Those who believe themselves clever while merely casting blame often reveal more about themselves than their targets. When someone consistently seeks to tarnish reputations rather than engage with ideas, they’re typically masking their own deep-seated fears.

Fear of change drives many to this behaviour. Rather than adapting to new realities or considering different perspectives, they construct elaborate justifications for why change itself is wrong. The comfort of the familiar becomes more important than growth or truth.

What appears as strategic cleverness is frequently a defence mechanism—a way to avoid confronting the uncomfortable possibility that one’s view might need revision. True intelligence embraces uncertainty and evolution, while pseudo-cleverness rigidly defends against them.

The irony is that this pattern of blame and reputation-smearing ultimately isolates the very people employing it. While they may temporarily feel superior or secure, they gradually disconnect from authentic engagement with others and with reality itself. The people around them slowly realise the reality and begin to distance themselves. Their targets are galvanised as a team and smile with pity.

Real wisdom lies not in perceived cleverness or protecting one’s ego, but in the humility to recognise our limitations and the courage to change when necessary.

Be kind. Be positive. Don’t be a …