"Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish"

This quote by Quintilian speaks to the idea of being mindful of one's audience. It suggests that one need to be aware of the people they are speaking with and customize their words and actions appropriately. If one is speaking to a group of individuals who are not particularly educated or sensible, they should take care not to appear too wise or knowledgeable, as this might make them seem absurd in the eyes of the group. On the other hand, if one is talking to a group of sensible people, they ought to beware not to appear too silly or ignorant, as this could make them seem absurd in the eyes of the group. In essence, this quote is a tip to be mindful of one's audience and to adjust one's words and actions appropriately. It is a tip to be knowledgeable about individuals one is speaking to and to customize their words and actions to the scenario.