Believe Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“I have made a very rude translation of the Seven against Thebes, and Pindar too I have looked at, and wish he was better worth translating. I believe even the best things are not equal to their fame. Perhaps it would be better to translate fame itself,--or is not that what the poets themselves do? However, I have not done with Pindar yet.”
About This Quote
Fame often exceeds the quality of the work it celebrates; translating fame itself may be more honest than translating the work.
In simple terms: Fame can be bigger than the art; sometimes translating fame is better.
Key Takeaway
Question the value of fame versus substance.
Themes
art
fame
translation
criticism
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing
- academic study
- media analysis
Key Concepts
authenticity
perception
literary value
Questions to Reflect On
- Is fame a reliable measure of quality?
- How should we treat celebrated works?
A Different Perspective
Fame can distort true merit.
![“Brilliant. [Lasdun] seems to me certainly among the most gifted, vivid, and deft poets now writing in English, and far better than many who are more famous. His capacities are solidly established; his promise is nearly infinite.” quote by Anthony Hecht](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/53f/anthony-hecht-35816_brilliant_brilliant-lasdun-seems-to-me-certainly-a_3106037.jpg)
