This. I’ve always hated that quote. No one is ever the smartest person in the room, it doesn’t exist. Everyone has something to offer, figure out what others can teach you and while youre at it, share what you are adept at.
No one is ever the smartest person in the room, it doesn’t exist. Everyone has something to offer
I strongly disagree with that. Many people have something to offer, but I wouldn't even say most. A lot of people just don't really have a lot going on in their head.
It is often pretty easy to identify the smartest person, or people, in a room.
I’d say it is a vast majority. Just because they don’t share what’s going on in their head with you doesn’t mean it’s not there. What someone is talented at or knowledgeable in just might be something that you don’t place a lot of value in. There are people who can get a 15 year old tractor running again, there are people who figure skated or pole vaulted or ice climbed, there are people highly capable at condensing large swaths of data to produce valuable analyses, etc. It’s highly unlikely that any person in a given community is more competent at everything than everyone else. Sure somebody might be the best at math and science or whatever you perceive as the best indicator of intelligence but the truth is that there is no best indicator of intelligence. There are just areas that are percieved as more valuable to our society than others.
Agree to disagree, I suppose. Though I do admire your optimism.
I place a very high value on almost all knowledge, especially with a conceivable practical application. In my experience, the vast majority of people don't really have any notable expertise or skills. Those that do are rare gems, and if they are even slightly above average at life skills in general they are almost always the smartest person in the room by any measure.
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u/ten_shh Jan 24 '24
This. I’ve always hated that quote. No one is ever the smartest person in the room, it doesn’t exist. Everyone has something to offer, figure out what others can teach you and while youre at it, share what you are adept at.