That's a very motivating statement, lately I have come to accept the fact that I have to follow those who believe in me and not those who stay close but don't believe in me and this is similar to your friends quote.
Some public opinion might be worth listening to, but some needs to be trashed too , just learn to filter informations.
Wow, that's a nice decision. Sometimes, it's those close to us who could pull or bring us down. The funny thing is that, it could be not out of hatred even, but because they don't understand your own journey. It's a really motivating statement.
That's just it. Not everything is meant to be swallowed!