The idea that normies and NPCs don't communicate, but instead they "cast spells". As in they just try to find the right combination of words to get you to do what they want?
For instance, they want to shut you up, so they yell "that's bigoted". You might not even be racist in that moment, but it is something they say because they want you to stop talking.
What is the origin on that? I'm trying to share it with a friend. Thanks.
I don't think it's a binary. Nearly all of them demonstrate the ability to legitimately think about at least a handful of non-political/cultural issues, but most people seemingly aren't capable of resisting or breaching any consensus, no matter how obviously astroturfed or incorrect. The potential stakes of going against the herd are too great for most to bear. Wizards know this and take maximum advantage of it. The best spells are aoe.