Eh, I think it’s oversimplification to attribute it to a single motivation. There are definitely people like OP is describing, but there are also definitely the ‘temporarily embarrassed millionaire’ types. And honestly I think a damn big percentage is just plain ol’ fear of change wrapped in several layers of rationalization.
Oo yeah, for real. I kind of stumbled upon this in my teens (maybe everyone does), but luckily was able to snap out of it, woke up, and realised I could form flexible informed opinions that define my whole personality
Eh, I think it’s oversimplification to attribute it to a single motivation. There are definitely people like OP is describing, but there are also definitely the ‘temporarily embarrassed millionaire’ types. And honestly I think a damn big percentage is just plain ol’ fear of change wrapped in several layers of rationalization.
Another reason: it’s really easy for unimaginative people to sound smart with cynicism. They’d rather be superior than be right.
“Look at that crash! I told you that flying machines can’t work.”
Oo yeah, for real. I kind of stumbled upon this in my teens (maybe everyone does), but luckily was able to snap out of it, woke up, and realised I could form flexible informed opinions that define my whole personality
“It’s way easier to fool someone than it is to convince them they’ve been fooled.”