Agreed on all points, but especially 'lack of self reflection' We often say "you cannot reason with these people" and suspect they reject the notions but cannot fathom why. I suspect the truth is more akin to what you have stated, in the scenario I described, the speaker thinks he sees poor logic and tries to assist with argument. He fails to acknowledge this person cannot be assisted and does not desire it. There will never be anything said or proven or demonstrated what will change their inability to reflect on their own convictions once external influence has been internalized. Their cause no longer matters, only the fight itself, this is insanity. Therein, lies the rub, imho. The difference being that if you told me something, or I told you, both would reflect on their own beliefs, question them, call the whole brain into the interrogation room and get all the stories straight. Not everyone does this. I believe it is essential to mental health.