There is a story about a cicada in the Chinese classic, Chuang-Tzu. Once upon a time, a male cicada joyfully sang praises of summer, completely intoxicating himself without noticing a great danger approaching.
A couple of inches away, a huge mantis extended its saw-like forelimbs, preparing to attack the helpless cicada. The mantis, concentrating on its prey, did not realize that a hungry yellow bird was hiding under the leaves, less than half a foot behind.
The bird was sure it could capture the mantis, but it never dreamed that a mischievous boy standing under the branches was aiming at it with a hand-made bow. When the boy got the bird, he jumped up excitedly, only to hurt himself by stepping into a big hole.
The author's message is clear: if you think you are smart enough to take advantage of another, there is always someone smarter trying to take advantage of you. The self-declared smartest person often becomes the victim of an unexpected accident.
There are traps behind leaves and under branches. As long as you do not seek to take advantage of others, you will be smart enough to defend yourself.