In order to acquire a growing and lasting respect in society, it is a good thing, if you possess great talent, to give, early in your youth, a very hard kick to the right shin of the society that you love. After that, be a snob.
The planet will survive. Whether we get to be here and enjoy it, or enjoy life as we've known it, is what's questionable.
Maybe I am a jerk sometimes. Maybe I'm not. I think most people are kind of a jerk once in a while.