Why do a lot of smart people get off on being in control and cruel to others?

At my work meetings we give a shoutout to coworker birthdays and mention briefly about their horoscopes. Is this mostly just for fun since I cannot imagine most people at my work truly believing in this stuff?
Hello. Please, I’m exhausted. I’ve tried every method to learn English, but nothing works. What is the best, fastest, and most guaranteed way to learn English?