Samuel Johnson on Fame:
“Of the decline of reputation many cause nay be assigned. It is commonly lost because it never was deserved; and was conferred at first, not by the suffrages of criticism, but by the fondness of friendship, or servility of flattery. The great and popular are very freely applauded; but all soon grow weary of echoing to each other a name which has no other claim to notice, but that many mouths are pronouncing it at once.”
Dr. Johnson, writing during the early 18th century, speaks to us today. Don’t attempt to pursue fame. Instead, quietly go about your work. If there is need of being “applauded,” it will happen. If it doesn’t, there is no need to consider yourself devalued, but rather, find great joy in the work. Do it well.