I agree that it is good to exercise humility. Even smart people can make mistakes and it is much better to be humble of your own volition than to have it forced upon you by others. I always try to be humble, though sometimes it can become an obstacle, like being too conservative of your abilities when on an interview. It is a balancing act with parameters set by the context of the situation. Being humble does not mean you cannot also be smart. In fact, it is much better when the one tooting your horn is not you, but someone else. :)

This reminds me of a term from psychology, overcompensation. If you act unsure and feel the need to prove it, maybe you're not. Also, don't tell me. Show me. Part of being smart is knowing the value of humility.

I, too, like those referred to in the last paragraph of section 'A' in your comment. It is good to be around those who are smart. It is made better when they do not feel the need to prove it. This combination is certainly rare. My wife would probably say I fit into this category. I certainly don't claim to. I let others choose their own labels for me.