My initial skepticism, additional to what I've already shared, came from having heard many men over my lifetime claim their own genius status. Including my stand-in father (my grandfather) and my uncle. I assure you, my "the earth is flat" uncle is no genius. There have also been men in philosophy classes with me who were sadly mistaken about their own intellect. Men who couldn't understand me and thought it was because I was incomprehensible; but it was actually the case that they didn't know what they didn't know and in order for me to explain to them, they'd need the humility to even consider they were ignorant. I wouldn't be at all surprised if I've experienced 100 different occasions of men sharing that they're brilliant, or misunderstood geniuses, when they appeared to be quite average and I could crush them in a debate half asleep.

But of course, there are misunderstood geniuses. And if someone was actually a misunderstood genius, how would they communicate that? They would strive to actually explain and wouldn't attack me with misogyny. And you didn't.

That your English writing was not better was a red flag. That it's not your mother tongue changes a lot.

Having just been diagnosed as autistic (formerly "Asperger's"), I'm curious if you've considered whether you are also on the spectrum?

It's unusual for neurotypical people to not react emotionally from comments like mine directed at you. That you and I are both able to discuss your intellect analytically, without you taking offence, is neuroatypical. It could also help explain some of your depression. And your desire and attempt to save humanity (relateable). And, of course, some autistic people have very high IQs. And an area of disability along with it.

"And I admittedly have internalized a certain condescending disrespect for institutionalized academia, as this is exactly the environment that decided I was inept, while producing people that are completely useless in the real world."

Amen. I get this.