People have a strange way of treating those who don’t think like them. When someone’s mindset doesn’t align with the crowd, they’re dismissed. When their goals don’t fit the accepted definition of “normal,” they’re called delusional.
And when they dedicate time, energy, and money to something others don’t understand, they become the subject of laughter.
The moment a person chooses to be different, like pursuing a path that doesn’t match the way society lives or thinks, they are instantly placed in a box, disregarded, disrespected, and became the butt of jokes.
But that doesn't mean they’re evil or malicious.
This is because it's much easier to laugh at what they don’t understand than to imagine it might actually work. To most people, chasing something unconventional isn’t seen as ambition. It’s labeled as unrealistic, strange, or even obsessive.
MrBeast, the YouTuber whose real name is James Stephen "Jimmy" Donaldson, had walked a long way before becoming the famous person he is now.
In a video, where he can be seen standing with Marques Brownlee, another fellow YouTuber, Donaldson said that something based on his experience:
"And I think, for a lot of people, when, you know, you're grinding as a small channel, people think you're too obsessed. You're a weirdo. Stop only making videos. Like, 'get a life. Be realistic.'"
"I mean, people will convince you you're out of your mind for wanting to do this. But then once you're successful, they're like 'yo, your drive, your tenacity was great.' But it's like yeah, well, where was that back then?"
His quote here, is frequently cited in lists of his most famous sayings, often alongside other quotes about his work ethic, his approach to YouTube, and his philosophy on success and giving back.
It's considered a key part of his personal brand, reflecting his journey from a relatively unknown YouTuber to one of the most successful creators in the world.
But the lesson is clear.
Most people become creators not to make money. Many of them just want to be part of a community, to share something that others can connect with, engage in, or even be inspired by.
Money is often just the byproduct, a consequence of consistency, creativity, and building genuine value.
For some, it never comes at all, yet they still create because the passion itself is rewarding. For others, once money enters the picture, it changes the way they’re perceived. Suddenly, what was once “just a hobby” is taken seriously.
As for Donaldson, he did it because he loved doing it.
Donaldson created his YouTube account in early 2012, under the username "MrBeast6000."
Before he did what he is now famous for, a lot of people doubted him. And there is a good reason why that happened.
What started out with gaming videos and videos estimating the wealth of other YouTubers, and none of these really get good traction necessary to really take off. But when Donaldson went extravagant for the first time, like in the 2017 video titled I Counted to 100,000! video, things started to change.
The video went viral.
Realizing what his audience is after, this lead Donaldson to focus on large-scale challenges, stunts, and philanthropic giveaways, which has now become his signature content.
Donaldson and his team were able to grow MrBeast so quickly because Donaldson was utterly consumed by his dedication.
In his own words, he was "unhealthily obsessed with studying virality" and the YouTube algorithm for five years. During that time, he and his friends would spend endless hours analyzing what made videos successful, then applying those lessons to their own content.
When the channel finally began to earn substantial revenue, the team didn’t pocket everything for their own benefit. Instead, Donaldson reinvested it, over and over, using the increasing amount of money to create bigger, more ambitious videos with larger prizes. What looked like reckless spending to outsiders was, in truth, a calculated strategy to build momentum and scale impact.
That line sums it all up.
The same people who once doubted him eventually shifted their tune the moment his work paid off. Suddenly, his obsession was reframed as vision. The risks he took were hailed as bravery. What many had written off as "wasted time" became undeniable proof of discipline and foresight.
And yet, nothing about Donaldson himself had changed. Despite being far wealthier and globally recognized, he remains the embodiment of someone who once struggled, sacrificed, and endured mockery. The only difference is how the world now perceives him.
Again, history proves that success itself is the lens through which judgment is made. Donaldson lived this truth firsthand.
Because yes, he was crazy for doing what he did… until he became what he is now.