Neurons are the smallest units of our brain. Just like there is an ant in an ant colony. The thing that is formed by their harmony is called intelligence. It is estimated that we have eighty-six billion neurons, which is millions of times more than an ant colony. An ant communicates with one ant at a time while each neuron is in constant contact with thousands of other neurons via axons and dendrites.

Neurons are organized into several layers. Superficially, the brain appears to be a homogeneous structure with bulges and layers, but it is divided into distinct regions. Neighboring neurons form interconnected structures that perform specific functions. And these structures combine to make bigger structures which combine to make more structures which are.

At the largest scale, the outer neural tissue of the brain is called the cortex. It is divided into right and left halves and each half is further divided into four lobes. The frontal lobe is where information is integrated. And it divides further. It also contains the prefrontal cortex (which plays an important role in this series).

The prefrontal cortex is found only in mammals and plays a key role in doing more than scripted reactions. It oversees the thinking and decision-making process. Identifying objectives, directing focus, planning, monitoring results and managing activities in other areas takes place here. 

The prefrontal cortex has more layers of structure. Another small structure in it is the lateral prefrontal cortex. And it's only found in primates. It also contains smaller structures such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and is itself composed of dozens of smaller structures.

At every level these structures are intricately interconnected. It takes input from somewhere and gives output to someone. And these connections extend to areas below the cortex, including connections to the reward system. Each structure that operates participates in the processing of a higher level than itself. 

And here the example of the ant colony seems to be limited. Ant colonies do not have a complex and hierarchical organization. 

The brain also has a central and top-down control system to some extent.

This executive part of the brain means that we don't just act habitually or automatically. Some thoughts can be suppressed, others can be moved. If your boss is scolding you for no reason, this is the part of the brain that is causing you to manage your anger (and later, when you're completely alone, let it out). 

But on the other hand, suppressing irrelevant or inappropriate ideas also means that the executive part can also hinder original thinking. 

When we are at our peak in thought, the executive part loosens up enough to balance both modes of thought and determines how much focus and depth of thought you will have.

And that is the beauty of the human mind.  

Not only do separate parts function without central control, but there is another opposite direction in its functioning where executive control leads the way. Through the interplay of these two thoughts and ideas are born, stirred, organized, focused towards solving a problem, we don't always need a logical step-by-step path to reach this solution. Then it can be programmed, new concepts can be added, created and most importantly, the approach to solving the problem can be changed. Without central control, this part of intelligence is not possible for an intelligent colony of ants.