For all their intellect, they lack intelligence.
They can't help it. They're only human, and have the inherent limitations of our tiny human brains, infinitesimal globs of obscene dreck compared to the vast and inconceivable knowledge that is potential. So, in human terms they don't lack intelligence. They lack humility. Proper humility would inform them of their limitations, and they don't seem to have much sense of their very real limitations, and that is causing - and going to cause - terrible suffering, unfortunately not all suffered by those that cause it.
"I've moved onto a farm..."
Awesome. Try to imagine the world as it was ~50kya. Vast herds of enormous megafauna tramp across the steppes, and all you need to do to supply your entire community with sustenance for an entire month is stab one mammoth once. One exquisitely performed killing blow is your entire month's quota of work. Now compare that to raising a crop of corn, for example. Farming is almost abject slavery in comparison to the luxurious indolence hunting once availed mankind.
We really need the 77 genera of megafauna back to restore humanity to that almost inconceivable wealth we once possessed. That would make bosses and overlords instantly obsolete, too.
I'm still experiencing positive blood pressure. Yay!
Yes, I've often dreamed of returning to a nomadic lifestyle - not so easy in this day and age. lol. That said, having spent a fair amount of time trekking and wild camping through different wilderness areas of the world - with the correct knowledge, the abundance of wild bounty/produce is surprising - even here in the UK! In this context, intelligence is the ability to live in balance and harmony (and indeed humility) with the natural environment - statements personified by the oft-forgotten genius of the indigenous peoples of this world. Certainly, our ruling entities are disconnected from all of the above.
In terms of the sum of all knowledge and potentiality - I agree that we are akin to a grain of sand on an endless shoreline. That said, seemingly the brain has the ability to interact with states of awareness - that are beyond our cognitive capacity.
In terms of working on the farm, it's important to tip the balance in nature's favour as much as possible - likewise, the work keeps me fit and strong - which is no bad thing. Glad to hear things are heading in the right direction my friend. :D