Quote by William Ewart Gladstone, The Lif

The thirst for an enduring fame is near akin to the love of true excellence; but the fame of the moment is a dangerous possession and a bastard motive; and he who does his acts in order that the echo of them may come back as a soft music in his ears, plays false to his noble destiny as a Christian man, places himself in continual danger of dallying with wrong, and taints even his virtuous actions at their source.

The thirst for an enduring fame is near akin to the love of

Summary

This quote emphasizes the difference between the pursuit of lasting fame and the fleeting desire for immediate recognition. While the thirst for enduring fame is seen as commendable and closely related to a love for true excellence, seeking fame in the present moment is considered dangerous and misguided. The quote suggests that those who carry out actions solely for the purpose of receiving praise risk straying from their true purpose as individuals. Additionally, it implies that this pursuit of fame can lead individuals into moral compromises and ultimately diminish the purity of their virtuous actions.

Topics

Fame

By William Ewart Gladstone, The Lif

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