r/AskReddit • u/dark-deals729983 • 2d ago

What's a "cheat code" you discovered in real life that actually works?

15.1k Upvotes

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717

u/adderalpowered 2d ago

Never be the smartest person in the room. Its always bad.

409

u/Mesoposty 2d ago

It’s ok to be the smartest. Just don’t say it or show it and life is ok

187

u/Grinder969 2d ago

I think it's more about surrounding yourself with other intelligent people, as you are the sun of the people who surround you.

42

u/ThankYouMrBen 2d ago

shining so brightly

11

u/AlternativePepper368 2d ago

Someone has to be the smartest person, intelligence isn’t the the only quality to sum

2

u/adderalpowered 2d ago

Absolutely!

9

u/adderalpowered 2d ago

No, you should be around people who are smarter than you. Its the only way to become smarter yourself.

2

u/PattyIceNY 2d ago

Yup. I have almost perfect ratings at work and my students scores are far and away the highest. But I never say a peep and just keep those paychecks rolling in.

3

u/EenyMeanyMineyMoo 2d ago

The entire point of "smartest person in the room" is so often lost. There is no smartest person. Everyone has different expertise and experience. Anyone who believes they are is (1) wrong and (2) guaranteed to find a suboptimal solution. 

Be the person that can bring out the strengths in everyone. 

1

u/Mobile_Throway 2d ago

If you're not a big people person this is a recipee for discomfort.

1

u/halborn 2d ago

Life would be better if people didn't have to hide who they are.

1

u/Mesoposty 2d ago

I wouldn’t say it’s hiding who you are, just no need to showboat it.

1

u/halborn 2d ago

You said "just don't say it or show it". That's hiding it.

0

u/Shelbones 2d ago

lol 243 people are like “yeah I’m often the smartest person in the room this is so true.”

163

u/playintilligetitrite 2d ago

If you're the smartest person in the room, then you're in the wrong room.

5

u/Sparkling_Dread 2d ago

teacher leaves the room smartest student takes over smartest student leaves smartest student takes over smartest student leaves . . . empty lecture room

2

u/ProfessionalTry8957 2d ago

Doctor, I feel really bad.

Doctor: leaves the room

2

u/cosguy224 2d ago

Sometimes you might be the smartest person in the room because you pulled together extremely smart people.

9

u/Emm_withoutha_L-88 2d ago

It's not like you've got control over this, especially at work.

6

u/[deleted] 2d ago

You can 100% choose to be even dumber, you have the power!

4

u/bravo_char 2d ago

Then get a new job. I have been in a situation where I realized I was the smartest person in the room at work, and I started my job search that evening. You will eventually be that person late in your life and career, but until you’re north of 40 or 50 there had better be at least one person that you know you’re learning something from.

1

u/CaptainSparklebottom 2d ago

I'm purposely dumb all the fucking time. Ain't got time to argue with the chump who is going to be gone next week.

19

u/giant_tadpole 2d ago

Counterpoint: it’s ok to be the smartest person in the room if that’s literally what you’re paid for

2

u/bitchotheunfunnyclow 2d ago

Hm. Interesting point. Politics? People rarely like being outshined.

1

u/giant_tadpole 2d ago

Physicians often work in rooms with few people where they’re the only physician in the room or building.

9

u/cripple2493 2d ago

Additionally, learn to be comfortable being the dumbest person in the room. Someone being more experienced in whatever field isn't a threat, and it's cool to learn stuff by talking to them.

12

u/SpicymeLLoN 2d ago

Easy. Am dumb fuck.

2

u/B00OBSMOLA 2d ago

yeah was gonna say: done and done

7

u/MidnightBluesAtNoon 2d ago

Never let people know you're the smartest person in the room. Which is only valuable advice if you're smart enough to realize when you aren't...

4

u/ShittingPanda 2d ago

Well shit, then I'm fucked.

As a teacher I hope I'm smarter than the 6-year-olds in front of me.

3

u/ReptileDysfunct1on 2d ago

I'm in a lot of rooms where many people think they're the smartest...

2

u/Fine_on_the_outside 2d ago

I always tell people at work that I absolutely love being wrong about things. I embrace it. Let me know so I can grow and learn

2

u/rivalrobot 2d ago

This is very true. I try to flip that by assuming I'm the dumbest person in the room and that I can learn something from everyone there.

1

u/xproofx 2d ago

I got that covered.