There's a lecture by Richard Hamming that I feel is quite relevant to your post.
http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~robins/YouAndYourResearch.html
Most of it is about research proper but he also includes a passage relating on how to respond to other people and which battles to choose.
The virtuous cycle is to learn what and who you care about. The vicious cycle is to shake your fist at the TV.