Really tired, hope this makes sense (experiencing some of that duller cognitive capability at present): Just from my experience: I grew up with a psychopath sister. It sucked. She really doesn't have a sense of shame, guilt, etc. She thinks nothing of using people. Rage was a thing, but kindness was not. I went to college with a combat vet who described himself as a sociopath who would do whatever the government told him. Said he didn't have morals. He seemed nice enough, on the surface. Perhaps that lady you're talking about really was being truthful. I wouldn't be surprised if you're right about duller cognitive capability. Over the years when I've brought up particular topics, I would, predictably, get one of two responses from most people. I felt like I was talking to the same person, just with different faces. It was like they'd all been programmed (husband and I have talked about this too) with set responses. Many seem to forget things/big events rather quickly. You're right about a lack of historical knowledge, too. Or, if they do know some history, it's viewed through some seriously tinted lenses. Another thing I noticed, is that most don't ask questions- they do, as you said, just blindly believe what they're told. There's no genuine curiosity, no search for the truth, and definitely no willingness to change one's mind. I've had to change mine over the years on certain things. I've spent some time behind enemy lines, so to speak, on certain reddit forums and lefty websites (need brain soap afterwards). It's gross reading, but a glimpse into their brains and their points of view. Hyper-emotional indeed. Up is down, down is up. Leftism is weird.