Everyone has characteristics that will never change, no matter who they associate with, like you said. But there are plenty of examples out there of people who conform to those around them, too. It is really a 50/50 chance on whether the “enlightened” person will surrender to the pressure of the crowd or not.
Let me clarify my above remark:
The phrase, “until all are enlightened” reminds me of the Roman Empire, Russia’s Communism, Hitler’s Nazi’s etc and etc. All those “enlightened” groups in history that wished to bring their “enlightenment” to the rest of the world.
I am critical of any “enlightenment.” I am critical of anyone who proclaims “I have all the answers, I know the way.” You yourself said “no one is truly enlightened until all are enlightened.” That makes a state of real and true enlightenment impossible (based on your assumption). All of humanity agreeing on one thing? All of humanity thinking one thing? Ludicrous.
Anyway, have fun fluthering. I’m not in the frame of mind to debate this tonight. Pessimistic cynical signing out.