Why do we often feel smarter after reading, even if our actions don't change?

Does a professional athlete's mental toughness translate to surviving a winter outdoors?
Is it possible to find happiness and fulfillment without achieving the usual career milestones? How do others do it?
Does having more women in the government actually produce different policies, or does political ideology matter more than gender?
How can you bounce back from setbacks like missing a job opportunity or facing health issues while preparing for GATE?