Acceptable Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“NOTORIETY, n. The fame of one's competitor for public honors. The kind of renown most accessible and acceptable to mediocrity. A Jacob's-ladder leading to the vaudeville stage, with angels ascending and descending.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Devil's Dictionary, 1906
It describes fame that comes from competing for public approval, especially when that approval is shallow and driven by mediocrity.
In simple terms: Fame based on shallow public approval.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper, authentic achievements.
Themes
fame
competition
mediocrity
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- political campaigns
- entertainment industry
- social media influence
Key Concepts
social validation
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your desire for public recognition?
- How can you measure success beyond applause?
A Different Perspective
Such fame can be fleeting and may compromise personal integrity.
![“In any case, open-seat presidential elections like 2008 just are different in character from incumbent reelects, and I think that's the most important thing about this election - is that once there's an incumbent running for reelection, most of the debate is about, "Has he [Barack Obama] done a…” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b0/william-kristol-9091_acceptable_in-any-case-open-seat-presidential-elect_36353.jpg)