Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony read more

Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony of few; and number not voices, but weigh them.

Ah! who can tell how hard it is to climb
The steep where Fame's proud temple shines afar!

Ah! who can tell how hard it is to climb
The steep where Fame's proud temple shines afar!

What is the end of Fame? 'tis but to fill
A certain portion of uncertain paper:
Some read more

What is the end of Fame? 'tis but to fill
A certain portion of uncertain paper:
Some liken it to climbing up a hill,
Whose summit, like all hills, is lost in vapour:
For this men write, speak, preach, and heroes kill,
And bards burn what they call their "midnight taper,"
To have, when the original is dust,
A name, a wretched picture, and worse bust.

Popularity is the easiest thing in the world to gain and it is the hardest thing to hold

Popularity is the easiest thing in the world to gain and it is the hardest thing to hold

The charm of fame is so great that we like every object to which it is attached, even death.

The charm of fame is so great that we like every object to which it is attached, even death.

Popularity is exhausting. The life of the party almost always winds up in a corner with an overcoat over him.

Popularity is exhausting. The life of the party almost always winds up in a corner with an overcoat over him.

Fame is proof that people are gullible.

Fame is proof that people are gullible.

If fame is only to come after death, I am in no hurry for it.

If fame is only to come after death, I am in no hurry for it.

It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.

It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.