How to live life without trying to be too clever

Most of us spent a large part of our lives trying to impress our families, parents, neighbours, office colleagues and strangers. By the time, we find out that it is simply a waste of time, it's almost too late.
By then, when wisdom finally sets in, we are in the evening of our lives. I too have been guilty of such a silly pursuit. If being classified as clever brings peace of mind and contentment, only clever people can be found in that happy state of mind.
Instead, so-called clever people are always miserable. They are miserable for all kinds of strange reasons. Some of which are "they are not fairly rewarded for their brainwork"; "not recognised for their special abilities"; "being unutilised much to the ignorance of the thespians"; and "everybody is just plain jealous".
If you haven't come across or experience any of the above, you are probably one of the most blessed persons on earth.
Seriously, a lot of us waste our precious time on earth trying to impress others. Why is this so? Even if others acknowledge that you are indeed the smartest of the whole lot, it doesn't really amount to much because nobody likes a smart alec.
A lot of us suffer from a drastic lack of humility. We just can't wait to get that special pat-in-the-back, either from loved ones or from our boss and colleagues.
If only we know that unintentional intelligence is one of the most welcomed traits around. Normally, we tend to shy away from those who openly profess to be clever. In other words, acting smarter than us and sometimes succeeding.
The definition of smartness is not anchored in just one situation. It is relative. Take for example, a resident of a big city who is wise to the ways of the streets. Take him away from his natural habitat, that is the city, he will be just as lost as the native who stays in the jungle and is now left to wander in a city.
I have tried on numerous silly occasions to blow my trumpet, blow my horn and generally sounded the drum so that others will notice that I am "oh-so-smart". The results I got were indifference, a look of disgust or just plain unimpressive looks from all round.
What does that then shows. It indicates that people who are really wise normally keep their trap shut and adopt a low profile. As my grandmother always say: Be smart by all means but don't act like a clever idiot!
Life's journey will be more eventful if others do not feel threatened by your alleged intelligence and overt genius. Why must there be this relentless need to show off?
Really clever people normally keep a very low profile. They are quiet, decent, humble and have a very down-to-earth outlook on life. If you try to be too clever, you normally end up being that unpopular person who will be struck off the invitational list of every person in the neighbourhood and office.
Generaly, nobody loves a big mouth, intelligent crook and an immodest, pompous food who likes nothing better than to bask in the sunshine of his own inflated ego.
If you are really clever, you will realise that it's better to act normal. If you are really wise, you will know that to make everybody comfortable, you mustn't try to beat them down with your level of intelligence.
Just be an ordinary Joe. If it's your time to shine, there's a purpose for you. Otherwise, be sincere, don't brag and remember that for every clever person who walks in the three, there are 30 others who can solve a mathematical problem faster than you.