In Michael Lewis's book "The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story," the author explores the journey of a character whose drive for success stems from a desire to prove others wrong. The narrative highlights how ambition can sometimes be fueled by personal grievances, leading individuals to seek achievement as a form of retribution against those who doubted them.

This perspective on success illustrates that motivation can arise from adversities and challenges. The phrase "Success was his chosen form of revenge" encapsulates the idea that for some, climbing the ladder of success can serve not only as a goal but also as a profound response to past experiences and criticisms from others.