It takes a truly abnormal degree of intelligence/deviousness to manipulate global narratives.

That doesn't mean you have the basic bare minimum intelligence/decency to at least try and leave the world a better place than you found it; a concept most 'simpler' folk understand with a minimum of guidance.

The Epstein class are 'intelligent' enough to rationalize away their misdeeds in all sorts of ways, sometimes even intentionally - but not intelligent enough to realize that they're doing so, or what they're losing.