Because ethical principles are only applicable within a volitional context, the virtue of thinking must be practiced within the limits of one's natural competence. Although not all are capable of the mental gymnastics of an Einstein, every human being needs to apply his or her mind to reality, grasping essential issues on a level appropriate to his or her ability, in order to thrive. Furthermore, even people of exceptional intellectual gifts are fully capable of evading the consequences of their ideas and refusing to recognize reality. Indeed, it often seems that such intellectuals are especially susceptible to self-deception and to casuistic reasoning. High intelligence is no guarantee that one will practice the virtue of thinking.