I really don't know what to say because to me all people are people. I haven't had anything resembling a "proper" career, but I've never considered that makes me a non-person. It sounds as though you have run into more than your share of arrogant pricks in the past and I can see how that could easily undermine someone's confidence.

But please be assured that there are plenty of us who see you as a very interesting and erudite person who has had a varied and worthwhile career and who still has plenty of years left in which to achieve whatever you want to achieve.