Reading CAN make you smarter, but some people learn mechanically, without digesting printed information, and they still learn applicable skills.
Dr. Howard Gardner came up with the theory of "EIGHT INTELLIGENCES" at Harvard. According to Wikipedia, Gardner suggested that one's intelligence can be developed through one of eight main types of processes:
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Gardner chose eight abilities that he held to meet these criteria:[2] musical–rhythmic, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, bodily–kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. He later suggested that existential and moral intelligence may also be worthy of inclusion.[3] Although the distinction between intelligences has been set out in great detail, Gardner opposes the idea of labeling learners to a specific intelligence.
Each individual possesses a unique blend of all the intelligences. Gardner firmly maintains that his theory of multiple intelligences should "empower learners", not restrict them to one modality of learning.[4] According to Gardner, an intelligence is "a biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture."
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This would explain why someone who is very bright and does well on math tests cannot figure out how to install a new distributor cap on an engine.
The idea of "multiple intelligences" suggests that physical activity (such as dancing) can stimulate someone's brain the same way that reading would stimulate another's brain. The dancer might not read, but by dancing and improving, and experimenting, he/she is certainly learning.
Even though I am an avid reader, I insist: there are other ways to be smart than just by reading.