"One would like to leave behind a glorious reputation for surpassing wisdom and character, but careful reflection will show that what we mean by love of a glorious reputation is delight in the approbation of others. Neither those who praise nor those who abuse last for long, and the people who have heard their reports are like likely to depart the world as quickly. Before whom then should we feel ashamed? By whom should we wish to be appreciated? Fame, moreover inspires backbiting. It does no good whatsoever to have one's name survive. A craving after fame is next foolish."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
38 (tr. Keene, 1967)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Yoshida_Kenk%C5%8D
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Yoshida Kenkō
29 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Yoshida Kenkō →
Related Quotes
"One should write not unskilfully in the running hand, be able to sing in a pleasing voice and keep good time to music…"
"If man were never to fade away like the dews of Adashino never to vanish like the smoke over Toribeyama, but lingered…"
"The pleasantest of all diversions is to sit alone under the lamp, a book spread out before you, and to make friends w…"
"It is excellent for a man to be simple in his tastes, to avoid extravagance, to own no possessions, to entertain no c…"
"A certain recluse, I know not who, once said that no bonds attached him to this life, and the only thing he would reg…"
"In all things I yearn for the past. Modern fashions seem to keep on growing more and more debased. I find that even a…"
"What a foolish thing it is to be governed by a desire for fame and profit and to fret away one's whole life without a…"
"The truly enlightened man has no learning, no virtue, no accomplishments, no fame."
"All is unreality. Nothing is worth discussing, worth desiring."
"、日ぐらし硯に向ひて、心に移り行くよしなしごとを、そこはかとなく書きつくれば、怪しうこそ物狂ほしけれ。}}"