When Smart People Believe False Things: Identity, History, and the Age of Narrative Artisans

Why do smart people believe things that aren’t true?
You’ve seen it happen.
A conversation at the dinner table goes quiet.
A friend shares something that doesn’t quite make sense.
Someone you respect begins to believe something you know isn’t true.
And suddenly, it’s not just about facts anymore.
It’s about identity.
Belonging.
Trust.
And sometimes, it feels like you’re losing them.