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I think the article explains it quite well in terms of “atavism”: a tendency or predisposition toward behavioral recurrence occasioned by a deep-seated need. In the case of modern liberals, it is a need to create a sense of self-worth (validation) in the absence of a culture in which the individual is valued. Western culture used to supply such a support system, but liberals have labored mightily to destroy it in favor of a collectivist ethos. What results is a felt need to assuage the sense of guilt that follows from one’s achievement, or, alternatively, to find a external demon to excuse one’s failures.

Interesting points. I would add, or maybe it's just IOW, the liberals of academia and journalism have labored mightily to destroy the recognition of actual achievement to be replaced by their fields of endeavor - talking or writing about it. It seems to me they believe, or want us to believe dialogue is the highest and best achievement to to strive for. All the while upbraiding those that actually get things done.

I believe the arts of writing and speaking are of value to the extent of their subject matter. Journalism and academia today are overwhelmingly dominated by a collectivist ideology which, as you note, seeks among other things to deny individual achievement, preferring and promoting group "rights" instead.

Collectivism denies the very concept of value, replacing it with relativistic and fluid standards of infinitely malleable meaning, in the service of a higher "cause" or "purpose". All of which militates against the rights of the individual and in favor of whatever is seen to benefit a group (or groups) on the basis of their perceived need.

People who actually produce, create and achieve are hated, feared or envied by those who wish to evade the responsibility of doing the same. Perhaps that's why they talk so much and do so little...