[The problem with all that, Maxim, is it makes perfect sense and would be something someone who didn't have an enormous chip on their shoulder might actually be able to do. But most of who West is is wrapped up in how smart he thinks he is, and his need to constantly prove himself, and of course he cares what other people think, he craves respect and admiration for his brain. Not that he even really gets this on a conscious level, or could explain if he did. So he just sits there, staring flummoxed and vaguely outraged at the other boy, not sure what to say for a few moments.]

Ignorance is ... you don't understand! [Is all he can manage.]