I think he took that as a big fuck you and wanted to prove them all wrong.

That's always good fuel and I can relate. There will always be those folks who want to hold others back. They don't change when you change though.

Years ago I spoke to a few people, talking about wanting to pursue writing and art again. They tried to talk me down saying it wouldn't amount to anything, I'd be wasting my time, yadda yadda yadda. I've improved over the years. People from all over the world have seen and read my work.

Those same people who wanted to hold me back now point to the fact I'm not a New York Times best selling author, nor is my art seen in some fancy gallery, yadda yadda yadda. Could make a million and they'd complain I never made ten million, so therefore it was a waste of time.

I personally don't see how attempting to hold others back in life can be a productive thing to do. I see it's not getting them far. But I guess that's where they want to be, since they're the experts.