I Ain't So Dumb, Is I?

I have experienced moments in my life, when I feel less than intelligent. I am not talking about cutting someone off in traffic accidentally, or stubbing my toe, or slamming my finger in a car door. Some people are able to, by simply being themselves, make me feel inferior. I believe I have common sense, and make generally decent, smart decisions about life (at least now that I am older), but I am definitely not book smart. Although I did attend college, my grades outside my theater major were never stellar, and I ended up having a C+ average once college ended. Certain ideas and topics that people discuss, are above me, or beyond me. I don't have anything to add in a conversation of this type, and so I don't. I certainly don't go as far as to pretend, but I still end up looking and certainly, feeling, dumb. I hate when I have this sensation, cuz deep down, I know I am not dumb, and there is a difference between being dumb and being learned. ("Oh Papa Homer, you are so learn-ed." "Learned, it's pronounced learned.") I have been known to pipe up when someone is talking to me about something I don't understand or am not familiar with. I will tell them I am not aware of this topic, or what have you. But generally, I nod and say, "right", "yeah", etc. Why do I do this? To impress? To not look like a total moron? The best example I can give, is when anyone discusses Shakespeare. True, I am an actor, and should be well versed in his works, but I am not. I know the shows I have done and those that most of the rest of the world is semi-familiar with. Romeo and Juliet is a good example. When someone starts rambling on about other pieces, I cannot comment. I don't know the characters, the situations, the history. I am also not aware of other cultures, countries, people. I have been to very few places in this big world of ours. True, I am traveling more now that I have a good companion, and a bit more cash, but I still have a lot to experience. I have one choice to make; either raise my "smart" levels by reading more, learning more, soaking up more, doing more, or letting people know that I am not very well read and have never left the confines of the Midwest, but for a few times. That I will probably do, but "learning" more? Hmm. Keep posted for the inevitable conclusion. Here's a hint: I am lazy.