Men are generally more pleased with a widespread than with a great reputation.
—Pliny the Younger, c. 110
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Famous, adj. Conspicuously miserable.
—Ambrose Bierce, 1906Worldly fame is but a breath of wind that blows now this way, now that, and changes names as it changes in direction.
—Dante Alighieri, c. 1315Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury—to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.
—Albert Einstein, 1931Fame is but the empty noise of madmen.
—Epictetus, c. 100All people have the common desire to be elevated in honor, but all people have something still more elevated in themselves without knowing it.
—Mencius, c. 330 BC