I am something you could consider smart; wrote first program as 6 years old, gave talks at conferences, worked on crypto-concesus algos, now I do research oriented consulting.
Some points:
- pattern recognition is basic brain function and everyone has it
- you need PERFECT health to be smart; check testosterone, sleep, weight, nofap, exercise etc.. 90% people have brain fog for some stupid fixable reason
- there is nothing wrong with CRUD app maintenance if you make good money. Challenge is nice, but gets old very fast, unless it is a hobby.
- avoid relationship until your life is in order. Huge time sink and ruins concentration.
Not sure what was condescending. And I am smart, my mother had me tested ;)