to this a force having its effects felt on the mind inspiring productivity. Certain environments and contexts—too, create a productive field of a special kind to inspire productivity in individuals who seem to be apathetic, indolent or lethargic.

Human productive potential is a neurocognitive concept being that latent capacity within individuals, which can be triggered by stimuli, to utilise it for the purpose of producing valuable outcomes. Unlocking this potential leads to personal development and professional growth. This latent potential could be utilised to increase one’s own productivity through activation of untapped, unused potential hidden within. It could be more useful for an insipid mind to awaken ambitions for pursuits that might yield productive and profitable outcomes. We are often triggered by stimuli from watching movies, documentaries, or reading articles that provide glimpses of some great purpose on which the mind can be awakened and motivated to act. This is so common with regard to certain events that stir up our mind and ignite passions to become more active in pursuit of certain goals.

Mental limitations can hinder our productive potential in the form of cognitive constraints which can be overcome through adequate conditioning of the mind, i.e., relearning, training programs, incentives to nurture skill development, by creating positive ambience for work, removing obstacles to learning, and adoption of productivity tools and technology, among others that also lead to personal growth and noetic development. This potential can be studied at the metaphysical level to understand the deeper aspects of the complex patterns of interactions among diverse factors that either hinder or promote productive performances at the individual level.

6. Conclusions

In this paper, we investigate and discuss about how individuals could become more productive by utilisation of their untapped noetic potential. For this, we have assumed a hypothetical noetic space—a continuum within a noetic field potential characteristic of a productive environment. This noetic space allows untapped human potential to be realised in a methodological manner so that it inspires higher levels of productivity in people influenced by such a productive field.

In this age of AI-driven productivity and continuous anxiety of AI tools overpowering human minds even in most creative aspects, it need be understood how we can catch up to stay ahead of this artificially synthesised intelligence, and turn them into competent partners in productivity and learning. If we do not consider human productive potential seriously today, in days to come, AI might consider humanity a great folly... Coupled with our aims in making machines smarter and more intelligent, we should, in turn, strive to augment our own intelligence levels in order to match the productivity, speed, and efficiency of AI-based systems, which in other words, to become more smarter than most advanced machines going forward.

In terms of speed, we may never match these smart machines, but in other aspects, it would be a tough competition going forward. If we are able to make ourselves more productive and dynamic by adopting specific methods of efficient productivity, and if we can realise our potentials fully, we can do a lot more than what we are doing right now. The triumph of human productive intelligence to design more effective breeds of AI systems should herald the beginning of a new era of hybrid productivity where people and intelligent machines would find efficiency in synergy, rather than in competition.

In a nutshell, although this research is purely theoretical in nature, it hypothesizes a noetic space for the intellect that proposes a new dimension for the mind related to intellectual activities—the continuum within a noetic field. The function of this continuum is to augment human productivity, and in helping people realise their full productive potential.