For generations, society has viewed intelligence through two different lenses: book smarts and street smarts. We’re often told that formal education is the gold standard of intelligence. Classroom learning introduces core concepts and knowledge through lectures, textbooks, and hands-on participation. It also teaches us how to analyze and interpret new information so we can think critically. Meanwhile, the random information we pick up every day is often viewed as useful but secondary. 

If you’ve ever felt like your real-world wisdom counts for more than a pub quiz score, psychologists have some validating news for you. According to new research, lived experience and formal education aren’t separate categories of knowledge after all. Our brains are hardwired to keep absorbing valuable information, specific skills, and........

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