Interesting question. I never really thought about this in quite this way. I guess your friend possibly does not identify with the word arrogant. I have a feeling I might come off this way to people sometimes, but had not thought of it as arrogant until you posted this question. I don’t feel like I am better than anyone else. I don’t feel like I more than everybody, I do know a lot about certain topics, as everybody does. I like to debate issues, hear new ideas, like to think I have an open mind. In the last few years I realized that most people generally don’t like to have their thoughts challlenged, and don’t like people who are contrary, who always play the devils advocate. Possibly, if you reword your criticism? Don’t call him arrogant, but rather make it an education in how people react to criticism, or that many people don’t like to have their ideas challenged and he needs to choose more carefully who he debates.
I recently read an article about southerners who attend Harvard, and one southerner said that he is much more conservative than most of the campus, but appreciated that everyone was willing to debate the opinions. I thought that was interesting, because I now live in the south, and so many people here only want to hear people who agree with them (not everybody). I had to get used to that. I actually completely avoid subjects because of it. My point with that is some of it might be cultural. He might have grown up in a family and culture where it was common to do what he does, and no one was offended or annoyed, but enjoyed the challenge.
Jews are known for this type of bickering. There is a saying that if you get 12 rabbis in a room there will be 12 different opinions. Questioning is a cultural requirement almost lol. Plus, there is a tradition of not saying good things out loud (some will say kinahora, like knock on wood sort of) to keep away evil from ruining the good thing. So, I think many feel Jews come across as negative, argumentative, and skeptical. But, they themselves would not think of it as arrogant, but it seems others would I guess. Also, Jews are attracted to and impressed by high intelligence and knowledge, admire it, feel they can learn from it. Other people seem to be intimidated, or feel they don’t match up, insecure. I don’t think only Jews are like this, it is just an example I am familar with because I am Jewish, and notice some cultural differences. Most of my friends are similar to me and not Jewish.