They have this idea of themselves as cultured intellectuals. I'm sure they tell themselves "well, I'm not as good at sports but I'm smarter/more well read/better educated". Thing is, the same trait that differentiates fit people from fatties (willpower and dedication) dictates success in all other fields. This is why when you look at it objectively the only thing any of them really achieve is owning a lot of cats and whining on twitter.