"Again, it's the motivations you have to pay attention to. Why do people want to be smarter?"

So they can know and understand everything possible in the Universe, make great contributions to humanity and the future, and live a pinnacle life full of fulfillment, riches and experiences few others attain. That's not to mention enduring fame throughout history.

As for artificial AI, that has the allure of mind uploading, and truly unimaginable power and experience including practical star travel.

Your views on this are weak.