Smart is Cool Day 💡

Overview

Smart is Cool Day, celebrated annually on October 22nd, promotes the idea that intelligence, curiosity, and a passion for learning are admirable and desirable traits. This day encourages individuals of all ages to embrace their intellect, value education, and challenge the misconception that being smart isn't 'cool.' It aims to shift cultural perceptions, highlighting the profound importance of knowledge and critical thinking in personal development and societal progress.

Origin and story

The average adult human brain generates about 20 watts of electrical power while awake, enough to light a dim bulb.

Learning new skills and acquiring knowledge can increase the density of white matter in the brain, improving cognitive function.

Quick facts

• DateOctober 22
• TypeCultural / community observance
• Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

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Ways to celebrate

By one commonly repeated account, this day traces to West Hartford, Connecticut in 2013, created to honor two local teachers of the year — though like a lot of internet-era "national days," the exact origin is thinly documented and hard to pin down with full certainty.

Celebrate an actual educator

• Thank a teacher, past or present, who made curiosity feel exciting rather than embarrassing — the spirit the day seems to have started with, whoever exactly started it.

Read what's known about the day

Helpful resources: Holiday Insights rounds up the day's background and how it's typically marked in "Smart is Cool Day."

Do something that flexes your curiosity

• Spend 15 minutes learning something with zero practical payoff — just because it's interesting, not because it'll be useful.

Did you know?

The average adult brain runs on roughly 20 watts of power while awake — about enough to dimly light a bulb — yet consumes around 20% of the body's total energy despite making up only about 2% of its weight.

Fun facts

• The average adult human brain generates about 20 watts of electrical power while awake, enough to light a dim bulb.
• Learning new skills and acquiring knowledge can increase the density of white matter in the brain, improving cognitive function.
• Studies suggest that lifelong intellectual engagement can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in later life.

Sources and attribution

• Smart is Cool Day (Holiday Insights)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

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FAQ

When is Smart is Cool Day?

It is observed on October 22 each year.

What is Smart is Cool Day?

Smart is Cool Day, celebrated annually on October 22nd, promotes the idea that intelligence, curiosity, and a passion for learning are admirable and desirable traits. This day encourages individuals of all ages to embrace their intellect, value education, and challenge the misconception that being smart isn't 'cool.' It aims to shift cultural perceptions, highlighting the profound importance of knowledge and critical thinking in personal development and societal progress.

How do people celebrate Smart is Cool Day?

Thank a teacher who made curiosity feel exciting, spend 15 minutes learning something with no practical payoff, and read up on the day's murky origin story, reportedly tied to a 2013 Connecticut teacher tribute.

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