I am a somewhat intelligent individual. But to what standard should I take that seriously?

I know how you feel buddy. The thing is, people these days don't really talk about anything interesting, that's what I had to realize to stop being socially awkward. It's just the same small talk spat out again and again, barely thought out. Just talk to people like that, and once in a while, say something extremely smart and profound. They'll be impressed (they don't have the attention span to listen to the smart stuff all day, but every once in a while is nice). Do it again and again until you have respect AND friends.