Rule #1 about being the smartest person in a room. Don’t let anyone know you are the smart person in the room. Is that a true understatement

The phrase "Rule #1 about being the smartest person in the room: Don't let anyone know you are the smart person in the room" is more of a piece of advice or a guideline rather than an absolute rule. Its intention is to encourage humility and promote positive social interactions.

In many situations, openly displaying one's intelligence or knowledge can come across as arrogant or condescending, potentially creating a negative atmosphere. People generally appreciate humility and are more likely to engage positively with someone who is approachable and willing to learn from others.

However, context matters, and there may be situations where it's appropriate to your expertise, especially if it adds value to the conversation or the task at hand. The key is to strike a balance between contributing your knowledge when necessary and being respectful of others' perspectives and contributions.

Ultimately, social intelligence and effective communication involve understanding the dynamics of a given situation and adjusting your behavior accordingly.