I think the adage of “none so blind as he who does not wish to see” applies. Look at David Horowitz - a red diaper doper baby, used to be the editor of “Ramparts” (which I read as a leftist raised teenager) and now is pretty much conservative. Change can happen, whether bright, a genius, or average. The person just has to WANT to know the truth, and be willing to give up fondly held belief.
That’s the hard part. It’s not intellect or lack thereof, it’s sincerity to know the truth.
Excellent point, LJ. I think you’re right. The desire to seek the truth and face it no matter whether it challenges your previously held beliefs or not is the key. Thanks for the reminder. :)