The author is overthinking this because smart people aren't "happier" because happiness isn't a problem to be solved per say, it's mostly genetics + whether your basic needs are met or not.
This phrase "ignorance is bliss" is a cliche for a reason. When you understand how broken our systems and society is but lack the power to fix it, that knowledge is just burden.
I'd rather be able to turn off the part of my brain that notices when people are making obviously preventable mistakes, I can't personally and I would argue that anyone that has traveled to developing countries has probably noticed this, people with less formal education often seem GENUINELY happier despite having fewer material resources. They're not burdened by awareness of all the ways things could theoretically be better. Our happiness can degrade instantly just by checking the news.
They are aware, they have learned to not waste their limited lifespan fighting a losing battle, often, they've already given enough, lost enough loved ones that they'd rather enjoy what little life gives them. They're not less intelligent.
This phrase "ignorance is bliss" is a cliche for a reason. When you understand how broken our systems and society is but lack the power to fix it, that knowledge is just burden.
I'd rather be able to turn off the part of my brain that notices when people are making obviously preventable mistakes, I can't personally and I would argue that anyone that has traveled to developing countries has probably noticed this, people with less formal education often seem GENUINELY happier despite having fewer material resources. They're not burdened by awareness of all the ways things could theoretically be better. Our happiness can degrade instantly just by checking the news.