I’d go a step further and say less than it needs smart people, the world needs loving people.

You can be smart, selfish, hateful, and in general a negative value-add to society.

You can also genuinely care for people, have a sub-par IQ, and not “accomplish much” and make a huge impact on many lives.

As a corollary, if “all” you ever do is raise loving, empathetic children you’ve left the world a better place than you find it.

Totally agree.

I'm not being glib when I say that it was the best decision I ever made and has improved my life immensely.