I think you are interpretating the text a little too literally. I think the author is very much aware that the “brilliant” men he describes, are in fact only so

I think you are interpretating the text a little too literally. I think the author is very much aware that the “brilliant” men he describes, are in fact only so in their own minds. The text is a cautionary tale that warns about being too impressed with someone just because they act self confidently.