I don't think you do it from a malicious, manipulative, or self superior stance (though some may perceive it that way). But I do think you do a bit of it. Lots of intelligent people like to do that (I know I certainly do), as we like to gauge who we are talking to, to see if they are worth really talking to or engaging with. Some of it is done just for fun (verbal sparring and nudging), other times cause we may find the topic of conversation dull or uninteresting (I for one can not stand idle chatter).
Anyhow I think it does express itself in your academic writing from what little I have seen of it. I tend to get the impression that you think the assignments beneath your intellect and not worthy of your time and energy. Which is a partial reason as to why you sidetrack.
As to the last bit, I have to say I, in general, do not have much faith in the individual (and especially the individual amongst a group), particularly when they start blindly spout party/faith/ism rhetoric with out the slightest bit of thought behind it. My experience has taught me repeatedly that most people prefer not to have to think (or do as little thinking as is possible), and as a (constantly) thinking person I do not much care for brainless reflexive behavior. But I am also convinced that most of the species is utterly nuts.
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