i think it all starts with the realization that the environment you're in or can access have an intellectual level that's lower than what you need or can tolerate.
it continues with you having to put in way too much effort to be understood and to express your ideas. eventually, you come to realize that you just can't change the stupidity surrounding you, which leads you to silence and to play a role for the sake of your social connections.
as a result, this role will start to wear you down over time, causing you to gradually withdraw and become isolated, but hey, at least you'll be free from all that baggage. a good deal? sometimes it's the best deal one can get, some…