I think being smart needs solid foundations in order to flourish. Paul mentions getting adequate sleep and avoiding certain stresses, which is a whole science t

I think being smart needs solid foundations in order to flourish. Paul mentions getting adequate sleep and avoiding certain stresses, which is a whole science to me. There is the old archetype of the 'unstable genius' or 'mad scientist' that although they are clever; fail to one day make it and become the person known for $company or $product or $patent. There are many ingredients needed for the smart person to thrive. Personally I find essays about topics that concern me to be useful, as-well as cross-synaptic thinking otherwise known as 'creativity' or 'joining the dots'.