Unhappy b!tches are unhappy because modernity. I think you could usefully chop that down to just: Unhappy b!tches are unhappy.

But in general colleagues refused to acknowledge the basic privilege and security of their position, and persisted in talking as if they could be thrown out into destitution and starvation at any moment — and therefore they had to go along with whatever fashion, trend…

It is possible that people who pursue careers that (they think) will give them a great deal of security..tenured professor, civil servant, etc…are less-courageous than people in general. Leaving room of course for individual exceptions. See my post Conformity Kills.