The Smartest Guy in the Room

by Thomas Greco, Publisher

I really hate it when someone says, “He thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room.”

Mainly because sometimes the person may be the smartest guy in the room. In fact, I think in order to be truly successful at anything you do, you have to think you’re the smartest guy in the room – or at least that you are the best at what you do. 

I mean, when I am around people in the automotive industry, do I think I’m the smartest guy in the room? No effing way. When I’m at my attorney’s office, do I think I’m the smartest guy in the room? Nope. But dammit, when I’m with my friends talking about the Beatles, or when people are asking me about the 1986 Giants or the 1986 Celtics, or about movie or music trivia or the media and publishing industry, you can be damn sure I know I’m the smartest guy in the room. And obviously, I’m not afraid to say it. 

Just like I’m not afraid to say the same with this neverending bullshit with the whole “Do you believe Donald Trump lost the 2020 election?” question. Five years later, these political and media idiots are still asking this. When someone responds with, “Why does it matter?” or “No,” they follow up with something like, “Well, then how can you believe in democracy?” 

First of all, I can’t believe (but am not surprised) our representatives who are paid with our tax dollars are still living in the past and wasting time on this. Secondly, for years, my response has been, “If he (or anyone for that matter) believes he won, who are you to question that belief?” Hell, I still don’t accept losing the 1973 Little League championship to Jones the Florist even though they got the trophies! (It wasn’t a strike!!!!)

I have often used the boxing analogy of the millions of fighters who’ve lost a fight by a judge’s decision, yet 20, 30, or 50 years later they still think they won. Even if the video proves they got their ass kicked. What right does anyone have to question or belittle their belief? 

Reporter: “Muhammad, Joe Frazier really beat your butt in 1971.”

Ali: “What fight were you watching?” 

Reporter: “But he knocked you down, beat you up the majority of the fight, and you lost the decision.”

Ali: “Joe Frazier never beat me.”

Reporter: (laughing) “Oh, Ali, you’re the Greatest.”

Now, imagine the press or the politicians having that conversation with Donald Trump. 

Exactly.

The premise of this article was not to reflect my feelings one way or another toward President Trump. After all, hate him or love him, you have to admit that when it comes to politics (after getting elected President of the United States TWICE), he has proven time and again he is definitely the smartest guy in the room.

Want more? Check out the July 2025 issue of New Jersey Automotive!