It's also usually revealing their heart where they think they are the smartest person in the room ... revealing their ego and pride. If ... when you get this, it's funny to say. "You know ... I've given that a lot of thought as I get asked that a lot and do you know who the smartest person in the room is?"
After they have a dumb pause they may or may not answer you, but you can still say "The smartest person in the room is the one who is the best student because they walk out of the room learning more than anyone else. So 'Yes' I do seek to be the smartest person in the room, by being the best student."