Fleeting Fame

If you've ever taken a bow, or accepted an award, or even just received a compliment, then you've tasted fame. Artist and cultural prophet Andy Warhol said (in 1968): "in the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes." I can't say I've ever been world famous, but I have been in the spotlight a few times and actually have received applause for something I've done.  My 15 minutes are slowly ticking off, at least in this lifetime: I've probably got about four minutes left.

But what does notoriety earn for anyone (besides notoriety)?  Perhaps fortune does follow fame, but there are  rich people who are relatively unknown, and famous people who've either squandered their wealth, or earn a working man's wage despite their celebrity.

You might be notorious for infamous reasons, achieving some modicum of celebrity because you have become a bad example for all to avoid and warn about: "See, Billy?  You don't want to turn out like THAT!"  Depending on the severity and distastefulness of the deed, this may be a fame you relish.  But I don't recommend seeking it.

You may earn kudos and "attaboys" for endeavors that are worthy, good and true...and entirely volunteer.  There are plaques hanging on walls in appreciation for lots of unpaid work.  Important, and worthy of a public thank you, but coming without any compensation, other than a fist bump of gratitude.

You may receive lots of heart-felt praise and ovation for something deserving it.  Your name may be in bold print somewhere, or on a marquee, or whispered by admirers and, by golly, you did work hard, and you spent time, and EARNED those few seconds of fame.

And it is all fleeting.  Not without merit, just fleeting.

An employee being celebrated for his longevity at a company and, in particular, his perfect attendance for forty-plus years (ye gads!) was heard to make this comment: "Put your hand in a bucket of water.  Now pull it out.  The hole you leave behind is how much you'll be missed."

This is not sad; it is truth in perspective.  And it prompts us to understand that what we do today, whether ruling the roost or simply layin' the eggs, may or may not have any impact on tomorrow.  But it DOES have impact today, and no matter how ordinary, it is worth doing well TODAY.

I recently left positions where I was publicly visible and publicly acknowledged for what I did.  What I did (performing music) brought me great pleasure; not only to play, but to associate with wonderful people who participated and directed this music-making. There was shared heartache when I announced that I was leaving and, consequently, a bit of fuss.

But now, new things are happening in the places I've left.  Fresh ideas, fresh perspectives, perhaps better things.  I am now in a place where I'm unknown and unproven: it's humbling.  Like most of you, I'm trying to make my mark in this world and, in some sense, leave a legacy. But there's always new people coming along to take up the cause or introduce a new one.  It is a bit of a struggle for me, but I'm convincing myself there's great value in the ordinary things that we do each day, regardless of the applause that will not be offered.

In this world of Instagram and YouTube posting, 15 minutes of world-wide fame isn't necessarily out of the question; but we owe it to ourselves and those who are coming behind us to recognize the worth of our unexceptional, ordinary offerings.

ORDINARY CHILDREN

Children of ours,

how we do go on and on,

layering “specialness” on you

like coats of paint covering

interior walls with each new fashion.

We want for you a special life,

and all the nagging and provoking,

is to motivate you

to be special forever.

But it is a life most ordinary

that you will likely live.

Small circles of friends and colleagues

will nod at your triumphs

and overlook your mistakes.

Extraordinary deeds –

            and the extraordinary reactions due them –

will most likely not be yours to experience.

The accomplishments you most cherish

will be remembered by few:

others hold memories of their own,

and have no need to recollect yours.

The achievements that generate personal pride

may get an admiring comment or two,

but personal pride is not a trait

that most will appreciate.

Perhaps we are misguided,

and it is that ordinary life

for which we should prepare you:

ordinary job, ordinary spouse,

ordinary income, ordinary house.

The places you’ll go may not be so far,

and it may be small, insignificant steps

that take you away from us

and on to a new life of your own.

But down this ordinary path,

make each typical step extraordinary

and you will find that we were right:

You are special.