"I always thought I was good. That's why it was so frustrating when other people didn't agree"

This quote by Robert Mapplethorpe talks to the difficulty of reconciling one's own self-perception with the viewpoints of others. It suggests that Mapplethorpe had a strong sense of confidence and believed in his own capabilities, yet was frustrated when others did not share his opinion. This might be translated as a commentary on the trouble of preserving a favorable self-image in the face of criticism or rejection. It also speaks to the significance of self-belief and the power of having faith in one's own abilities, even when others might not agree. Eventually, this quote functions as a suggestion that it is important to trust in oneself and to not be dissuaded by the opinions of others.