Streekgeek
The people you mentioned are a lot older than you. Some may be twice your age or more. I don’t know if any of them are smarter than you. It really has to do with using your time and learning properly and in an involved manner so that you remember. It could be they have above average intelligence but I don’t think anyone here is a genius. Just well learned. Spend less time on your gadgets and more time with your head in a sefer and you could do it too.