Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.

Fame is vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.

I'm never going to be famous. My name will never be writ large on the roster of Those Who Do read more

I'm never going to be famous. My name will never be writ large on the roster of Those Who Do Things. I don't do any thing. Not one single thing. I used to bite my nails, but I don't even do that any more.

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.

When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you
will command the attention of read more

When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you
will command the attention of the world.

Fame usually comes to those who are thinking about something else.

Fame usually comes to those who are thinking about something else.

All your renown is like the summer flower that blooms and dies;
because the sunny glow which brings it read more

All your renown is like the summer flower that blooms and dies;
because the sunny glow which brings it forth, soon slays with
parching power.
[It., La vostra nominanza e color d'erba,
Che viene e va; e quei la discolora
Per cui ell' esce della terra acerba.]

After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument
than why I have one.

After I'm dead I'd rather have people ask why I have no monument
than why I have one.

Scarcely two hundred years back can Fame recollect articulately
at all; and there she but maunders and mumbles.

Scarcely two hundred years back can Fame recollect articulately
at all; and there she but maunders and mumbles.

In the very books in which philosophers bid us scorn fame, they inscribe their names.

In the very books in which philosophers bid us scorn fame, they inscribe their names.