We call those poets who are first to mark, Through earth's dull mist the coming of the dawn, Who see in twilight's gloom the first pale spark, While others only note that day is gone.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Fame usually comes to those who are thinking about something else - very rarely to those who say to themselves, 'Go to, now, let us be a celebrated individual!'.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fame is often a byproduct of pursuing passions rather than a direct goal.
This quote emphasizes that true fame is frequently attained by individuals who are more focused on their work or passions than on the pursuit of fame itself. When one is absorbed in creative or meaningful endeavors, recognition tends to follow naturally, rather than when one explicitly seeks to be celebrated.
Themes
FameSuccessRecognitionPassionPursuit
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about pursuing your passions rather than fame.
More from Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
All quotes βEvery real thought on every real subject knocks the wind out of somebody or other.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
The very aim and end of our institutions is just this: that we may think what we like and say what we think.
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Don't you stay at home of evenings? Don't you love a cushioned seat in a corner, by the fireside, with your slippers on your feet?
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Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.
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Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that - one stitch at a time taken patiently and the pattern will come out all right like the embroidery.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
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