I think part of this is agency. Saying "well if its Boeing I won't go" is a mechanism to maintain control and agency over your own life. The irrationality is there, but the desire for agency is very rational. As we get older, we seek more of it, against a world which is giving us less of it. There's a peak, and past 40, you seem to get more "I will tell you what to do" from the world at large. Hit 60, and its a bit overwhelming.<p>Agency and also.. a wierd age-related dichotomy of both more confidence (to choose to act or speak) and less confidence (about your place in the world) -Speaking up, holding irrational views gives you back a sense of control and confidence.<p>"I know I'm right" (even while a tiny nodule inside is saying "you sure?")<p>(<i>59. Get off my lawn</i>)