The best-concerted schemes men lay for fame,
Die fast away: only themselves die faster.
The far-fam'd sculptor, read more

The best-concerted schemes men lay for fame,
Die fast away: only themselves die faster.
The far-fam'd sculptor, and the laurell'd bard,
Those bold insurancers of deathless fame,
Supply their little feeble aids in vain.

Were not this desire of fame very strong, the difficulty of
obtaining it, and the danger of losing it read more

Were not this desire of fame very strong, the difficulty of
obtaining it, and the danger of losing it when obtained, would be
sufficient to deter a man from so vain a pursuit.

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.

Fame is like a river, that beareth up things light and swollen, and drowns things weighty and solid.

Fame is like a river, that beareth up things light and swollen, and drowns things weighty and solid.

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.

Even the best things are not equal to their fame.

Even the best things are not equal to their fame.

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.

Fame always brings loneliness. Success is as ice cold and lonely as the North Pole.

Fame always brings loneliness. Success is as ice cold and lonely as the North Pole.

Fame: an embalmer trembling with stage fright.

Fame: an embalmer trembling with stage fright.