A case study of behaviour

Consider a person who is average. In thought, in actions, in reactions. The person is aware of his shortcomings. The person feels that his shortcomings will show in day to day activities, in life and create a unfavourable image of him in the minds of the people he mixes with. People he wants to impress, people whom he wants to think good of him.

The person in question can try and hide but eventually they will show and the efforts to hide them will be obvious and it will seem to be a pathetic, desperate act.

The person thus acts a fool. The person acts below mediocre in safe situation, making a joke out of matters, and when opportunity arises, makes some normal comment, something that people wouldn't expect from the person as they do not consider him capable of such clear thinking.

The intelligence in whatever way it manifests itself is appreciated and the person earns some respect. Respect he would've got anyway since he is naturally at that level of maturity and smartness but prefers to downplay it. So that the people around him are amazed time to time. They'll think to themselves, "Wow, this dog sure knows some tricks."

The person is happy to get the appreciation which he wouldn't get if it was expected of him to be capable. The people will be happy because of what they feel is a pleasant surprise. Mediocrity will rule as the person will destroy himself by under-performing.