Definitely agree with your primary point. I think the author is using a less-used definition of the word brute here..."one who lacks intelligence, sensitivity,

Definitely agree with your primary point. I think the author is using a less-used definition of the word brute here..."one who lacks intelligence, sensitivity, or compassion : a brutal person" https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brute https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brute