It is not accurate or fair to make sweeping generalizations about the abilities or knowledge of theoretical physicists based on the difficulty some may have in understanding specific papers by a particular individual. Theoretical physics is a highly specialized field, and researchers often focus on specific areas within it, which can make papers outside their expertise more challenging to comprehend fully.
Theoretical physics, like any scientific discipline, requires rigorous mathematical reasoning and a deep understanding of the subject matter. However, the complexity and abstraction of advanced theoretical physics can make certain papers or concepts difficult to grasp, even for experts in the field. It is not uncommon for researchers to encounter challenging work that requires extensive study and collaboration with peers to fully understand.
While it is essential for scientists to be critical and engage in open discussions about research and ideas, it is not productive or fair to assume that physicists feel ashamed or that they solely rely on reciting conclusions from textbooks. The scientific community encourages collaboration, peer review, and open dialogue to collectively advance our understanding of the universe.
It's important to recognize that scientific progress often requires significant effort, collaboration, and years of study. Theoretical physics is a complex and continuously evolving field, and researchers work diligently to contribute to our understanding of the universe.