When I decided to quit my job and create a company I went against everybody. My parents, my girlfriend, my friend, all them thought I was crazy quiting a good position for something so risky.
E.g My girlfriend told me that if I was doing my company the relationship was over, so I said to her, ok, go away. The next week she wanted to come back, but I preferred to risk this alone.
Of course, when whatever you did works, everybody believes you are a genius, and they always remind you how much they KNEW that. Success is contagious, and once the media says that, you are a genius for everyone.
People like Newton, who was a geek, had to suffer isolation all his life in order to do what he felt right.
Fortunately today there are two differences with Newton's time:
1-There is Internet. Whatever you do you are not alone. There is a 1 per cent or 1 per thousand people like you, and with Internet you can find them, meet them. In the past getting enough critic mass was only possible in cities, with millions of people.
2-We know a lot more about psychology, you have amazing educational materials to improve your live, be happy and not getting in holes like suicidal thoughts.