This quote by Jacques Yves Cousteau highlights a profound paradox inherent in human nature. As humans advance in their understanding and harnessing of intelligence, there is a simultaneous tendency to use that intelligence in ways that do not serve growth, enlightenment, or progress. It points to the ironic reality that knowledge alone does not guarantee wisdom. Often, individuals and societies might possess technological or intellectual advancements but fail to apply them ethically, wisely, or compassionately.

The dynamic described suggests that intelligence can be a double-edged sword. For instance, scientific discoveries can be employed for beneficial purposes like curing diseases and improving quality of life. However, the same knowledge can be exploited for destructive ends, such as creating weapons of mass destruction. This duality reveals that the problem isn't solely in the intelligence itself but in how it is wielded by those who possess it.

Moreover, the quote implies an internal conflict within humanity: the pursuit of knowledge and progress versus the tendency to act ignorantly or shortsightedly. It raises questions about moral responsibility, the importance of ethical guidelines, and the need for humility in our pursuits. True intelligence should ideally lead us toward better self-awareness and societal well-being, yet history often shows a pattern of hubris and shortsightedness that undermine these goals.

Reflecting on this, it is vital for us to recognize the importance of cultivating not only intelligence but also wisdom— the capacity to make sound decisions and to act ethically. Emphasizing moral education alongside scientific and technological development could help us avoid the trap of involving our intelligence in destructive patterns. In essence, the quote reminds us of the perils of intellectual arrogance and the necessity of aligning our intellectual pursuits with moral considerations for a more just and enlightened future.