This is what happens when one tries to do “good morals” via idolatry.
It’s possible that even Reagan would have gotten the expert fool treatment today (drag him down to their level then beat up on him with experience). The internet had not yet appeared except as an experimental and slow academic concept. If ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise, in a way. Or rather, to be crammed with all manner of irrelevant and distracting factoids.
I agree with your ponderings there.