Fame That Last

“The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well, and doing well whatever you do without thought of fame. If it comes at all it will come because it is deserved, not because it is sought after”.- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Fellows, let's take a critical look at the world today. The most we hear is; I want to be famous, she is a star, don't you know him? Etc.

Most of the youth in the society mistake riches and notoriety for fame. Let's take a closer look at what fame is all about. Among the various definitions of fame, the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English explains fame as “the state of being known about by a lot of people because of your achievements:” Fame is all about a widespread of a person's reputation. If I may ask, would you like to be known because of the positive or negative aspects of your life? Your guess is as good as mine.

Lord Byron once said “fame is thirst of youth” the youth in the society most at times want to acquire fame but then, do they take time to ponder over a few questions, as to whether the fame they seek is genuine, positive or negative?

The future leaders we call ourselves, but what do we see when we take a magnifying look? Most youth have engaged themselves in social vices in their quest to seek fame. But hey my friends you had it all wrong. The increase in crime and social injustice in our society can be attributed to the quick means by which the youth want to have fame.

“If we should be blessed by some great reward such as fame or fortune, it's the fruit of a seed planted by us in the past” Bodhidharma. Being youth, gives you an opportunity to build your interests. It is this achievement that will go a long way, to make you very unique. I would advise that, each and everyone build upon his /her achievement and success. It is this uniqueness and the ability to exhibit it well that would fetch us fame.

May be we haven't tried to affect the people in our spheres of contact with our unique capabilities, or not honest enough in our dealings with our society. That is why we see fame so far from us. If the people around you see your way of life as an unattractive one or authentic; then, you can modify your way of life not to suit them but to spice your life and give it a touch of modernity, style and good moral. This would no doubt draw people close to you. And their lives can be turned around owing to your presence.

I agree with the US comedian Fred Allen when he said, “A famous person is a person who works all his life to be known, then wears dark glasses, to avoid being recognized.”

Pals, let's not be myopic but rather wise in our decision taking. Working towards our potentials is essential. What we chase after now at this stage of our lives is vanity. Few people realize this in time. “The highest form of vanity is love of fame” said George Santayana.

The secret of long lasting fame is working hard to build your potential and using it to affect those around you. Talking of fame that lasts, stick to the ideas in this piece and you will have it.

Anita Z. AWOLUGUTU
Akuafo Hall
University of Ghana
Legon.
Email: [email protected]
Mob: 0548 417979