Alexander Pope on fame

How happy is the blameless Vestal’s lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray’r accepted, and each wish resign’d.

To err is human, to forgive divine.

Let me tell you I am better acquainted with you for a long absence, as men are with themselves for a long affliction: absence does but hold off a friend, to make one see him the truer.

In the future everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.

Andy Warhol1928–1987Catalogue of an exhibition of his art in Stockholm, Sweden (1968)

Fame is a fickle food upon a shifting plate.

Emily Dickinson1830–1886Fame is a fickle food (B)

Love of fame is the last thing even learned men can bear to be parted from.

Tacitus55–120