It becomes a little easier once you accept this state, and stop putting a lot of energy into trying to change them. Really hard to change a sheep into a dolphin. Why not let them be sheep?

Accepting the inherent futility in trying to actively change others allows us to channel our efforts into other areas, which may be more effective in passively changing others. The smarter of the stupid will at least realize that you may know something of value to them, and ask about it.

I try not to put any energy into contempt, because it doesn't move anything forward. Sometimes I fail, granted. I can definitely be disagreeable and dismissive. Mostly I just try to pick my battles, check my reactions, accept my own weaknesses, and work to improve on them. I try to look at people and situations as opportunities to learn from. I know I can learn a lot from you. I can learn from sheep and snails as well, but the lessons learned may not be as obvious.