Read but o'er the Stories
Of men most fam'd for courage or for counsaile
And you shall read more

Read but o'er the Stories
Of men most fam'd for courage or for counsaile
And you shall find that the desire of glory
Was the last frailty wise men put of;
Be they presidents.

The present condition of fame is merely fashion.

The present condition of fame is merely fashion.

If you come to fame not understanding who you are, it will define who you are.

If you come to fame not understanding who you are, it will define who you are.

Fame - a few words upon a tombstone, and the truth of those not to be depended on.

Fame - a few words upon a tombstone, and the truth of those not to be depended on.

Fame, we may understand, is no sure test of merit, but only a
probability of such: it is an read more

Fame, we may understand, is no sure test of merit, but only a
probability of such: it is an accident, not a property of a man.

Folly loves the martyrdom of Fame.

Folly loves the martyrdom of Fame.

Men the most infamous are fond of fame,
And those who fear not guilt, yet start at shame.

Men the most infamous are fond of fame,
And those who fear not guilt, yet start at shame.

The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do read more

The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do without thought of fame. If it comes at all it will come because it is deserved, not because it is sought after.

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.]