The Line Between “Smart” and “Dumb"

I feel like there is this really thick transparent line between “smart” and “dumb”. And personally, I think it has a lot to do with the contrast in “self-consciousness”, where one side seems far happier than the other.

It’s like this, someone dumb isn’t too aware of all the mistakes they’re making or the mess that is going in their lives. They somehow are able to find happiness in the little moments and things of the present. They find solidarity with what they already have and don’t expect anything more. It’s as if this state of ignorance and oblivion works as a protective mechanism; a shield that guards you against the wretched fumes of reality. To a certain extent, one could even argue that being “dumb” is a blessing, something we all should aspire to be. On the other hand, someone smart is often excessively self-conscious about nearly everything. Starting from their actions, their appearance, quality of life, and all the way to their past, present, and future. They overthink everything and that is their demise. It ruins the joy of being in the moment, it is as if they are never satisfied, never content, never happy. Never in life finding the happiness they so desperately seek. I don’t feel like this view of “smart” and “dumb” is entirely accurate. In fact, it’s vague, subjective and questionable. But that’s just me, simply a part of my view on what it means to be “smart” or “dumb".