Yep. Academics live in their own head, and as you said their error in beliefs aren't immediately punished like those who work physical jobs. When an academic believes themselves to be an expert, that ego trip floods into other areas. I, and anyone else that's been in a hopeless but lengthy debate, have come across it quite often. It always, always boils down to one single sentiment.

It occurs when people put themselves in place of God. They elevate themselves to godhood, and tacitly, or sometimes even explicitly, declare "I can't be wrong". It's a complete denial of their own humanity, of the intrinsic nature of what it means to be human, to be finite, imperfect (a sinner), and mortal. We can't know everything, ergo there will always be some information that will upend or change our conclusions. Gödel's incompleteness theorems prove this unequivocally, that no matter how much information we accrue, we can't fully encapsulate and define truth and reality. Therefore, truth (and God) are infinite. We, as humans, can't know everything or be absolutely certain of our conclusions. This doesn't mean we can't find snippets of truth, through sound logic, but it does mean our conclusions will change because we don't know all of the logically sound rules dictating what we're forming a conclusion on.

Good debate requires all parties to prioritize truth above all else, even above ourselves, and to be honest, logical, and civil, to enable that exploration of truth. If we do this, even if we're proven wrong, one party or both, in part or in full, then it's the best outcome for all, as we shed falsehoods and lies, and embrace, abide in, and understand truth more fully. Fools, liars, and egotists never do this, but instead double down on absurdity, to the point of insanity, and tacitly repeat over and over that they can't be wrong. It's the equivalent of a child sticking their fingers in their ears and screaming "nuh uh" in perpetuity, regardless of how profound their refutation.

When someone becomes egotistical, arrogant, and hubristic, no matter how much contrary evidence and logic is presented against their belief, they openly declare "I'm God". They prize themselves over truth, and the only thing that will ever convince them otherwise is reality punching them squarely in the face. Reality is harsh to falsehoods and lies, and the fewer barriers between us and nature, the more quickly that rightful punishment will occur. This is also why academics can propose ideas so contrary to nature that, if they ever attain power, it usually results in the deaths of millions.