Photo by Casper Aprikatis on Unsplash
"Fame is an illusive thing – here today, gone tomorrow. The fickle, shallow mob raises its heroes to the pinnacle of approval today and hurls them into oblivion tomorrow at the slightest whim; cheers today, hisses tomorrow; utter forgetfulness in a few months."
Henry Miller
Seekers of fame often find it but lose it just as quickly. Glory is built upon the whims of others — a never-ending facade that claims one person is better than another. It requires the attention of many to be focused on the actions of one.
But there are many others who seek such attention, and their voices and achievements can suddenly grow like a tree that leaves your deeds lost in its shadow. When the eyes of the crowd have turned away, will you be left with anything?
Fame and prestige are fickle companions. Enjoy their company but never their loyalty. Seek them only if you are prepared for their eventual abandonment, and build more with your life than a monument that vanishes in the shadow of another's.
