If those before us were not smart, they wouldn't have survived and we would not be here.
The focus of knowledge shifts and today we know far more about certain things than our ancestors did. They knew more about certain things that we ever will.
Much of the knowledge I have was acquired from others. I deserve no credit for their discoveries, I merely profit (in one way or another) from it.
And much of current day "knowledge" will change or even be refuted.
My mother had a high school diploma, but she knew how to feed and clothe and nurture a family of eight on little money. She didn't know what I know, but she could do what I could not.