My dear,
So what if they mock you? So what if they call you an idiot? So what if they shun you? If you think it’s the smart thing to do, do it.
The first thing an intelligent being with an intelligent idea must learn is the notion of being disliked.
There is nothing wrong with appearing to be a fool, if what you are doing is in fact intelligent.
The problem lies in appearing to be intelligent, when what you are doing is in fact foolish. And it’s a widespread problem.
Falsely yours,
Paulo Coelho