I don't feel that gaining
knowledge has anything to do with
intelligence, but having more knowledge from which to draw can aid in making intelligent
decisions. Besides, when I see something interesting here (like the
environmental impact of hydro power and the
radiation of coal power plants), I can do research and make myself
appear more intelligent. The real question is whether
apparent intelligence (i.e. being able to
recite the entire E2
database over meals) is really any less important than
creative intelligence (being able to build a bridge from
toothpicks and
shoe rubber).
I always felt that "doing stuff" was overrated anyhow...