Our ability to create new knowledge
Not only are we able to solve problems by inquiry, action and feedback. We are able to document that process in our brains. We are able to store it using another layer of abstraction outside of the action itself. Consequently we are able to retrieve that information for later use when we encounter similar problems to the ones we already solved.
This enables us to communicate that individual sensory information about a problem to other humans. Then, they can apply that same information to their own individual experience, which saves time, and creates a network of validated shared experiences.
Let's call that knowledge.
Our ability to adapt to our environment
Earth's biosphere is not entirely a suitable place for all human life to thrive. Let's take Iceland as an example. The extreme winter conditions and seasonal changes makes it harder for humans, especially early humans, to survive in such environments. Yet, with knowledge we were able to create the necessary conditions and tools for our species to adapt to this environment.
Humans by using knowledge are able to predict and create. Creation is the manifestation of some type of knowledge in the physical world. Humans' creative nature allows us to restructure earth's biosphere and elements into things and tools we can use. Tools extend our capabilities beyond our biological limits and empower us to change our environments into something that fits our nature.
Our ability to connect to other humans or species
We can't work alone. Simply because it's not efficient to do so.
If we would have only worked individually, that would mean that a contemporary human would have to solve the same problems early humans had, inventing the wheel, dealing with fire, etc. If a human had to solve the same problems that our ancestors had, there would be no progress at all and we would be exactly at the same place. Solving the first primitive problems we had when our species first emerged.
The communication of knowledge to other beings allows knowledge to be compounded. Knowledge when compounded evolves into more complex theories, which then can solve more complex problems.
To allow the communication of knowledge to flourish efficiently, similarly to a neural network we have to be able to create the necessary channels of connection and communication between humans. Connection with other human beings is created not only by providing channels where language and culture can be freely manifested. More importantly, connection with other human beings is created by mutual understanding and shared feelings of our fragile human condition.
Let's call that empathy