Indeed... the "why" evades all rational, logical thought

[erronis]

3. Most of us are loathe to admit we are wrong. Happens with academics, spouses and other family.

The top of the economic heap think they are infallible and got to that position because of their immense intelligence (or whatever.) Witness their downfalls (Madoff, Enron brass, the latest crypto guy, and our new poster-boyboy Musk.)

The professor who has written 100s of papers and been cited millions of time. Until it is uncovered that her/his assumptions are bunk and have been disproven. Bet that person won't admit to errors in her/his logic (or outright fraud.)

The one I'm most familiar with is the posturing that spouses do when defending their position. It often leads to nastiness and someone sleeping/living elsewhere.

The emperor/king/president/etc. who connived its way to leadership without any idea of how to lead. Deposed and frequently disposed, that personage never understands reality.