Fame is but an inscription on a grave, and glory the melancholy blazon on a coffin lid.
Interpretation
Fame and glory are fleeting and ultimately insignificant, represented only by their association with death.
This quote suggests that the pursuit of fame and glory is ultimately hollow, as these accolades are merely superficial inscriptions that have no lasting value. In the end, they serve only as reminders of mortality, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the futility of seeking external validation through public recognition.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of authenticity over fame, one might use this quote to illustrate the pitfalls of seeking public approval.
Looking forward into an empty year strikes one with a certain awe, because one finds therein no recognition. The years behind have a friendly aspect, and they are warmed by the fires we have kindled, and all their echoes are the echoes of our own voices.
My garden, with its silence and pulses of fragrance that come and go on the airy undulations, affects me like sweet music. Care stops at the gates, and gazes at me wistfully through the bars.
Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition.
The world is not so much in need of new thoughts as that when thought grows old and worn with usage it should, like current coin, be called in, and, from the mint of genius, reissued fresh and new.
Books are a finer world within the world. (1863)
A man does not plant a tree for himself; he plants it for posterity.
Nothing prevents one from appearing natural as the desire to appear natural.
No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.
The Freudian theory is one of the most important foundation stones for an edifice to be built by future generations, the dwelling of a freer and wiser humanity.
When liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily by default it can never be recovered.
If someone irritates you, it is only your own response that is irritating you. Therefore, when anyone seems to be provoking you, remember that it is only your judgment of the incident that provokes you. -
It behooves our citizens to be on their guard, to be firm in their principles, and full of confidence in themselves. We are able to preserve our self-government if we will but think so.
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