fervent attempt to be heard

This was definitely a stage for me. The angry stage. Like, why hadn't I seen all this before and how was I so easily fooled? You should feel angry!

I used this line...

though just months or years before we were as deluded as the rest

on my wife's brother when we were discussing net neutrality. Basically I said, "I used to think just like you", and he took that as I am a pompous ass who knows more than everyone else. I just can't get my point across without coming off like a know it all jackass apparently.

watching that batch of anarchists mature into more patient, confident, and conscientious promoters of liberty

I see this too. And it is absolutely wonderful!