Taking your inspiration from one source is plagiarism. But taking it from several is research. Cranks generally become that way because they know a greater truth and no one will listen. Just because you're smart doesn't mean you can't act stupid. When a finger points at the moon, the imbecile examines the finger.
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
1879-1955 Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge. Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects. Will Rogers . It takes lots of things to prove you are smart, but only one thing to prove you are ignorant.