Is being book-smart underrated by society?

I hasten to add that I am not practically smart at all and there are many on EP much smarter than I. However, I do read and (no s**t Sherlock) I do have something of an interest in politics. Most people don't find these things that important though. Some give you respect for that but most people don't seem to value it at all.

I have managed to meet like minded people on here and I have friends in a London book club. Becoming a political activist IRL has also been good for me. Most of those who I meet though still see me as a boring geek. Living in a big city I can find people I have common ground with but getting on with 'average' people I sometimes find hard. At the work canteen I zone-out because I have zero interest in reality TV, celebrity gossip or office intrigue. I know I shouldn't care and I usually don't but sometimes it is annoying not to be respected for something that you think should be valued. Any thoughts?

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Invisible · 26-30, M

Not to be rude, but I think that your first mistake was thinking that you should be entitled to respect because you have political opinions. People should respect you as a person, and anything more is up to them, but you might have a hard time if you insist on calling them "average" people.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

Its not about whether I expect people to agree with my politics. I don't. In fact I don't don't force my views on people at all (on here, its different lol).

I don't think that being book-smart makes someone a better person. Its a sense of not being accepted and valuing different things to people around you.

Invisible · 26-30, M

I didn't mention whether or not they should agree.

[quote]Its a sense of not being accepted and valuing different things to people around you.[/quote]
Has it crossed your mind that being book smart has nothing to do with most people's acceptance of you? If you respect people, they will usually respect you, too, regardless of what you both value.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

[quote]Has it crossed your mind that being book smart has nothing to do with most people's acceptance of you?[/quote]

Absolutely. Its more about me being quirky and a bit socially awkward.

[quote]If you respect people, they will usually respect you, too, regardless of what you both value.[/quote]

In my experience it doesn't work like that though. I try to fit in and get on with people but I am awkward. I think people have varying levels of willingness to accept difference.

I know your input here is well meaning and you are being honest. TTYL.

Invisible · 26-30, M

The biggest obstacle of smart people in being social is thinking that their failures are caused by their being smart. It's a result of them either not having the appropriate social skills for the given setting, or of them not truly wanting the company of the people who surround them. You clearly don't enjoy the company of those people at work, and I don't blame you.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@Invisible: I think you make some good points tbf. Thanks