Bingo! This is a superb concept. Well, even I think I am much wiser than most others our age and yes, if traced back, it goes to the fact that my mom inculcated a reading habit in me from a young age, then I happened to read books written by some really brilliant authors.

And most of my wisdom comes from intellectual conversations which are thanks to equally wise friends.

All in all, as you said, it was past circumstances that made it all possible.